After nearly a century of service, Berger’s Family Restaurant in Bay City will close permanently on August 31. The restaurant’s owners shared the decision in a recent Facebook post.
Bruce Berger, the current owner, explained that the business has tried to maintain operations as usual since the pandemic. However, escalating costs for products, equipment, and labor, coupled with broader economic pressures, have made it increasingly difficult to sustain the restaurant. “The economic landscape has become too challenging, and we do not foresee a change anytime soon,” Berger stated.
The property at 6387 Westside Saginaw Road, which has been Berger’s location since 2006, has already been sold. The new owners do not plan to continue using the site as a restaurant; instead, it will be converted into an office building. Previously, the restaurant was located at the intersection of Westside Saginaw and Three Mile roads.
Initially opened in 1928 as an ice cream parlor, Berger’s evolved over the decades, becoming well-known in recent years for its Great Lakes perch dinners. The year 2028 would have marked its 100th anniversary.
“We believe this is the best way forward,” said Berger. “Our family could not have reached this point without the support and hard work of the previous three generations. While selling the building is feasible, we chose not to sell the Berger name, preserving our family’s legacy and reputation within the community.”
The Berger family expressed their gratitude for the enduring friendships and relationships formed over the years, preferring to celebrate their long-standing success now rather than face an uncertain future.
