BAY MILLS — Although Resort officials considered removing the tree root-style chandelier from the newly-renovated Sacy's Restaurant, the amount of discussion that it has generated has prompted the restaurant management to keep the conversation piece in place.
The chandelier is one of the more notable features of the restaurant renovation, which was part of $1.9 million in upgrades instituted at Bay Mills Resort and Casino.
“The response has been extremely positive,” said John Hutchinson, facilities director for the Resort, speaking about the new arrangement in Sacy's.
Hutchinson and Restaurant Manager Kevin Perron said that the renovations now allow the restaurant staff to feed more people faster, especially with the new double-sided buffet. During peak seasons, buffet patrons, attracted by quality food and cheap prices, had to wait upwards of two hours to be served.
“We hope to be able to cut the wait in half,” Hutchinson said.
The new buffet line is one of a number of improvements made to the restaurant. In addition to more seating in the dining room, the new solarium also added more seats. The solarium, which is surrounded by glass and looks out over the Back Bay, has proven to be very popular with the customers.
The wait staff has a new look as well, sporting new long-sleeved uniforms. Perron said that they have received good comments from the guests about the new look. Coupled with that is the new furniture and restaurant equipment, as well as the new décor.
Along with the changes already in place, more plans are still in the works. Hutchinson and Perron are looking forward to opening the new lounge, located adjacent to the restaurant. The lounge will feature a bar, a 61-inch television and a limited menu.
Hutchinson expects to have a dessert bar up and running in the restaurant in about a month, located along the back wall by the solarium. He also said that the menu is in the process of being finalized by Executive Chef Walt Lyons. He added that menu items are routinely reviewed to see if they are meeting customer demand.
Even though they have received good reviews on the renovations, Hutchinson said that they are still looking to get more feedback from restaurant customers, as they use the feedback to gauge how well the restaurant is appealing to the public.
Hutchinson said that the renovation of the restaurant had been overdue, since it has been over eight years since Sacy's was renovated.
