SAUGATUCK — There’s a hundred years of history at 650 Water St.
That’s according to Jim Bieke, owner of The River Market Deli and River Suites, a beloved business that closed its doors for good at the end of November.
“I only owned it for eight years,” Bieke said. “Menno Fairbanks and his wife, Jane, did most of the work. It’s been around forever, but he’s the one who turned it into what it was today.”
Over the years, Bieke said, the building held all kinds of things — including, at one point, boat storage.
“I don’t even know everything,” he said. “But for the last 50 years, it’s been a convenience store, and then Menno bought it and added the suites. I was just the recipient of it. I got lucky and it’s been great.”
But the multi-focused business, with a party/convenience store, deli and two upstairs suites, struggled during the pandemic. Bieke battled medical issues and finding staff has been difficult.
“You can’t find any help,” he said. “But up until then, it was wonderful.”
While those struggles kept the market closed since September, it was ultimately the sale of the building that closed The River Market Deli and River Suites.
“We’ve had a great time and met so many people, and some have become friends along the way,” the business wrote in a social media announcement on Thursday, Nov. 18.
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“We appreciate everyone that has given us business over the years, from buying a simple toothbrush (we’ve sold many), deli, munchies and, of course, your favorite beverage.”
The business also thanked its employees, past and present.
Bieke said the building has been purchased by a group based in Grand Rapids, and it wouldn’t be financially feasible to remain open.
“My costs would quadruple,” he said. “We just want to thank everybody for all of their patronage. We’ve had a lot of loyal customers. For years, we had the same people coming in every day. They made it fun.”
— Contact reporter Cassandra Lybrink at cassandra.lybrink@hollandsentinel.com. Follow her on Instagram @BizHolland.