For nearly 150 years, the address at 104 N. Thompson St. has served the public in many capacities. Beginning in 1877 as a livery stable, it evolved to a blacksmith shop, then a service station, a loan corporation, and finally to a restaurant known for its thin-crust pizzas. Big John’s Pizza (formerly known as Teresa’s Pizza) was owned and operated locally by Gloria and Jack Miller and their family for 34 years. Big John’s celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2020 under the ownership of Neal and Amy Martell, and is slated to close its current location at the end of August. The White Lake Area Historical Society will feature Big John’s history at the June 20 meeting, to take place at the restaurant.
Members and guests will have the option of purchasing food from the menu, which may be seen online at bigjohnsmi.com. Orders may be placed as early as 5 p.m. the day of the meeting at 231-894-4129 as a courtesy to the business. Some parking will be available at Goodrich Park, but please carpool if possible. (In case of rain, meet at the covered shelter in the park.) Some seating for the meeting will be available on the deck at Big John’s, but members may wish to bring their own chairs. Anyone with questions is welcome to contact the society by phone at 231-893-5545.
