News Photo by Steve Schulwitz Clem’s Bait and Tackle in Alpena received a $25,000 grant from the state to help cover the cost of an expansion of the business, to be called Clem’s Riverside Eatery.

ALPENA — A pair of Northeast Michigan businesses have received money from the Michigan Strategic Fund through the Michigan Economic Development Corporation’s Match on Main program.

In a press release on Tuesday, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced two $25,000 grants, one for the Alpena Downtown Development Authority to use for the construction of an indoor and outdoor eatery at Clem’s Bait and Tackle and another to the Rogers City Downtown Development Authority for improvements to the International Sports Bar in Rogers City.

The International Sports Bar intends to add covered outdoor seating so people can enjoy a bite to eat and a cocktail when the weather is nice.

In the press release, Whitmer said all of the 63 projects that were awarded statewide, a combined $1.49 million are vital to bolstering downtowns in Michigan. She said investment in downtown businesses are a tool that leads to economic growth and luring families into the state to live or visit.

“Michigan’s small businesses are the heart of our downtowns,” said Whitmer. “Today’s Match on Main grants will provide 63 small businesses across the state with the support they need to grow, thrive, and create bustling, vibrant main streets. By investing in our communities and developing attractive places across the state, we will continue to make Michigan a place where businesses and families choose to locate, grow and succeed.”

Rogers City Mayor Scott McLennan said over the last decade, the city has seen a renaissance in its downtown and projects like the one planned for the International are vital to its continued growth and vitality.

The mayor said more outdoor dining options are needed and he believes when it becomes available at the tavern, it will be popular.

“Outdoor dining is the perfect fit for Rogers City because of the perfect climate we enjoy in the summer,” he said. “We would love to see more people outdoors enjoying a meal or drink and enjoying our downtown and the activity it has.”

The plan for Clem’s is to take advantage of the view of the Thunder Bay River and to serve food and adult beverages at Clem’s Riverside Eatery. Construction is underway.

Co-owner of Clem’s, Melissa Tolan-Halleck, was out of town on Thursday and unavailable for comment and to provide an update on the project.

McLennan provided The News an update on the newly formed social district in Rogers City. He said the district has been in place for about a month and so far, there has been some use, but he expects it to gain momentum during this week’s Nautical City Festival and when more businesses agree to become a part of it.

A social district is an area designated by a local government where customers can carry and drink an open container of alcohol purchased from a participating bar or restaurant. Common areas are designated within the district where customers can drink their beverage, such as public parks and sidewalks. The State of Michigan enacted the law to allow social districts in July 2020 to support hospitality businesses, spur economic activity, and allow cities to expand outdoor dining and drinking areas.

“Everything has gone good so far and it is set up and running,” he said. “We expect to add more businesses to it. The initial concern about people creating problems hasn’t been seen at all and I expect it will grow in popularity in the coming years.”

So far, only two local businesses are serving drinks that can be used in Rogers City’s social district, UpNorth 23 and Pinewoods.

Steve Schulwitz can be reached at 989-358-5689 or sschulwitz@TheAlpenaNews.com. Follow him on X @ss_alpenanews.com.