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 Articles Traverse City Business News June 2006 Blue Tractor Cook Shop to open at legendary Dill’s site By Al Parker  TRAVERSE CITY - Replacing a legend
is one of the most challenging
tasks in sports. Just ask Buddy Bell who
followed Sparky Anderson or Mike
Davis who succeeded Bobby Knight.It's the same in the restaurant game. But Traverse City natives Jon Carlson and Greg and Marty Lobdell are up to the challenge. They have purchased the former Dill's restaurant on Union Street near Eighth Street in historic Old Towne and will reopen this month under the name "Blue Tractor Cook Shop," a bar and restaurant featuring comfort foods and retro beers. "This is a legendary property that we are delighted to be taking over," said Carlson. "Greg and I have such fond memories of Dill's that it is really out of respect that we elected to change the name. Dill's simply cannot be recreated, but we hope to start an exciting, new tradition in Old Towne with Blue Tractor." Blue Tractor Cook Shop will be an updated version of the classic American Road House, with a salute to the working class men and women of northern Michigan. "We learned the history of the place, how it was founded by Antoine Novotny and it was a gathering place for the town's hard-working people who would come by for a beer, good food and fellowship," Lobdell said. "We felt the tractor is a good symbol of those hard workers." The Blue Tractor menu will include several items made from locally-grown products and produce. Grand Traverse area farmers interested in selling their produce to Blue Tractor should email localproduct@2mission.com. Other menu details are still being developed, but specially blended, top-quality burgers will be offered, along with classic comfort foods, such as mac and cheese. The new owners also will pay homage to a Dill's tradition with a Friday Night Fish Fry, and will incorporate outdoor patio seating along Union Street. The Dill's legacy dates back to 1886 when Antoine Novotny opened his Novotny's Saloon at the site. It served as a "social center of the city's south side" in the late 1800s, according to state historians. In 1939, it was purchased by William Dill, who operated a meat market and vegetable stand at the site. A fire gutted the building in April 1978, but the business re-opened just 10 weeks later in time for much of the summer tourist season. Three local businessmen later bought the eatery and under their guidance, Dill's became firmly entrenched as a Traverse City landmark, famous across the Midwest for its talented Golden Garter Revue, Princess Laura karaoke and fried dill pickles. Six years ago, Dill's was sold to area restaurateur Barry Boone who did extensive renovations on the restaurant, changing the former come-as-you-are atmosphere into a stylish–some say sterile–environment. Boone closed the doors of the Traverse City institution in 2004. Carlson and the Lobdells purchased Dill's from Northwestern Bank following bankruptcy proceedings. Carlson and the Lobdells grew up on the Old Mission Peninsula. They now redevelop historic properties throughout Michigan and are currently renovating Bowers Harbor Inn and the Bowery. "This will be a place where folks will want to come after work for a beer and a burger or for an excellent, affordable lunch," said Lobdell. "We're building a place that's going to be comfortable, familiar, and fun." BN |
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