From the banks of the St. Clair River, seafood restaurant celebrates opening following fire

The staff at Lake Fx Grill is ready to celebrate
Lake Fx Grill wants a do-over.

The seafood restaurant and bar first opened sixteen months ago. And then, on Nov. 26, 2017, disaster struck.

During construction of the restaurant’s downstairs oyster bar, a fire broke out, causing damage to the electrical and plumbing systems. In that crucial time for a new restaurant, just months after opening, Lake Fx had to shut down for a month while it made repairs and got rid of the fire smell.

"Part of the challenge of opening a restaurant is incorporating it into people’s routines," says the owner Mike Taylor.

"The fire set us back."

Lake Fx Grill re-opened on Dec. 20, 2017, just in time for the holidays. But the fire robbed the restaurant of any celebratory momentum with which they may have started. So now, as the oyster bar is near completion, Lake Fx is ready to throw a party and let Port Huron know that they’re here to stay.

On Friday, Nov. 2, Lake Fx will celebrate their opening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony hosted by the chamber of commerce. The event, which takes place from 4 to 5 p.m., is open to the public and will feature complimentary hors d’ouevres.

Lake Fx features a varied menu with a focus on Great Lakes-based entrees. There are hamburgers and grilled ahi tuna, yes, but also local fish-based dishes that include Lake Superior whitefish, Great Lakes perch tacos, and broiled walleye.

The oyster bar also features raw options and other current food trends. The oysters themselves are flown in fresh from the east coast each day.

The main dining area is a big open space that offers 180-degree views of the St. Clair River. Downstairs is a more intimate 30-seat dining room. Items from each menu are available in each dining area.

"After the fire, the restaurant had more of a soft opening but this is our chance to celebrate our opening," Taylor says.

"This is, hey everyone, here’s a look at what we intended to show you."

Lake Fx Grill is located at 3136 Military St. in Port Huron.

Got a development news story to share? Email MJ Galbraith here or send him a tweet @mikegalbraith.

Enjoy this story? Sign up for free solutions-based reporting in your inbox each week.