The Homestead reopens: short-term rentals could give local economy a jolt
Executive chef John Piombo has stayed busy this spring by offering free cooking demonstrations on The Homestead’s Facebook page.
From staff reports
The Homestead resort north of Glen Arbor opens today for lodging and short-term rentals. “America’s fresh water resort”, which celebrates its 50th birthday in 2020, will also open Whiskers indoor/outdoor bar and grill and Cavanaugh’s deli and general store. Both will serve customers at 50 percent capacity and also offer takeout. Whiskers will offer outdoor live music on weekends later this summer.
Senior vice president Adriene Kokowicz said she expects a busy weekend, but that many people also pushed their reservations from spring and early summer back to August and September, in hopes the coronavirus pandemic will pose less of a threat then.
“We anticipate a busy season,” said Kokowicz. “But we’re still ramping up. It’s good that we don’t have to go from 0 to 60 in one day.”
Some services such as the resort’s shuttle service won’t operate in 2020.
Nonna’s restaurant will offer banquet and catering events, and plans to reopen this fall. Chef John Piombo has kept himself busy this spring by offering free cooking demonstrations on The Homestead’s Facebook page.
“Chef Piombo says it’s easier to be open than it is to be closed,” said Kokowicz. “His social media posts show that he has not been idle.”
Short-term rentals
The reopening of short-term rentals could give Leelanau businesses an economic boost because of the money overnight tourists spend at area restaurants, shops and outfitters.
“If I had to guess, I’d say The Homestead is a driving force behind short-term rentals in the southern part of the County,” said Kokowicz. “Generally, accommodations is what drives your revenues, amenities, and food and beverage. It’s the heads and beds that bring people up here.”
Guest workers
The Homestead relies, in part, on guest workers who come here through the federal H-2 visa program each summer. Kokowicz hopes to welcome between 30 and 40 guest workers, mostly from Jamaica, some time in the next couple weeks. She was recently told by government contacts that those visas are being approved.
Last year The Homestead employed 49 guest workers, but they didn’t arrive until early July because the Spring 2019 federal government shutdown delayed the process. In past years the guest workers arrive in mid-May.
Kokowicz added that The Homestead has plenty of employment opportunities for locals in the areas of food and beverage and housekeeping. The resort offers competitive wages. Interested applicants should call The Homestead at 231-334-5000.
