Room with a view: Rix's Rooftop to open at former Fogcutter site

Years ago, if you wanted a spectacular view of all downtown Port Huron had to offer, you went to the Fogcutter Restaurant at 511 Fort St., and from there on the sixth floor, you could see the Canadian side of the river, the Bluewater Bridge, and so much more.

Established in the late 1960s, sold by the O’Connor family in 2001, then closed in 2009, the Fogcutter building fell into disrepair.

Dave Rix remembers the glory of the Fogcutter and its stellar view.

“There was no view like it in all of Port Huron,” he says.

Recalling the view, and the rest of what the Fogcutter building meant to the history of the downtown, Rix and his family decided to move their popular restaurant, Rix's on the Rocks from its location on Military Street to the Fogcutter building. It will now be known as Rix's Rooftop.

It was no small feat.

“The Fogcutter needed a lot of work,” Rix says, explaining the monumental remodeling of the building. The investment, Rix believes, was worth it. The new restaurant will feature a spacious dining area, a banquet room, and a bar--along with the iconic Fogcutter view.

Rix is especially proud of the banquet room, available, he says, for all kinds of events, including weddings, anniversary parties, retirements, and more.

“The banquet room is going to be perfect for all kinds of large groups and parties, anything in terms of special events that you can think of,” he says, adding that there will be entertainment on weekends, too. He’s also thrilled with how the remodel of the dining room has come together, and of the menu he and his team have put together.

The menu features favorites from the original Rix's menu, a few new items--crab-stuffed salmon in a lobster cream sauce, anyone?--and even some of the Fogcutter’s signature dishes. There will also be an afternoon salad bar, ideal for business lunches, and vegetarian options.

“We’ll have something for everyone,” Rix promises.

This something-for-everyone motto applies to lovers of Michigan craft beers, as well as foodies. Rix plans to offer an array of beers from all across the state, as well as a full bar. It’s this part of the restaurant’s offerings that’s delayed the grand opening of the new Rixs Rooftop--the wait for the state to approve the liquor license.

Still, even with the delay, Rix says he plans to open in early spring. For the most up-to-date grand opening information, Rix recommends following Rix's Rooftop on Facebook. That’s also where daily specials, interesting photos, and entertainment information will be posted.

“We really can’t wait to share this unbelievable view of Port Huron again,” Rix says. And we all can’t wait to see it, too.