The notes on this page were posted throughout the summer, as everyone anticipated the opening of the Hut.

On behalf of our entire staff, sorry for the delays in opening the Hut and the new Pasty Central Express right next door.

Where do I begin to catch up the story? As you may know, Pasty Central and Pasty.NET purchased the Hut property in Kearsarge late last fall. Basically we have 3 projects going at once: our new network center, the new USDA inspected kitchen for the pasties, and trying to bring The Hut itself back online as a family restaurant. Each of these objectives have been a whole lot more work than we ever anticipated.

Over the winter our network center was moved to the lower level of the Hut. This involved a lot of circuits and equipment, an episode for which we could write an entire book ("Adventures in Networking"). There were some engineering delays in the new Pasty Kitchen construction, and other complications which pushed the project back a couple of months. We are very close to startup of the baking once again, and when those delicious Pasty Central pasties start flowing from the oven, you'll be able to pick them up at a convenient drive-thru window, which we're calling Pasty Central Express. As soon as weather throughout the U.S. cools a bit, you'll be able to order the pasties online once again. Also a number of restaurants and supermarkets across the U.P. have pre-ordered, so Pasty Central pasties will be much more widely available.

Now... about the Hut itself... There turned out to be major complications in bringing the restaurant up to current standards. Having been closed for over 2 years, it lost all "grandfathering" from the Health Department, and has required massive reconstruction of the kitchen. Air handling, fire supression, plumbing, electrical, walls, floors, ceilings... When it is finished, the Hut kitchen will be one of the best, cleanest, safest, most efficient food preparation facilities in the Copper Country. The menu will have all the old favorites, as well as some appetizing new creations from Chef Mike Porter.

Thanks for your patience as we complete this multi-layered project in the weeks ahead. If you plan to visit the Copper Country later this summer or fall, be sure to stop by and see it for yourself, on US-41 just north of Calumet.

I can not wait to eat at the Hut, then stop by Pasty Express and take a doggy bag full of Pasties home with me. I have been by a dozen times this summer and each time turn to look and see if there is an open sign in the window. I think for the grand opening we should have an impromptu reunion of Pasty net readers to kick it off right.

Charlie, re the reopening of the Hut, I'm hopeful you'll be joining Perkins and Carmelita's as a nonsmoking facility. Some of us refuse to eat at places where the smoking/nonsmoking areas are adjacent to one another as so many are here in the Keweenaw.

Best wishes in all your endeavors.

Andytofu - You're absolutely right. No smoking when the Hut re-opens. Also, it is a family restaurant, with no alcohol, except in the first aid kit.

Any more news on a projected date for opening? It has been a long, hungry summer.

Morning Charlie.
Thank you for the progress updates on the 'HUT'. Hope to be in the area beginning the 1st week of Sept for about 10 days. Hopefully you will be open by then, at least the Pasty Express portion. ?? for you, has the 'Boston Location' area been added to your Broadband area coverage. Have a cousin there that under uses the computer because of the slowness of Dial-Up. Anyway, enjoy your day and thank you for your continued diligence in providing multiple venues for communication back to the CC.

I'm happy to hear that Pasty.net bought the Hut. I was sorry to see it close, but the last few times I had been there, the food was not nearly as good as it once was. Will the menu stay the same? And will you finally turn some lights on? I guess when I was younger, I didn't notice how DARK it was in there, but the last time I was there, I could hardly read the menu. They should have given us flashlights! Also, I couldn't help but wonder what kind of creepy-crawlies were lurking around in the dark. They might have been in my salad, for all I know.
Anyway, congratulations. We're eastern-side Yoopers, but I was born in the Keweenaw and we head up there once a year for what I call my "Copper Country fix". We're going to try and get there during color season this year. Hope it's open when we get there.

Time to answer a few questions.

Two things we often hear about the Hut is that people want 1) the old favorite menu items (prepared to perfection), and 2) better lighting. As soon as we put the finishing touches on the new menu, we'll post it here in pdf format. I think you'll agree that Chef Mike Porter has capture the spirit of Hut cuisine, with all your favorite dishes from years past. Also, we've opened up some more light into the building, without making it too bright. Of course, the new bathrooms are bright and cheery, with additional facilities and convenience. We think you'll agree the improvements were well worth the wait.

So just when will the Hut open again? We haven't set the day, because too often during this project we have encountered the unexpected. For many who are summer visitors to the Copper Country, we apologize for not being there for your 2006 visit. But for all of our local friends... not too much longer now, and we DO plan on staying open year-round.


As for the question about wireless coverage in Boston Location: Pasty.NET is actively expanding its "footprint" of wireless broadband coverage in the Keweenaw Peninsula. By this fall, several of the more remote neighborhoods will come online. If you are on our wireless waiting list (or would like to get on board) just email us at wireless@pasty.net.

Any truth to the rumor that Kearsarge will be getting wireless coverage?

Fingers crossed.

Another request for your opening: soft, classical music -- as was played when Hendrickson's Hut first opened. Soft pop is ok too, but SOFT so it is not intrusive to table conversation.

The Hut when it opens will be a big hit with everyone. Whether they are visiting or live in the area. Will be a treat for some for sure!

Just a gentle FYI:

The following note was found today among the restaurant listings at Keweenaw Info as well as at their specific The Hut/Pasty Central Express page.

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Quote:

The Hut/Pasty Central Express
Category: Family Dining
Address: 58540 US Hwy 41, Kearsarge, MI 49913
Phone: 906-337-1133, 877-PASTY-11
The Copper Country landmark restaurant, The Hut, will be back in June of 2005 with its full menu. Dine in warmth and friendliness or use the drive-thru pickup at the Pasty Central Express right next door.

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