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DAFTER - The Sharolyn Restaurant and Motel has undergone a transformation in both appearance and designation. Newly constructed of cedar logs, the restaurant has a new moniker, descriptive of its new look - Cedar Log Restaurant and Motel.
Conveniently located on the corner of M-28 and Mackinac Trail, the restaurant/motel is a short drive of 10 miles or less from several Eastern Upper Peninsula communities, including Sault Ste. Marie, Brimley, Rudyard, Kinross, and Kincheloe.
The current owner, Robin Lechner, purchased the business four years ago from Sue and Wayne Trumbley. She had been working part-time for the Trumbleys while also holding down a job at the Chippewa County jail.
"An opportunity arose to buy, and I went for it," said Lechner.
At the time of her purchase, the restaurant was situated in the center with motel rooms stretching to the west and the east. Lechner ran it like that for two years then tore down the west side motel rooms, which were beginning to deteriorate. That move was part of her plan to expand the restaurant.
"We were really busy, especially on weekends," said Lechner. "The restaurant was too small. It was crowded; customers would leave, as there was no place to sit. And, we needed updates."
As she was considering an expansion, her husband John, came into possession of some cedar logs from a project he was working on with his own business, Lechner Construction. He was planning to use the logs to build a log cabin, but their son, Mark, suggested they use them for renovating the restaurant. "Mark said that way everybody could enjoy it, so we did it!" explained Robin Lechner.
Construction began in February, with the business closed during the remodeling phase. Most of the construction was handled by John and Mark Lechner and their construction crew, other than the electric, plumbing, and drywall.
They reopened for Mother's Day on May 14, to a triumphant return. "Our regular customers were so glad we had opened back up. They were amazed at the workmanship," said Lechner.
From being able to seat 40 people in the old restaurant, Lechner can now accommodate 70. Attractive inside and out, the building is impressive. The ceiling is high with exposed cedar log beams creating an even roomier ambiance. Mark Lechner, along with one of the restaurant's employees, built the beautiful curved counter and tables. Both tourists and regulars are drawn in by the new look to enjoy the expanded menu.
Robin Lechner has added steaks, pasta dishes, and milk shakes to her repertoire, which includes homemade pies, pizzas, soups and daily specials. She learned the trade by helping out as a young girl in her grandmother's restaurant for 11 years, working at the Big Boy in St. Ignace and at the Sharolyn before purchasing it.
The remodeling is not finished yet, said Lechner. She now has her eye on the 12 remaining motel rooms. Cable TV has been installed in all the rooms, and before the end of the summer the motel building will have cedar logs on the upper part and stone on the bottom.
The restaurant's new rustic look is appealing to tourists and they get "quite a few," she said. But the local customers are what keep her business thriving. "People from the area are wonderful," said Lechner. "They have stood behind me from day one."
Grand opening celebrations were held Tuesday, June 13, featuring drawings for free dinners. The first 50 customers received free caps emblazoned with the Cedar Log Restaurant and Motel logo.
The business is open seven days a week: Monday through Thursday from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
