Brian and Lisa Walsh bought Clear Lake Party Store in 1983. A quiet community, they chose to raise their two daughters in Clear Lake
The Walsh’s, like many other business owners in northern Michigan, have multiple jobs to sustain their life together. Along with the store they sell real estate, have a side-door restaurant, and a shaved-ice wagon in front of the store. With the help of their daughter Chelsea and her husband Tim, they keep everything running smoothly.
On any given day you can find Brian cooking and serving food at the restaurant or taking care of a salesperson. Lisa never misses a beat, taking care of their walk-in customers. Her pride in the area is evident and she is willing to tell everyone about the community she calls home.
Despite the low-key neighborhood, she said there is an occasional bit of excitement with the area’s “non-human residents.”
“There was a black bear running down Wildwood Road with a pack of dogs chasing it the other day,” Lisa said. “That was exciting to me, but that’s about as exciting it gets.”
Lisa said that over the years, families in the area have changed and so have their clientele. It has transitioned from a hunting, fishing and snowmobiling mecca, to a more family-oriented community with all-terrain vehicles. They come to the area to take advantage of the St. Helen ORV trails in neighboring Roscommon County,” she added.
Chelsea is happy to be back in the area. She and Tim operate a shaved ice wagon on site at the store. They recently expanded their menu to include popcorn, hot dogs, snacks and coffee.
“Our family is growing, and we decided the business should move and grow with us,” Chelsea said.
“We will be located mainly in the Clear Lake area parked in front of the store close to the lake. However, we can also use the Ice Shavery for special events such as birthdays, graduations, weddings or community events.”
Although Lisa said the store and restaurant keep her and Brian busy, she can’t imagine being anywhere else.
“We haven’t even thought of retiring,” she said.
The Clear Lake Party Store is located at 2224 N. Clear Lake Road. The family can be reached at the store by calling 989-345-5193.
