A Golden Opportunity In Elk Rapids

It's an established business in the heart of the charming village of Elk Rapids. Everyone has always had some idea, some dream to start their own business here in Northern Michigan. This is the perfect opportunity! 

This property, located just a few blocks from the beach and at the hub of the goings-on in Elk Rapids, has really captured our imagination. We've all talked about what we would do with the space, and what we would turn it into. The real incentive is that it is already something; it's been around for two decades, with a built-in clientele that is boosted with a spring, summer, and fall tourist influx. There's something already working, with plenty of ways to put your own touch. 

Right now, it operates as a convenience store with an industrial kitchen. The exciting thing to do would be to up the lunch game. With a wide selection of sandwiches and a bit of marketing, you could turn it into a landmark sandwich shop that draws locals and tourists alike. Your neighbors downtown will be quick to stop in, plus you can lure tourists to make the pilgrimage from Traverse City and the surrounding area as well.  

Another idea was to make it a bike shop. Elk Rapids doesn't have a bike shop, and having a nice selection of bikes for sale or for rent during the nicer three seasons would be a tremendous opportunity. The village is so easy to enjoy by bike, and there are plans in the works to link Traverse City's TART bike path all the way to Elk Rapids in the near future. Plus, the annual Ride Around Torch starts and ends just down the street!  

The most off-the-wall idea was to turn it into a small brew pub, and while this is certainly no easy task, it would be a remarkably cool little spot to relax. The legwork aside, it's a great location for a small brewery or even as a wine tasting shop. There's plenty of exciting wineries and breweries to highlight in the area, and this cozy little spot could be the hub of it all!  

What would you do with this great space? Would you rent out the apartment above, or enjoy living right in the heart of Elk Rapids? Give Stephen a call and let us know what you see as the future of this property!