Other side: what happened and what does the future hold, after

Tragically the South Lyon Hotel experienced a devastating fire in the early morning of June 23, according to the restaurant’s statement. Thankfully no one was injured, however the entire upper level of the restaurant was destroyed. The Oakland County Sheriff’s Department concluded that the fire was most likely caused by “some sort of electrical issue in the office,” Corry Bala, restaurant co-owner and general manager said. “Another possibility may involve a grease build-up on one of the roof-mounted units that vent the hot air from the kitchen.  Presently, our insurance company is investigating this possibility.” However tragic, Bala and the community are both optimistic for the Hotel’s return, “It is our belief that we should be able to be up and running again within a year,” Bala said. The community continues to be supportive, shown here on The Hotel's Facebook page, and is hopeful for the future of the Hotel. “When I heard of the fire my heart broke,” Amber Peters, South Lyon resident and former Hotel employee, said. “But I know they won’t let this bring down the business, they will be back on track in no time.” 

One side: What The Hotel was all about, before

The Hotel was an iconic restaurant for the city of South Lyon and was known to the community as a place of fun, food and friends. Since the restaurant opened its doors in 1867 the community has held the establishment to a high standard. “Whenever I went to the Hotel I knew my meal was going to be great,” Jack Corridor, South Lyon resident, said. “The employees there were so kind and there service was always on point.” Not only did The Hotel have great vibes for the customers, but also the employees loved working there. “The most notable thing about working at the Hotel was the way we were close like family, Vince Candela, former Hotel employee, said. “Everyone had each other’s backs in the workplace and outside of it as well. We all had a great time together, which was what made the hotel such a cool restaurant to work at.” The Hotel had so much to offer to the community and it will be greatly missed until it’s reopening.

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By 11 AM the sun is shining and the Fleming’s backyard is beginning to fill with kids from around the block. Boys and girls can be seen running around having a blast. Two kids are taking turns on the zip line, yelling out cries of laughter and fear as they speed through the backyard. Others can be seen diving off the diving board, sliding down the slide and making waves in the pool. A few neighborhood moms have also joined the party and are lying out by the pool relaxing. By noon the kids take a break from the fun and Kelly Fleming, owner of the house and mother to 12-year-old Jacob Fleming, comes out to give her son and his friends a snack. She made her signature “favorite dip” that the kids always love. They quickly demolish the yummy treat and get back to their play. Kelly Fleming then joins the other moms by the pool to continue their summer day of fun. Let’s hope for another sunny day tomorrow!

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Almost every summer day the boys and girls of one of Grosse Ile’s suburban neighborhoods congregate in the Fleming family’s backyard for a day of swimming, zip lining and outdoor play. There is always a game to be played and a snack to be eaten. The kids come from around the block to participate in corn hole and water fun. Neighborhood moms often accompany their children to keep an eye on them as they themselves enjoy tanning by the pool with a good book. If the sun is shining you can always expect the backyard to be packed with laughter and splashes as the kids enjoy their summer.