I moved here 23 years ago from southern Illinois and had lined up a server job at The Four Seasons dining room. I worked weekend day shift at the Top of the Loaf Bar serving cocktails and food and served dinner in the dining room after. I made upwards of 275-300 cash per double shift (about 10 hours). Amazing money in 1993 (and now) and provided the foundation for building my life in Leelanau County; I worked banquets and the restaurant in the summer. I was promoted to Food and Beverage Manager in 1996--the beginning of the end. As part of the management team, I was aware of the tidy net profits in the winter months of $400,000 per month and $200,000 plus in the non-winter months. The General Manager informed us in 1998 after the winter season that the current owner, Attorney John Sills, was going to lay us all off and let the new owner sort out who was staying and who was going. He informed us that Mr. Sills had invested every cent of profit into his business plan for a country club, Lakeview now known as the public course, Manitou Passage. This shifting of funds away from the ski hill and resort resulted in a lack of updates for the ski hill and snow making equipment. The first two years Polselli owned the resort he did not blow snow-which of course in fickle northern Michigan winters resulted in no business because of inadequate snow. As they say the rest is history. Sugar Loaf's views and terrain variety are superior to Crystal and Boyne. They can compete--I have no doubt. And they should build a terrain park and be a slope style destination for boarders and skiers alike-my son Evan can design it![😃]()
. We live 3 miles south of Sugar Loaf-fingers crossed.
. We live 3 miles south of Sugar Loaf-fingers crossed.