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The History of Harbor's Only Waterfront Dining

The Pier Restaurant has been a waterfront landmark in Harbor Springs since before prohibition and was Mr. Smith's first test with expansion.

In 1970 Stafford was approached by Pete Campbell, a Chicago Stock Yard meat purveyor, about his interest in buying the restaurant. Knowing that he needed to expand his business to include a year round property, the "Harbor Pier" seemed like the right move.

On March 1, 1970, the Pier became the first acquisition of Stafford's Hospitality and Stafford's current president, Dudley Marvin was asked to manage the facility.

Dudley had worked previously for Stafford at Boyne Highland's Bartley House. Recently released from the Navy, Dudley contacted Stafford and asked about potential employment. Stafford mentioned his new acquisition and asked Dudley to manage it. Dudley Marvin was general manager at the Pier until 1985 when he also took on the responsibility of another property and was eventually made president of the company.