By By ERIKA PICKLES / Niles Daily Star
NILES – A grand opening? After over 20 years in business? That's the question a lot of people have been asking about the Stop-In Restaurant, located at 1201 Barron Lake Road.
The restaurant's grand opening was held Thursday morning and Chamber of Commerce president Ron Sather said the answer to the grand opening is simple.
"They have never had a grand opening and it's under new ownership so we wanted to recognize them and give them a proper welcome," he said.
David and Laura McCarty took over ownership a year and a half ago and have had plenty of great reviews since.
They still see the same, long time regular customers, as well as plenty of new faces.
The McCarty's added new items to the menu, including pizza, sandwiches and a "big giant tenderloin." Also, they serve breakfast all day.
David has been around food for as long as he can remember. On Jan. 9, he will be celebrating 40 years in the food business.
"I was 14 when I started and haven't turned back since. I have really enjoyed it all my life," he said.
Along with serving great food and friendly customer service, the McCarty's enjoy helping the community in anyway they can.
On Thursday evening, they held a raffle to raise funds for Polly's Place of Niles.
"We want to become very involved with Polly's Place because we really like what they stand for," David said.
He also admitted they have been involved with the Salvation Army of Niles for a number of years and that is something he would like to keep going.
"We have a drop off box here in the restaurant for those wishing to donate items. We are also shooting to give 25 families 25 full meals this Christmas," David said.
The McCarty's will be supplying ham and other dishes for families and is hoping the community can step in and help.
Howard Township Supervisor Michael Sutherland welcomed the McCarty's and said the restaurant is an added benefit to the township.
Johnie Rodebush, Cass County Commissioner from Howard Township, also said he was pleased for the grand opening.
"I come here and eat all the time, I have for years. This is a great restaurant and we wish you the best," Rodebush said.
Stop-In is open Tuesday through Saturday from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from 6 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. They are closed on Monday's.