“It’s going to be a while” before Frank’s Restaurant is fully operational again in downtown Zeeland, according to an update posted by ownership May 30.
The update summarized the eatery’s efforts to reopen at 134 E. Main Ave. following a kitchen fire April 18. According to the post, the restaurant’s “down-draft hood/exhaust” was destroyed in the fire, and ownership plans to install a new, updated system. That process is “involved, timely and exciting,” the restaurant wrote.
However, because there’s no exhaust or ventilation system currently in place, the kitchen can’t prepare burgers, fries or any fried food — even as limited food service continues through Frank’s East at 136 E. Main Ave.
The restaurant has pursued operating an outdoor grill or food trailer, but those ideas “(haven’t) panned out,” according to the post. For now, a limited menu continues with barbecue pulled pork, chili, nachos, macaroni and cheese, sloppy joes and pizza from The Farmhouse Restaurant.
The eatery also has sweet treats, including hand-spun shakes, malts and floats — plus a full bar.
The business’ short-term hours are 4-9 p.m. Tuesdays and 10:30 a.m.-9 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays. The eatery will also be open during upcoming events, such as Music on Main.
“We have speculation, but we aren’t ready to announce a timeline (for full reopening) at this point,” the business wrote. “We do know — it’s going to be a while.”
According to the post, memorabilia and articles from the restaurant have been removed for professional cleaning and treatment for smoke damage.
“(They) will be returned to their rightful places in due time.”
Frank’s celebrated 100 years in business in 2024. The restaurant began as a fruit and confectionery store owned and operated by Frank and Mary Dionise, later evolving into a dine-in restaurant and, by 1960, passing over to Frank Jr. and his wife Pat.
For more information, visit frankszeeland.com.
— Contact reporter Mitchell Boatman at mboatman@hollandsentinel.com.
This article originally appeared on The Holland Sentinel: Frank’s Restaurant reopening will take ‘a while’ in downtown Zeeland
Reporting by Mitchell Boatman, Holland Sentinel / The Holland Sentinel
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
