St. Clair Shores

Tin Fish to fill Jefferson Beach Marina space

By Kristyne E. Demske
C & G Staff Writer

There’s a new fish in the sea.

Jefferson Beach Marina has announced that Tin Fish restaurant will be its new tenant in the space formerly occupied and owned by the Beach Grill.

“We are very excited to have Tin Fish joining the Jefferson Beach Marina,” said Danny Samson, a principal with Jefferson Beach Marina. “We are very confident and optimistic that this will become a real destination for boaters and diners throughout the year.”

Though the Beach Grill, which operated in the space for 15 years, was only open for boating season, Samson said Tin Fish will be open all year. The Beach Grill closed its doors permanently in the fall.

“I think that the combination of good food and good ambience is always a year-round recipe for success, and the fact that it can be done in a beautiful waterfront environment only enhances the whole experience, seasonally,” he said.

He said there is no word yet on what day the restaurant will open, but they plan to have Tin Fish in place in time for boating season this spring.

“Nobody wants to miss a minute of sunshine and excitement,” Samson said. “We believe that the relationship between the restaurants, the marinas, the residents and visitors, and also the Nautical Mile, is really a symbiotic relationship.

“This is just an exciting formula to throw into the mix.”

Donna Flaherty, president of the Nautical Mile Merchants Association, said association members and restaurant owners have been talking about the incoming restaurant and think it will be a good fit for the area.

“It’s perfect … with being on the lake and being on the Nautical Mile,” she said. “We’re all excited.”

Allison Koch, of Tin Fish, could not be reached for comment but said in a release that the Jefferson Beach location was chosen because of its beautiful views and location on the Nautical Mile. There are already Tin Fish locations at Partridge Creek in Clinton Township and Twelve Oaks Mall in Novi.

“This marina has 800-plus members, surrounded by one of Michigan’s largest seaside communities,” she said in the release. “We want to expose them to the Tin Fish experience.”

Tin Fish boasts of its eclectic food on its website, tinfishrestaurants. com, where it explains that its casual fine dining includes an extensive wine list and a “martini for every mood.” The restaurants also promise live music, special events, parties and even occasional celebrity bartenders.

“This is a real strong brand,” Samson said. “It meshes beautifully with the whole theme. It’s nautical, it’s food, it’s much more, so it’s perfect.”

You can reach C & G Staff Writer Kristyne E. Demske at kdemske@candgnews.com or at (586)498-1041.