The 5 Lakes Brewing Co. restaurant and brewing busines at the mall on 142nd Avenue west of downtown Dorr will close up shop later this year and move to the Tanger Outlet Mall in Byron Center.
The brewery and restaurant has remained open on a limited basis during the Coronavirus pandemic.
Lisa and Randy Blain and partners Doug and Cindy Lameyer opened the establishment five years ago at the former location of the Seasons in Time Restaurant and Jake’s Goodtime Bar & Grill, 1638 142nd Ave. They have earned a full liquor license, but won’t be able to brew beer at Tanger Outlet.
They bought the adjacent buildings on 142nd Avenue from John Van Singel to house the eatery and brewery and the Brewhouse Lanes bowling business. Brewhouse Lakes was shuttered about 10 months ago, forcing the Hopkins High School bowling teams to find a new site for their home matches.
Mrs. Blain told township officials five years ago that, “It’s not just a place for people to come and drink. We hope to provide a family atmospheres and serve food.”
She was responding the criticisms from Township Trustee John Tuinstra, who voted against permitting an establishment that sells alcohol in the community.
Brewhouse Lanes was closed permanently almost a year ago but 5 Lakes Brewing Co. and Restaurant continued to do business. Part of the reason for closure was the COVID-19 pandemic, but there have been widespread reports all over the United States that businesses such as golf courses and bowling alleys are not as popular as in bygone days.
The bowling establishment formerly was known as High Mark Lanes and was part of the strip mall that opened in 1986 along 142 and Avenue in Dorr, but it closed afterward and was reopened in December 2016 as Brewhouse Lanes.
A source close to the situation reported that 5 Lakes will be more set up as a bar, but actually will be located in the outlet mall.
I cannot even begin to get my head around this! WHY??? This has been one of our favorite “go to” places since they opened – we did take out every week during this crazy time and just finally were able to start dining in again. We were looking forward to enjoying a cold brew and a meal on the patio. We avoid crowded places like the Outlet Mall for good reason – too far to park and walk in especially in inclement weather. Five Lakes you’re may be losing our business.