ESCANABA, Mich. (WZMQ) – On December 21, 2024, a fire destroyed The Stonehouse, a beloved Escanaba restaurant. Now, things are finally looking up for the business as rebuilding efforts begin.
Construction crews broke ground earlier this month. While the new building will look a bit different from the original—a rectangular building with a single-floor design and an accessible entryway—Stonehouse Owner John Romps says it will still have the same feel that customers remember.
“It will never be the same, but we’re trying to bring things in,” he explained. “The bar will be the same shape, and some of the artwork and the woodworking we’re going to have. It’s going to be on the corner, and the entrance is going to face directly at Walgreens. The whole layout of the parking lot’s going to be different. There won’t be a step. You’ll walk in and you can go the bar or the dining room, and the kitchen will be over on the east side. Pretty much the same size—maybe a little more seating but not much more.”
The Stonehouse staff launched a food truck on the property in May. Between regular business and well-wishes, Romps says the community’s support has helped them get through this difficult time. He thanks the public for its patience as the team has been working to make the rebuild happen.
“It’s exciting, it really is,” he said. “There’s lots to do. It’s unbelievable how much is in your building when you’ve been there for 75 years. There’s a lot of stuff in there. It’s just putting it all together, but we’ll be okay. It’s a good thing. Everyone’s excited.”
Romps expects construction to be completed by late spring. Customers will be able to use gift cards purchased before the fire when the restaurant reopens, and gift cards can be used now at the food truck.
For updates on the reopening and to see when the food truck is operational, follow The Stonehouse on Facebook.
