The LePages were not new to the restaurant industry in 1984 when they purchased an old train depot and turned it into Norman's Eton Street Station. Shortly after they had graduated from WMU, Norm and Bonnie quit their jobs to open a doughnut shop.
Today, they have more than 40 years of experience in the industry, having managed and operated many well known establishments in the area, and overseeing the opening of the The Townsend Hotel in Birmingham, Mich.
In 1994, the LePages partnered with another couple to run Mac & Ray's in Harrison Township. Three years later, the group transformed Norman's Eton Street Station into Big Rock Chophouse. The award-winning menu, notable location, and original architecture of the building make it a favorite in Metro Detroit. It also includes one of the area's newest cigar bars and a wine cellar. The chophouse has been a recipient of the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence for more than 15 consecutive years, and in 2014 became one of four Michigan restaurants to receive the American Culinary Federation's Achievement of Excellence Award.
The chophouse was also home to a brewery that won gold and silver medals at the 2010 World Beer Cup, among other awards. In 2012, the brewery was moved out of the restaurant and Griffin Claw Brewery officially opened in 2013. Griffin Claw Brewing Company has nine gold, six silver, and four bronze medal awards for their brews and can be found on taps across Michigan.
In 2006, the same ownership, management, and culinary teams of Big Rock Chophouse envisioned and opened The Reserve, a premier banquet hall designed to host an array of social, corporate, and community events.
In 2013, the Detroit Free Press chronicled the LePage's journey through the hospitality industry. To read more about the LePages, click here.
On Wednesday, May 6, the LePages are hosting an official MyWMU Alumni & Friends event at The Reserve. As an added benefit to attendees, the management is extending a special 20% discount for any guests that would like to dine at the Big Rock Chophouse after the event as well as a 20% discount for any purchases made in the Tap Room at Griffin Claw Brewery. Discount slips will be available at the registration table. For event details and to register, visit MyWMU.com/alumnisocials.
To learn more about Big Rock Chophouse (pictured in the center image), Griffin Claw Brewing Co., or The Reserve (pictured in the bottom image), please visit their individual websites:
griffingclawbrewingcompany.com