Own your own Italian restaurant near Big Glen Lake: Funistrada is for sale

From staff reports

Trattoria Funistrada is for sale. Tom and Holly Reay are selling their popular Italian restaurant in Burdickville, located a stone’s skip from the southeast shore of Big Glen Lake.

Serbin Real Estate listed the restaurant today for $1.495 million. Offers may arrive soon, as the local real estate market is, in a word, hot.

The Reays opened Funistrada in 2000. Read Norm Wheeler’s feature story, which reveals the story behind the name, and why that name is significant for Tom and Holly.

Here’s how Serbin’s listing describes Funistrada:

“Located on the east side of Big Glen lake, this award-winning, Leelanau County/Glen Lake restaurant, Trattoria Funistrada, well loved by locals and summer visitors alike, is being offered for sale. As a ‘turn-key business’ it includes all licenses, fixtures, supplies, furniture and management help with the transfer of ownership.

“This is a year around business that enjoys much support during the off season by locals and winter visitors. Known for their wonderful menu, wine list and dedicated staff, Funistrada is a destination restaurant. Here, summer regulars and locals often celebrate special occasions with family and friends.

“The Reay family, who has built this business with love, great food and good business sense since 2000, are ready for their next chapter. New owners will also find the darling upstairs apartment (2 BR, 1 bath, kitchen, living & dining area) could be used as owner, employee quarters or rental income.

“Currently used for dinner only, great opportunity to expand sales and business.”

Selling Funistrada “has been something that we’ve looked into since before COVID,” said Tom Reay. “We’re not in a hurry. And it will continue as Funi with or without us. Our decision to sell was somewhat accelerated by circumstances, seeing changes in the market.”

“We owe our children several vacations,” added Holly. “We’ve had three trips canceled. Our daughter has one more year of college, and we want to spend time with her.”