Local Restaurateur Buys Apache Trout Grill

Local restaurateur Jeff Lobdell – owner of eateries including Flap Jack Shack, both Traverse City Omelette Shoppe locations, and Boone’s Prime Time Pub in Suttons Bay – has purchased Apache Trout Grill from owners Mike and Sheila Connors.

Mike Connors says he and his wife “made the decision to move on to the next phase” of their lives and had been looking for a “quality operator to continue the legacy of Apache Trout Grill.” Connors says that “Jeff, a Traverse City native, and his entire team were the perfect fit. The Lobdell family has an impeccable reputation and history of excellent operations. I’m confident the business will be in good hands.”

Lobdell is the oldest son of Wayne and Terry Lobdell, contributors to the Great Lakes Culinary Institute, and brother of Greg Lobdell, a partner in Mission Management, which owns North Peak Brewing Company, Blue Tractor, Jolly Pumpkin, and Mission Table. Lobdell says he was “flattered when the Connors approached” him about purchasing Apache Trout Grill and says he plans to carry on the Connors’ tradition of “offering award-winning dining experiences to the Grand Traverse area.”

“This restaurant belongs to the community and the people that patronize it,” he says. "My role is to be the caretaker of the Apache Trout Grill so it can continue to serve its role as a cherished waterfront, community gathering place.”

According to Lobdell, his managing partner – Scott Parkhurst – will assist in overseeing Apache Trout Grill. Lobdell says plans are “to retain every member of the current staff and management team” at the restaurant.