A few of the finest meals served up include a aspect of household historical past.
From distinctive components to secret-recipe sauces, these multi-generational eating places aren’t simply serving meals — they’re preserving custom.
Handed down by way of a long time, these 5 beloved spots in mid-Michigan are proof that when a household places its coronary heart and soul right into a kitchen, the group tastes it.
La Familia Morales – Flint
Based in 1968 by Esteban Sauceda and Rita Patlan, this restaurant started as La Azteca Taco Home.
The restaurant grew to become La Familia Morales in 1998 and is now operated by their granddaughter.
It continues to serve genuine Mexican delicacies, sustaining its wealthy household heritage.
Crowd favorites at La Familia embody the basic taco, with beef or floor turkey.
Households additionally prefer to order the tremendous nacho as a result of they will share.
The restaurant is situated at 725 Garland St. in Flint. Go to La Familia’s Fb web page here.
Tia Helita’s – Burton
Tia Helita’s has been a cherished a part of the Flint space because it first opened its doorways on Fenton Street in 1969.
In 1999, the restaurant relocated to 4070 Saginaw St. in Burton the place it has turn into one of many metropolis’s longest-standing institutions.
This longevity is especially notable in a time when many eating places and companies have confronted closures.
“We’ve those that come from Northern Michigan, Lansing, Imlay Metropolis and Bloomfield space,” mentioned Mellia Herrera, the restaurant’s normal supervisor. “My grandparents had been very identified in the neighborhood and all the time opened their doorways to anyone.”
Tia Helita’s was based by Herrera’s grandparents, Maria Villarreal and Urbano Villarreal.
The preferred menu merchandise is the moist stew beef burritos with chunky beef.
“It’s a secret household recipe,” mentioned Herrera.
Learn extra here.
Starlite Burger & Coney Store – Burton
This second-generation, family-owned diner has been serving breakfast all day, recent floor hamburgers, and Flint-style Coney canines, making it a beloved native establishment.
With two areas in Burton close to the Flint border, the unique location at 1500 N. Middle Street was established in 1966.
The newer location opened in 2019 inside the previous 3,200 square-foot Boston Market constructing at 4125 E. Court docket St., a bit over one mile south of the unique spot close to the nook of Davison and Middle roads.
Starlite has all the time been identified for its mouthwatering burgers, which prospects can get pleasure from at both spot.
Starlite is owned by Kosta Popoff, whose father Alex started Starlite Coney Island & Diner in 1966. Co-owner Jason Hester joined on as a enterprise accomplice in 2007.
Learn extra here.
St. Laurent Brothers – Bay Metropolis
St. Laurent Brothers, 1101 N. Water St., was based in 1904.
It’s famend for making all-natural peanut butter, candies, assorted goodies, confectioneries and roasted nuts.
Every year, the enterprise serves greater than 100,000 prospects and sells practically 200,000 kilos of nuts which might be roasted or made into peanut butter.
Edward St. Laurent started his profession within the Seventies, working at his household’s enterprise, St. Laurent Brothers, in downtown Bay Metropolis—his hometown.
It was right here St. Laurent labored alongside his father and uncles till 1985, once they offered the enterprise.
He returned in April 2025 to the Bay Metropolis fixture as normal supervisor, serving to to develop the enterprise his ancestors conceived a long time in the past.
“I’m honored to be working for Jordan Cube and his staff to proceed the St. Laurent legacy,” St. Laurent mentioned in an announcement. “I applaud Jordan for his dedication to investing in the neighborhood and reviving the historical past of a few of the most iconic companies resembling St. Laurent Brothers.
“My grandfather, father, and uncles put their blood, sweat and tears into this enterprise and I intend to do the identical. There’s a variety of historical past right here with the nice tales and reminiscences. Be at liberty to cease by, say hiya, or share your reminiscences with us.”
Learn extra here.
Gatsby’s Seafood & Steakhouse – Bay Metropolis
Established in 2001 in downtown Bay Metropolis by Rick Revette and son Kyle Revette, Gatsby’s Seafood & Steakhouse is one other restaurant in a protracted listing of institutions by the Revette household now spanning 4 generations.
Positioned at 203 Middle Ave., Gatsby’s makes a speciality of steaks, nevertheless it additionally gives from-scratch vegan choices with a full vegan menu and meatless specials each Wednesday.
Supervisor Dan Auger mentioned Gatsby’s is thought for “steaks and seafood, firstly, with basic cocktails and a pleasant wine listing.”
“All of our steaks are hand-cut in-house,” he mentioned.
Learn extra here.
