Mary and Juillerets

     Twenty-eight years ago my Aunt Mary bought Juilleret's restaurant in Charlevoix, Michigan, and she has been running it ever since. They do breakfast and lunch, and are known for their cinnamon bread and cinnamon rolls which, I must say, are delicious. My mouth is watering just writing about them, but wait till you see the pictures, you'll be in the same boat. 
     Mary is not only the owner who manages the finances and inventory, she also does all the baking in the morning and runs the griddle all day. And while she does have employees, (most importantly Jan the best waitress, who has been there longer than Mary has), Mary is Juilleret's. She is the fuel and the engine. It's rather an incredible feat that she accomplishes every day. 
     Now, after all these years she is going to do something she really deserves: retire. The restaurant hasn't sold, so at the end of this season it will close it's doors. Our family and people in the community will miss it greatly, but we are happy for Mary to put her feet up for a little a while. Because I'm sure she won't be able to sit still for long, I don't think that's in her nature. But at least perhaps she won't get up every day at 4:30, and spend it toiling away. There will hopefully be many happy and leisurely evenings spent with my Aunt Pam.
     Before this all transpired, I wanted to document a little window into what Mary's life has been like at Juilleret's. My family went up to visit and celebrate the restaurant one last time this summer. I got up with Mary and shadowed her all day. It was amazing seeing how easily she multitasked and ran the kitchen. After those 28 years she has it down to a science.
     Here I am very proud and honored to present my series on Mary and Juilleret's.