A full bar, pool table, jukebox, pull-tabs and a classic American menu all make up Shores Restaurant in Birch Bay.
Robert Grant has owned the restaurant nestled at 7848 Birch Bay Drive in the Sandcastle Resort since 2006. Originally from British Columbia, Grant was an educator who moved up the ranks from a teacher to a principal.
His brother, William Grant, helped build some of the buildings along Birch Bay Drive, including the Shores Restaurant. Robert and William were partners in many businesses, which included pet food, vitamins, electronics and land development.
“I didn’t have any specific food restaurant background,” Robert said. “But I know the foundation of any business is the people you bring in. You just try to make it work out.”
The restaurant has a full bar and traditional sit-down restaurant for families and casual diners to enjoy. The restaurant has live music during the warmer months and relies on its jukebox during the winter.
“Like most of Blaine and Birch Bay, it’s very seasonal,” Robert said. “We’re heading more closely to increased business, and that’s been the case for all the years I’ve been here.”
Throughout the years, Robert has enjoyed the ability to engage with his neighbors through chats from across the “penny bar” that is topped with pennies.
“There’s lots of people that come in once a month or once a year, but I’m talking about the people who come in regularly,” Robert said. “You become more than just patrons.”
The cozy feeling of Shores is like that of the old TV show “Cheers” because strangers can become friends just by sitting next to each other at the bar, Robert said.
“What I encourage us to do is make it welcoming,” Robert said. “It’s that friendly environment for people to drop in.”
Shores’ beverage menu includes liquor purchased from Birch Bay Liquor Store. Robert is dedicated to being flexible in what they serve at the bar.
“People have gone through so many changes in things that they enjoy, as far as a drink,” Robert said. “If we’ve got enough clients that are interested, of course we’ll bring in a new product.”
Robert has also made an effort to get high-quality ingredients from his suppliers so that he can produce dishes like a black angus prime rib, charbroiled burgers, sandwiches and seafood.
“We try to get higher-end stuff,” Robert said. “I want the top of the line because I’m not going to eat something down the line.”
Restaurant recommendation: Robert recommends readers try the prime rib and a drink of their choice from the full bar.
This article is part of a series in The Northern Light highlighting Blaine and Birch Bay restaurants.
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