Current operators of Dockside Fish Market not returning

The current operators of Dockside Fish Market in Grand Marais made an announcement on November 21 that they would not be returning next spring.  What will happen to the popular fish market and restaurant is not known. 

The Dockside Fish Market building was purchased by North House Folk School in 2018 and at that time, North House Board Member Mike Prom said Dockside is a treasure that Grand Marais and the North Shore count on for many reasons. North House Director Greg Wright said the idea of purchasing the property from Harley and Shele Toftey was to keep the fish market, restaurant and commercial fishery in operation.

To keep the fish market and restaurant going, North House partnered with Seafood Markets, LTD, which ran the establishment for two seasons. This week, however, Seafood Markets, LTD, said their company has approached North House to find another tenant—or use—of the fish market building. A Facebook notice, signed by the operators of Seafood Markets, LTD--Steve and Ellen Frank and Elsye and Paul Burton-- announced the development. 

WTIP’s Rhonda Silence reached out to Seafood Markets, LTD and spoke to Paul Burton about the reasons for the decision, which Burton said were primarily economic. Speaking for the family business, Burton thanked the Grand Marais community for its support during their two seasons of operating the local fish market.

WTIP also reached out to North House Folk School, who stated: "North House wishes our friends at Morey's Seafood the best of luck in their future endeavors, and remain committed to the fishing legacy of the Grand Marais Harbor. We are in the process of exploring new possible partnerships, and are working closely with our local fisherman to build a future that all of us can be proud of. Be assured, we're working hard to keep fish on the menu!"