Andy Fillipp and his family braved a long trip from Chicago to Suttons Bay when he heard Bay Burrito was opening for a pop-up on Sunday, March 10.
“We made the trip specifically for that,” Andy said.
They waited in line like they were attending a sold-out concert to be the first customers of 2024 for Bay Burrito.
The Fillipp family vacations in Suttons Bay every year and has a keen eye on Bay Burritos social media presence.
The day when they were leaving for vacation last summer was when Bay Burrito closed due to staffing concerns and announced the business was up for sale last August.
The primary reason for this decision wasn’t a decline in profitability but the challenge of securing reliable staff — a recurring issue for many restaurants on the peninsula. Despite offering competitive wages, with some positions earning upwards of $20-$30 an hour including tips, the restaurant struggled to attract workers, especially from the younger demographic.
“I was pretty disappointed at the time,” Andy said.
When they caught wind Bay Burrito was back, his wife Katelyn Fillip, and mother-inlaw, Beth Segal, along with the kids, booked a Vrbo and made the trip up north. Lucky for them, the family got to experience one of the last snow storms of winter.
“The five hour drive was definitely worth it,” Fillip said. “(Bay Burrito) is a nice mom and pop shop with local flare and feel for us coming from a larger city. We like to enjoy a nice small eatery.”
Andy and Katelyn got married in Glen Arbor in 2009. Whenever the family makes the trip up north, they typically stay on the lake off of South Lee Point Road.
The itinerary typically involves a Nine Bean Row breakfast before enjoying Fishtown in Leland and ice cream at the Harbor House. Getting lunch at Bay Burrito is non-negotiable with Andy’s order of the ‘Bruce’ which is a burrito with towering beef, pork and all the fixin’.
“I got two, one for lunch and one for dinner,” Fillip said. “Then we do a nightcap at Hop Lot with the brisket sandwich and some of the finest beverages.”
Before making the long trip back to Chicago, the Fillipp family make sure to stop at Moomers and buy 10 to 12 pints to take with them.
After Bay Burrito went dark last September, announcing they were going to sell the business, co-owner Desmond Berry has decided to give it another shot thanks to his community, wife, and kids. Bay Burrito has decided to have a pop-up on March 23, before planning to be open come Memorial Day weekend.
“We are just having a little fun and we don’t have a full crew yet ... We want to stay in front of the community and forefront of their mind,” Berry said. “We had some interested parties in purchasing the business (last year) but we are so committed to the brand and loyal customers and we didn’t find the same commitment and didn’t make any sale based on that. (Bay Burrito) is something we feel the community loves and needs.”
Bay Burrito wants to be open in time for Memorial Day, but they do need the help and are looking to hire. They can’t comment fully on how many days a week they will be open although Berry says he will be aiming for five days a week.
Between Berry, his wife, Anita, and son Kaleb, it was a day of thanks cooking for the community on Sunday. “It was steady all day and we were really surprised,” Barry said.
Seth and Jen Friedman sold the Bay Burrito to Anta and Desmond Berry at the end of September 2021.
Berry also heads 7th Legacy LLC, a firm offering comprehensive consulting, business development, and economic development services to a diverse clientele including Native American and minority owned businesses, tribal enterprises, tribal organizations, and various government agencies.
