USA, MI: The Great Turtle Brewery and Distillery to launch on Mackinac Island on June 12

A brewery and distillery will soon be coming to Mackinac Island, UpNorthLive.com reported on June 1.

The Great Turtle Brewery and Distillery will be opening its doors on June 12.

It will be located on Main Street adjacent to the Lake View Hotel.

“Mackinac Island is Michigan’s fun summer island! We wanted to create a place that combined that signature island spirit with the newest dining trends. Hence, the Great Turtle Brewery and Distillery was conceived. The Great Turtle dining experience promises guests custom crafted beer, spirits and food in a brand-new upscale brewery atmosphere on Main Street Mackinac Island, right in the middle of all of the fudge and fun! We are excited to have transformed Goodfellow’s Italian Chophouse, an established Island restaurant, into this new dining experience. Our friendly staff can’t wait to serve you!” explains Melanie Libby, partner/owner.

The owners said Right Brain Brewery will be providing the signature beers while Les Cheneaux Distillery will be creating the private label spirits.

Five distinct craft beers will be offered throughout the season, along with private label Pedal 8.2 Vodka, Bike Basket Gin, and Skull Cave Whiskey.

“Right Brain Brewery is very excited to be able to team up with Great Turtle Brewery and Distillery," said Russell Springsteen, owner of Right Brain Brewery. "We look forward to being able to shine some positive energy on a new Summer 2020 adventure on Mackinac Island."

The atmosphere of the brewery will be rustic, modern and full of excitement. Three distinct restaurant sections will provide an array of dining and tasting options. Butcher block tables dot the main dining room, which provides both indoor and outdoor seating. The main bar is the focal point of the room, as the custom granite top dazzles the eye. The Turtle Club exudes a Sports Bar atmosphere with numerous TVs and a large horseshoe bar for gathering with friends. The attached outdoor patio is pet friendly. The Great Turtle Tasting Room will offer flights of our signature brews and colorful craft cocktails along with grazing flights with a front-row view of Main Street. Guests can take Mackinac memories home with fun Great Turtle gear and apparel.

Some of the precautions that will be implemented this season due to COVID-19 are as follows:

• All servers and cooks will be in masks and will be health-screened before starting a shift.
• Menus will be single-use or accessible digitally.
• Tables will be thoroughly disinfected between each use.
• Appropriate social distancing will be enforced and capacity limited.
• Outdoor dining options will be available.

This list notes just a few of the health standards that will be in place for the safety and comfort of the guests. Great Turtle Brewery and Distillery will adhere to all local, state, and federal statutes and guidelines for safely operating a restaurant during this time, and they will do it all with a welcoming, warm spirit of hospitality.

“Since 1858 the Lake View Hotel has been a welcome beacon for Mackinac Island travelers. And the restaurants that have been adjacent to the hotel, from the likes of the Pilot House, Goodfellow’s and others are where many an island memory has been made and shared," said Tim Hygh, Director of the Mackinac Island Tourism Bureau. "And now, the latest exciting iteration - the Great Turtle Brewery and Distillery is a perfect place for these traditions to continue and ensure that a good meal and good time will continue to be had on the corner of Hoban and Main.”

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