By Allie Brawley
In the heart of Sault Ste. Marie, at 123 West Portage, stands an establishment steeped in history and family legacy. This location, formerly known as Rosini’s, holds cherished memories for Dawn Bumstead, who dined there as a child. In 1988, Dawn’s parents acquired the beloved restaurant and transformed it from a dinner-only Italian restaurant into a full-service diner that served breakfast, lunch, and dinner. A few years later, it was named Frank’s Place in honor of Dawn’s father. Though tragedy struck when a fire razed the building, the family rebuilt it from the ground up. By 1999, Dawn was at the helm, managing the family restaurant with passion and dedication.
In 2011, Dawn and her husband, Steve, took ownership of Frank’s Place. They remained true to their roots, continuing to use the same marinara sauce that had delighted patrons for decades. The menu, inspired by home-cooked meals, features a range of dishes from Italian classics like hoagies, pizza cheese bread, and meatballs to comforting staples such as meatloaf, fried chicken, pork chops, and liver and onions. Among their most popular items are the pasties and gravy, a local favorite.
The longevity of Frank’s Place employees speaks volumes about the Bumstead family and their loyal customers. Gary Rogers, a dedicated employee of 15 years, has overseen all catering for special events and is now nearing retirement. Tiffany Schmidt, a waitress for 9 years, and Kristin Trinkle, who worked there for 16 years and returns each summer to help, embody the spirit of the restaurant. Tiffany even created personalized mugs for regulars who come in weekly for coffee. The sense of community is further highlighted by "Jan’s special," an appetizer named after a local regular.
“What I love most is that it’s generational – not just with our family, but the customers who have grown up here,” Dawn shares with pride. This sentiment is echoed by Sault Ste. Marie natives Maxx and Steve Anderson, who brought their sons to Frank’s Place and now bring their granddaughter.
“We have cherished Frank’s Place through all generations. Our boys ate breakfast there almost every morning as Steve would take them before dropping them off at school and heading to work,” says Maxx Anderson. “Now our five-year-old granddaughter never hesitates to choose Frank’s Place when asked about her preferred restaurant.”
The Bumsteads have always involved their children in the family business, ensuring the legacy continues. Dawn fondly remembers her daughter Randi as a baby in a bouncy seat at the restaurant. Their son, Michael, started clearing tables at age 11, charming customers with his youthful enthusiasm. Now, Randi and Michael, aged 20 and 18, work at the restaurant during their summer breaks from school.
As the legacy of Frank's Place continues, the Bumstead family's dedication and the loyal customer base ensure that this beloved establishment will remain a cornerstone of Sault Ste. Marie for generations to come.