Kingsley Inn Redux

What’s old is new again at this beloved local watering hole

By Geri Dietze | April 15, 2023

Sometimes a name just sticks. Even after the Kingsley Inn was sold in 2020 and was briefly renamed the Judson Market and Restaurant, the place was still known to locals by its old name—or its nickname, KI, for short.

That name is back for good. Today, new owners Brian McAllister, his wife Laurie Bouwman, and their son Max have reopened the new/old Kingsley Inn, and everyone has bright expectations for this tidy roadhouse on the straightaway in the village of Kingsley.

From Interlochen to Kingsley

Most know the McAllisters from their 25-year stewardship of Interlochen’s Hofbrau Steak House and American Grille. Max McAllister, 25, grew up in the business, learning the ropes at the Hofbrau, and he found his calling long ago: “I love this industry,” he says.

Max explains that expanding the family business to include the Kingsley Inn “felt pretty natural.” And with his mother handling the books and his father busy at the Hofbrau, Max is the man in charge at the KI.

He admits that it’s hard to pick what aspect of hospitality he likes best. “It’s pretty special to design a product that people enjoy,” he adds. “I like to sit down and meet people. I really like the social elements.”

The Kingsley Inn reopened its doors just in time for the St. Patrick’s Day crowds on March 17, offering the same high standards—and some menu favorites—that can be found at Hofbrau. “There are always some tweaks, but by and large, [we had] a very successful opening,” Max says of the restaurant’s unveiling. “We had a great response from the community. Off the top of my head, I’d say we served about 250 people.”

The Kingsley Inn was more or less a turn-key operation, with seating for 90+. It was already updated in a mix of industrial and modern rustic elements, and warm wood tones envelope the space from floor to ceiling. Patrons can choose from high backed booths, banquette seating, tables with comfortable upholstered chairs, and a long bar fronted with galvanized steel and bright red industrial barstools. The KI deck seats 20, and outdoor horseshoes will add to the fun in the warmer seasons.

Beyond the food, another draw at the Kingsley Inn will be the ability to catch sporting events on the restaurant’s six TVs. “I’m really excited to stream the games of the Kingsley Stags,” Max says. Also, look to the KI for catering services and group events. And, as a family-friendly venue, expect an inviting children’s menu.

Classics and New Creations

For the grown-ups, the KI menu includes popular classics, some ethnic favorites, and inventive appetizers, all locally sourced whenever possible and described by Max as “elevated home cooking” and “99 percent from scratch.”

Diners can expect to see Hofbrau dishes like the Mile High Ribeye, topped with haystack onions and served with fried smashed potatoes and garden vegetable; or the slow-roasted Half Slab of Ribs, dipped in house marinade, char-grilled to order, and then covered with house-made BBQ sauce. Or choose KI’s Homemade Meatloaf with from-scratch beef gravy or the Loaded Mac & Cheese, heavy with bacon, ham, and homemade cheddar mac sauce.

Burgers start with fresh beef, ground in-house and cooked to order, with your choice of toppings. There are also featured burgers from the menu, and we are especially intrigued by the Hot Mess, with toasted jalapeño cream cheese, bacon, and blackberry jam. The Steak House Burger has a mushroom bourbon glaze, cheddar, bacon, and haystack onions.

You’ll also find sandwiches (the best Reuben!) and yummy apps, including Irish Nachos, aka crisp waffle fries with beer cheese and bacon. Black and Blue Bites feature Cajun-dusted steak tips with blue cheese bechamel and balsamic reduction.

The full-service bar features eight craft beers on tap (possibly more to come) plus bottled versions of the standards, from Miller to Michelob, Corona to Heineken. Oenophiles will find something to like on the KI’s wine list, featuring the best regional labels plus top choices from regions including California, Oregon, New Zealand, and Italy. A sophisticated selection of hand-crafted cocktails elevate the experience, like the Lavender Lemongrass Martini and the Traverse City Cherry Mule.

Currently, the Kingsley Inn is serving lunch and dinner, with breakfast service in the works, based on the availability of staff. (Staffing woes continue to be “the state of the industry,” Max says.) Stop in Sunday through Thursday 11am to midnight or Friday and Saturday 11am to 2am.

Find the Kingsley Inn at 211 East Main Street in Kingsley. (231) 263-8128