If you have been on facebook lately, you may have seen a new page that your friends had like, commented on, or shared: C.I.A. Restaurant. 

No, not the CIA taking up shop in Alpena–  but a new restaurant coming to the north end of Downtown Alpena.

Earlier this week, owners Becky Showalter and Adam Richards announced they would be opening the restaurant in the previous Old Town Family Restaurant building, located at 503 N. Second Avenue, across from Avery Park. C.I.A. Restaurant, or Center of Incredible Appetites, will be a breakfast and lunch family–oriented restaurant, including a breakfast buffet on the weekends and lunch buffet during the week.

Becky Showalter, half of the team, was born and raised in Alpena and has over 20 years of restaurant work under her belt– and was ready to have a place of her own. Adam Richards, the other half of the team, is originally from Onaway, but moved here to receive a business degree from Alpena Community College.

“We are focusing on fresh, homemade food and high-quality service that we believe this town deserves,” owners said. “We are ready to start servicing the area with our expertise,” they added. “We are very focused on giving back to the community and spreading light onto the amazing people that are in the area.”

Owners are currently accepting artwork and photography from local artists that will be featured in the restaurant. Photos of work must be received by February 23, and the public will be invited to vote on submissions through the 25th.

They are currently in the process of remodeling the entire restaurant to revamp it and give it a fresh new look. An anticipated grand opening event is scheduled for March 5, 2018.

Welcome to downtown!

Follow C.I.A. Restaurant on Facebook here. 

Blog Downtown Alpena is written by Anne Gentry, Executive Director of the Alpena DDA.