Economic growth shows the U.P. has year-round strength

To cap off a busy January in Upper Peninsula business news, here are a few odds and ends that have been happening around the area. A new economic development leader, a new restaurant, and some new innovations from existing businesses.

Ellis will lead Dickinson Area EDA

Lois Ellis has been a force in economic development for the last 15 years in the U.P., and now she’s lending those talents to the Dickinson Area Economic Development Alliance, where she’ll be the new director of economic development.

Ellis comes to the Dickinson EDA most recently from Lasco, Inc., where she was the president. Previously, she has been business development manager for the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and spent 11 years with the Lake Superior Community Partnership working on economic development for the region.

That’s very similar to what she’ll be doing in the Dickinson area; leading strategy, managing projects, building community relationships, and helping businesses solve problems. Ellis is a designated Certified Economic Developer and a certified Economic Development Finance Professional and started in her new role in December.

Hillside Restaurant in Houghton re-opens

A classic restaurant in Houghton has re-opened under new ownership. The Hillside Restaurant (no, it’s not the Hilltop, that’s in L’Anse) is located at 920 Calverley Avenue in Houghton and offers breakfast and lunch. Dishes like French toast, omelettes, skillets, pancakes and more are staples at good prices.

It’s open for early risers at 6 a.m. and serves lunch until 2 p.m. daily. The food is getting good reviews, and an interior redecoration should serve to keep customers comfortable.

Steinhaus in Marquette remodels

While the Steinhaus restaurant in Marquette has become a fixture downtown over the past few years since its opening, it’s recently updated itself with a new look and some menu changes as well.

The Steinhaus, located on Front Street in Marquette, isn’t getting rid of any of its existing menu items, just adding some new specialties that go along with the new decor, a German farmhouse-inspired look.

The owners decided to close down for a couple of weeks at the beginning of the year since it’s typically a slow time and a good chance to get the changes they wanted made. One of the new items is flammkuchen, or wood-grilled German-style pizza. Others include chicken paprikash, and new brunch offerings.

Steinhaus re-opened for business January 15, so the new menu should be rolling along well by now — if you have a hankering for good German food, go check it out.