LAKE COUNTY— On Monday November 20 Mike’s Breakfast and Lunch opened its doors for the first time at their new location, 350 North Main Street in Lakeport. The restaurant made the move from Lucerne to Lakeport after operating for four and a half years in their original location. Their move followed several others in the past few months, while some Lakeport businesses face closure and other projects seem stuck in limbo.
Owner and operator Miguel Perez shared that since opening their new location the establishment has “been crazy busy.” Born in Mexico Perez lived in Sonoma County for many years, moving to Lake County in 2015 for the tranquility and peace of mind.
He shared “I was tired of the city. I didn’t want my kids to be around the chaos.” Finding an available lease in Lucerne, Mike’s Breakfast and Lunch was born serving up classics like eggs benedict, breakfast burritos, shrimp salad and a New York steak sandwich. But it wasn’t Perez’s first choice for location. He said, “I always wanted to come to Lakeport” and over the years it became clear that the move needed to happen. This year Perez decided he “needed a change” and when the opportunity arose, Mike’s Breakfast and Lunch relocated. Next in line Perez is excited to become more involved in the Lakeport community.
“We’re here first to settle in, then join in on local meetings,” he said. They hold open hours from 6:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. everyday except for Friday as they are closed so that Perez can spend some time with his family. More information can be found on their Facebook page, google, and yelp.
Mike’s Breakfast and Lunch is the second restaurant to move from Lucerne in the last few months, with Grillagan’s Island having made the move just a month prior in October. Considering the opening of On the Waterfront in September, that makes three new restaurants in three months for the city of Lakeport. Although the city is experiencing an uptake in eateries, there are several other local businesses, mainly retail, that are looking to sell, or close their doors for good. Style and Soul Boutique is one of the retail businesses that has chosen to close after six years in business with their final operating day slated for December 24. O’meara Bros Brewery has listed the business for sale as well as the longtime operator Lakeport Cinema.
City Manager Kevin Ingram shared that the city has been conducting their annual business walk and found that there is a sharp decline in retail shops while restaurants are taking off. In working with their retail coach to discuss theories as to why this is occurring, it was found to be a nationwide trend. Ingram said, “We are trying to get more boots on the ground” as they discovered that many local businesses were unaware of the city’s low interest loan program which could help keep local shops afloat.
The return of seasonal festivals has also helped to refill city streets, though more data is needed to see how that all impacts sales. The completion of the Xabatin community park has also brought more people into downtown. Ingram said, “The park is not only helping entertain the youth, but has become a staple for the downtown community.” Ingram added that, “I don’t know how that translates to sales but the hope is that it’s helpful.”
It has also been four years since K-Mart closed its Lakeport location at 2019 South Main Street, and two since the Lakeport Planning Commission approved new plans for the property. The plans included dividing the space into three units with two occupied, one by Tractor Supply Co. and another by Marshalls, with the last space yet to be decided.
Despite listing several ads on the online job offer site Indeed in search of local staff, confirming multiple opening dates, and obtaining approval for the necessary permits – Tractor Supply Co. has yet to open their second Lake County location. After speaking with a Tractor Supply Co. representative from Brentwood Tennessee, the soft opening is scheduled for Feb. 3, 2024 and official grand opening one week later on February 10. There was no comment made as to any further delays in construction as their latest permit was officially approved by the planning commission on October 19 of this year.
City of Lakeport Associate Planner Victor Hernandez shared via email: “The first Tenant Improvements Building Permit was to separate the building into three tenant spaces and was issued in July, 2023. Additionally, the interior Tenant Improvements for Tractor Supply was issued on Oct. 19, 2023.” He also noted that these processes may take time due to individual needs addressed in the permit.
Marshall’s Tenant Improvements Building Permit was submitted in October and has not yet been approved. According to an email from TJX / Marshalls Marketing Manager Cassidy Kelly in Farmington Massachusetts, the company does in fact have a location opening in Lakeport and continued “At this time we are unable to confirm any additional information.”
Ingram shared that despite both companies’ lack of submitting a timeline “Recent conversations say we are moving forward with both accounts and are actively engaged in looking for a third tenant.” Ingram continued “This is the biggest project Lakeport has going right now.” After speaking with the project managers for Tractor Supply Co. and Marshalls, Ingram shared that they are experiencing higher costs during the remodel which has in turn delayed their original plans to open prior to this holiday season. Regarding Marshalls specifically, Ingram said that their interior Tenant Improvements Building Permit has not yet been approved due to delays in submitting the proper paperwork requested by the city.
Overall, officials said the increase in dining is welcomed by the city as Ingram mentioned, “It is nice to see the High Street Village have life back in it.” The once defunct shopping center now houses two restaurants, several shops, two auto repair options, and the Skycatch Gymnastics facility. Seeing such growth has inspired the city to continue working on revitalizing their shopping centers as Ingram noted, “We are moving forward with opportunities with the Vista Point Shopping Center in the near future.”
