The cruises to start amid uncertainty "I THINK IF we get 50% (of last year's volume), we'd consider that a victory." That's John Madigan, the general manager of Pictured Rocks Cruises, talking about prospects for business this summer. The cruises start up next Monday, about a month later than usual because of the ... Continue Reading
The Landmark Inn Is Not Closing, Marquette Mountain Is, and Room at the Inn Needs Help
Occupancy is minimal CONTRARY TO RUMORS, the Landmark Inn is not shutting down. "It's not been easy but we're doing our best to keep the lights on," says Ben Graves, the CEO of Graves Hospitality which owns the Landmark. "We have no plans to close. Frankly, we looked at shutting it down but it just didn't make sense. ... Continue Reading
The Marq’s (Partial) Revival, the Sale of the Birchmont, and Praise for the Mountain
Not the full menu IT'S NOT WHAT many of The Marq's loyal customers would prefer but it's better than nothing. The highly respected farm-to-table restaurant that closed down last year is expected to reopen soon on a very limited basis, according to George Stien, one of the owners. "I do intend to reopen The Marq as ... Continue Reading
What’s Ahead for Marquette Mountain?
SO ERIC JORGENSEN, a highly successful and involved businessman, now owns Marquette Mountain. Has he bought himself a profitable enterprise? And if not, can he transform it into a money maker? "The revenue this season is better than it's been in at least several years," says general manager Andrew Farron, "but it's ... Continue Reading
Who Is Eric Jorgensen and Why Did He Buy Marquette Mountain?
ERIC JORGENSEN'S SENIOR yearbook at his Wisconsin high school may have foretold his future. The seniors were asked what they thought they would be in twenty years. Jorgensen, the prescient teenager, answered "leader of a large corporation" and "owner of a ski resort in Utah." Okay, his prediction wasn't exact, but you ... Continue Reading