George James

A kitchen fire has turned off the grills at Riverside Family Dining on North Howard Avenue in Croswell, but it has also fired up the community. Owner Tom Pastoria has run the family-owned diner for 32 years, and neighbors are now eager to support his family and the longtime employees who depend on the restaurant. Pastoria says he is determined to get Riverside Family Dining reopened by Christmas. Until the grills are hot again, folks across Croswell and Sanilac County are rallying behind one of their hometown gathering spots.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

St. Clair County residents can celebrate a riverfront landmark’s 100th anniversary with a free open house. The St. Clair Inn, at 500 North Riverside Avenue in St. Clair, will welcome visitors November 10th from 4 to 6 p.m. A separate history tour November 21st will explore the hotel’s beginnings and stories of secret parties when alcohol was banned. Tickets cost $15 to $20 through Port Huron Museums. The hotel opened in 1926 and reopened in 2019 after extensive restoration.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Port Huron-area small businesses looking to grow can apply for a new program offering business advice and professional services. The Port Huron SmartZone and its Propeller business incubator are leading the effort for Michigan’s Region 6. Applicants must already operate businesses earning revenue. Applications close November 23rd. Selected businesses will be announced in mid-December, with the program starting January 5th of ’27. Business owners can begin by completing the client intake form on the Eastern Michigan Small Business Network website.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet