The Fresh Palate, a beloved fixture in downtown Alpena for the past 15 years, has announced that it will be closing its doors for the final time on March 30, 2024. Located on the first floor of the historic Center Building at 109 N. Second Ave., The Fresh Palate has been renowned for its fresh, creative cuisine and its vibrant presence in the heart of Alpena’s downtown district.

Established in 2009 by Chef, Eric Peterson and his former wife, Stacie Smithem Peterson, The Fresh Palate quickly became a culinary landmark in the area. Despite starting with little money or business experience, Eric and Stacie took over a small deli and made it into a success through hard work, resourcefulness, and creativity. Over the years, current owner, Eric Peterson grew the Fresh Palate into a full- service restaurant with a dining room, outdoor seating, and Nucleus bar, offering local entertainment and hosting many downtown events, such as concerts in the alley and the annual Sunrise
Suds Beer Festival.

Reflecting on the journey, Peterson expressed gratitude to his employees and to the community for its support over the years. “The support of the Alpena community, along with the dedication of our employees and the loyalty of our customers, has been the key to our success,” said Peterson. “I am very grateful to the people of Alpena for giving me the privilege of serving them over the past 15 years. I grew up in Alpena and, even though I couldn’t wait to leave when I was young, it has been a tremendous experience to come back to my hometown and raise my family here. The love and support of this
community is awesome.”

Peterson also noted the key role his family has had in the business operation, including parents, siblings, and children, who have contributed much time and energy to the venture. “This has been a family enterprise, for sure,” stated Peterson. In particular, Peterson thanked his mother, Barb McDonald, for her ongoing role in helping with management and operations. “She has been a rock, a workhorse, and a constant source of support for me and the rest of the Fresh Palate team,” said Peterson.

Peterson also expressed gratitude to Karen Bennett, owner of the Center Building, for her unwavering support throughout the years. “Karen gave us the chance to start a business and had confidence that we could succeed. We were able to get started on a shoestring in an amazing environment and grow into something even bigger than we expected. Her ongoing support, guidance, and collaboration have been integral to the longevity of the business,” Peterson added.

“I am incredibly proud of the business that we built here,” Peterson stated. “While it has been a labor of love to grow and nurture this business over the past 15 years, it has also taken a toll—especially during Covid and the recovery following. After 20 years in the culinary field, it’s time for me to change directions, in my professional life and my personal life,” he explained. “While I welcome the chance for a fresh start and a new career path, I will look back on the past 15 years with many great memories and will miss the people in the restaurant. It is definitely a bittersweet experience to come to this decision point.”

As a long-time owner of the Center Building and landlord, Karen Bennett shared her thoughts on The Fresh Palate’s closure. “While I am saddened to see The Fresh Palate close its doors, I believe that when one door closes, another one opens,” Bennett said. “Over the past 27 years owning the building, it has been gratifying and inspiring to watch many businesses, including Fresh Palate, get their start in the Center Building and grow into thriving operations, both past and present. I appreciate all that Eric has done to bring such a unique food and beverage spot to Alpena and to help pave the way for others. I believe the next successful business is waiting in the wings.”

Bennett continued, “As we approach the busy summer season, the Downtown will soon humming with activity. We are excited about the opportunities that lie ahead for the next new business to come to the Center Building.” Bennett encouraged individuals with fresh, creative ideas to consider seizing the opportunity. “We would love to welcome and support new business ideas, especially those that involve food and beverage. We would hope to continue that synergy and to take advantage of the fully equipped
kitchen, liquor license and outdoor space,” Bennett explained. “Some of the ideas that come to mind are a distillery, a bakery, a sweet shop, a tapas restaurant offering small, shareable plates, a craft cocktail bar, a great breakfast and lunch place, and more,” Bennett stated.

A list of possible business ideas for the space is available on the Center Building’s Facebook page and Bennett encourages others to add to this list or use it as a springboard for their own business plans.

Anne Gentry, Director of Alpena Downtown Development Authority, echoed the sentiments, stating, “Indeed, this is an ideal moment for entrepreneurs to seize the rare opportunity of establishing a food and beverage business with an existing kitchen in the central downtown. The Center Building stands as a central and significant landmark within our downtown, and its historical charm, coupled with its prime location, adjacent alley, open window walls with outdoor seating, present an unparalleled setting for a thriving establishment.”

Gentry emphasized the readiness of the Alpena Downtown Development Authority to support interested parties in realizing their entrepreneurial aspirations. “At the DDA, we have fostered strong relationships with both The Fresh Palate and The Center Building. Eric Peterson and Karen Bennett have been invaluable contributors to downtown development, and we are eager to collaborate in finding the next gem to grace this beautiful space.“

Highlighting available resources, Gentry mentioned grant opportunities through programs such as the Match on Main Program and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. “We’re here to facilitate success, and these grants offer valuable support to budding ventures,” she added.

As anticipation builds for the upcoming summer season, Gentry expressed excitement for the vibrant atmosphere that characterizes downtown Alpena during this time. “We’re gearing up for an outstanding summer in Downtown Alpena—this is when the downtown truly comes alive,” she remarked. “This summer will be even more exciting with the improvements to Culligan Plaza getting underway and the expansion of the DDA social district.”

Interested parties seeking further information or assistance can view additional
resources on the DDA website at https://www.downtownalpenami.com/your-dda.html and at https://www.centerbuilding.com

For media inquiries, please contact:
Anne Gentry, Executive Director, Alpena Downtown Development Authority
Phone: (989) 356- 6422 Email: Anneg@Alpena.mi.us

Karen Bennett Owner, Center Building, LLC
Phone: (989) 370-7607 Email: manager@centerbuilding.com