Lake Street Emporium

It is tough rating any Port Austin business this low. I have been coming to Port Austin since before I could walk, and have been frequenting the small businesses for the past 30 years.
This business used to be Finans and it was one of my favorite. When the new store opened, it was slightly redone. It was definitely cleaner, better products in it… But, in terms of customer service, every time I come in here I am shocked this is what Port Austin is offering.
First of all, the food is pretty good. The portions are a bit small, but cooked in a clean spot. Not really the comfortable diner experience, but will do if hungry. I recommend the ice cream though!
1. The bathroom situation is sort of awkward. I get not wanting the entire town using your restroom but if you need to give customers a key to use it then you may want to train your staff on how it works so I am not running back and forth waiting for a key and NO ONE knows where it is at.
2. The lady who frequently runs the cash register at the front is not customer service oriented. If you are the business owner, then maybe you should stay in the back. Not to be rude, but you work and represent a tourist town… be pleasant, friendly and at the very least polite.
3. You have nice things in your business. But, take a look at Caseville and how REASONABLY prices their clothing is. It’s almost identical. You will sell more and represent this great town better.
4. Train your staff! I know they are young and inexperienced. But, they are servers and working with the public. If you do not serve full breakfast on weekends… please give customers a reasonable warning or explanation. I know it’s busy but 2 options and no substitutions? Either you are a restaurant or not.
Back to basics, Lake Street Emporiurm. This is not Royal Oak. It’s Port Austin. Be friendly and fun so people want to continue coming back! I am sorry if I sound snotty, but I have been trying to go back to this business several times since it has opened HOPING it would be a good experience and every time there is something that is off. This is not the small town, inviting place I remember!

I’m from Denver, and was vacationing in Lexington Village. My brother-​in-​law kidnapped a few us to the tip of the thumb «for a drive». After lunch, we mosied across the street to Lake Street Emporium. What a sweet surprise. Found a special birthday gift for my SIL, and she found several items for her new home. Some things are expensive and some are not. All are delightful. Service was wonderful and welcoming. Lots of great knobs, Polish Pottery, signs, dish towels, nautical themed items, bath items, so much!

I have purchased many things from their store. It may b a bit higher priced, but it is beautiful, high quality merchandise. LSE has awesome, really cool things and I highly recommend that everyone stop in and chk it out! U name it, they have it. Also, the sandwiches, fountain drinks and milkshakes r so yummy!

One of my very favorite stores! They carry a very nice, complete line of Port Austin themed clothing and children’s clothes. Their gift and home decoration department is wonderful. Very unique items, furniture and Christmas decorations too! There are a few tables and stools in the cafeteria area and a nice selection of burgers, sandwiches and more! (I am hooked on their ham and chess panini’s and homemade potato salad). Very friendly folks who do their best to accommodate.

They are so rude for a small town store and very overpriced! They will not exchange or refund you, even if you are a regular. Also, is a dog supposed to be wandering around where food is served?

This is the only store I went in in Port Austin. It was a very nice tourist oriented store with lots of clothing imprinted with the town name, various souvineers, trinkets, and postcards, which I bought about 8 of. I also found a unique little miniature cross stitch Xmas stocking ornament among all their decorative items for only $ 6.99. I had a nice conversation with the lady in charge, too. At this time of year a lot of businesses are closed for the season so I was just glad to find this place open.