Dad's Place Diner in Three Rivers Closes After 36 Years

There is something so special about a small town diner. The hum of the grill, endless pots of hot coffee, and daily specials carefully written on the whiteboard that make a community feel like home.

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My very first job was at Cousin's Family Restaurant in South Haven, serving up some of the best biscuits and gravy I have still ever had to this day. It was beloved by locals and tourists alike, and it was a really sad day when it closed. That exact same feeling is washing over another West Michigan community right now.

Google Street View, Dad's Place via Facebook

After 36 years in business, Dad's Place in Three Rivers has shut its doors.

A 36-Year History in Three Rivers

The building itself at 1104 3rd Street holds decades of history. Before it became Dad's Place under original owners Vera Reynolds and Kelly Evans in 1990, locals knew the restaurant as Lizzy's Lunch Box. Eventually, Evans' daughter Alisha took over the reins. It was Alisha, her daughter Tayler, and co-owner Sheila who shared news of the closure on Tuesday in an emotional statement to social media:

Due to the rising costs, lack of help and just being damn tired, we are sorry to inform you all that today is the last day our doors are going to be open for business. It is very bittersweet for all of us, we’ve been established since 1990 and have formed amazing connections with everyone in the community. We love you all and can’t express how much we appreciate the continued support we’ve received over the years, especially from our regulars.

👇BELOW: EVERYWHERE BRITISH INFLUENCERS JOSH & JASE WENT ON BIG MICHIGAN SUMMER TRIP👇

An Outpouring of Love from the Community

The announcement triggered an immediate outpouring of love online, with hundreds of regulars sharing memories of eating there when it was still Lizzy's or meeting family members for breakfast after a long shift at the nearby Weyerhaeuser plant. Patrons recalled eating there as kids with their grandparents and other special moments and they thanked the owners for their many years of service.

Diners came to rely on Dad's Place for its hearty, no-nonsense comfort food. People traveled from all over for their famous homemade biscuits smothered in rich sausage gravy, signature crispy corned beef hash, loaded Western skillet bowls, and strawberry cinnamon French toast topped with fresh whipped cream.

While it is always tough to say goodbye to a neighborhood landmark with 36 years of memories, the community is wishing the entire team at Dad's Place the absolute best as they take a well-deserved rest and start their next chapter.