From a twenty-two seat soup and sandwich restaurant to a one hundred and sixty seat bistro and lounge in ten years, The White House Bistro and Capitol Lounge celebrates its ten year commitment to the Saugatuck Community the weekend of May 6 and 7.

Known as the “Home of classic rock and roll,” the Bistro enters its second decade. Growing from a tiny one room restaurant, it has grown through three expansions to the building that has created a seventy five seat bistro, a forty seat lounge and a 45 seat outdoor porch and patio. From a simple menu of soups and sandwiches, the menu has expanded into an offering of appetizers and entrees from around the world. If you say “oopa” to anyone in the area, they will tell you about the flaming cheese saganaki at the Bistro.

From weekends when Bistro owner Deb Barton and her singing partner took to the stage, entertainment has expanded to four nights a week in the summer featuring many of west Michigan’s best known classic rock and roll performers. The Bistro boasts classic rock 52 weekends a year.

Besides their commitment to The White House Bistro, the family is actively involved in the community. David Barton serves on the Saugatuck Planning Commission and is co-chair of Taste of Saugatuck. Deb Barton along with her Bistro duties is vice president of residential mortgages for Chemical Bank, serves on many housing boards and is a member of the Saugatuck Historical Commission. The Bartons are also very involved with programs that feed and educate children in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.

The vision ten years ago of a family business has turned into a reality as the second generation of the family continues into the next decade. Second generation family members include Nate Granzotto who has been in the Bistro kitchen since the day it opened ten years ago and Benjamin (Benny B) Barton, is the White House “Chief of Staff” who was recently promoted to general manager. David and Deb Barton, founders of The White House Bistro will continue to give oversight to the family and devote efforts toward their new venture: Fennville Station Dining Coach & Lounge, opening in a few weeks in Fennville, Michigan.

The Bartons two other children, Leah and Mike Granzotto, can be seen around the Bistro. When home from The University of Michigan, Leah can be seen serving tables and greeting guests. Mike, a freshman at Saugatuck High School can be seen doing whatever is needed to help the family grow the business. The recent arrival of Miss Barrett Shaw Barton brings a third generation of Bartons to Saugatuck.

A special celebration will be held at 8 PM Saturday, May 7, at the Bistro. May VIPs are slated to attend and a few surprise guests are expected. The band Random Play, west Michigan’s rock and roll explosion will perform at 9 PM. In addition to the 10th anniversary party for the Bistro, White House owner David Barton will celebrate his 65th birthday.

Reservations are encouraged and welcome by calling 269.857.3240 or emailing dbdb99@aol.com.

The White House Bistro has announced an addition to their entertainment schedule by expanding to a Sunday music venue. Premiering Sunday, December 12 from five until nine PM is “The Bistro… Laid back and Unplugged.”

The White House Bistro is well known as the “Home of Classic Rock and Roll,” for its Friday and Saturday, year-round venue for quality bands playing music from the 60s, 70s and 80s. The Sunday program will feature different types of music from the same period. “Sunday will be laid back with music you can enjoy while having a conversation,” David Barton, the White House President reports. Performers slated for this winter program include “Ukulele Therapy” with Ronnie Hock, Celtic Charm with Carl Payne, Acoustic Blues with Keith Scott, and many others.

Ronnie Hock, also featured weekly at The Arboreal Inn in Grand Haven, blends ukulele, harmonica and a voice like Paul McCartney in a trip down the musical lane from 1920-1980. This is where the expression “toe tapping” comes from.

Carl Payne spell binds audiences playing harp, dulcimer, guitar and bass at the same time with haunting melodies with and Irish flair.

Keith Scott can be heard playing in Chicago at the famous “House of Blues.” His blend of classic blues guitar and vocals create a nostalgic sense of the 30s and 40s.

The Bistro will offer a completely different atmosphere for this venue. Staged in the dining room with the audience on three sides of the performers, no seat is more than ten feet from the stage. A menu of “all you can eat” homemade soup and salads will also be offered for $7.99. Cocktails will also be served.

“We wanted to create an atmosphere where you can just lay back, relax and hang out with friends on Sundays,” Barton says. Laid Back and Unplugged will premiere December 12 and is scheduled to continue through the winter. For additional information and reservations call 269-857-3240 or the White House website at www.whitehousebistro.com.

PART 1 OF THE TOUR

PART 2 OF THE TOUR