Home Blog An Experienced Team of Local Entrepreneurs AnnouncesThe Acquisition of Humbug Marina and JP McGuire’s Waterfront Restaurant

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An Experienced Team of Local Entrepreneurs AnnouncesThe Acquisition of Humbug Marina and JP McGuire’s Waterfront Restaurant

destinationdownriverApril 6, 20243 Mins read

gibralter, mi

A team comprised of Downriver Residents Justin Bise, Robert Molnar, Ron Thomas and Joshua Cade announce their purchase of Humbug Marina and JP’s Waterfront Restaurant in Gibraltar, Michigan.

“As a team of Downriver natives, we understand the location and culture that makes Humbug and JP’s a special, unique place” says Thomas. He further explains that sellers, Jason and Krissy McGuire along with partners Jamie and Holly Jensen personified that hardworking culture as evidenced by the improvements they and their team put in place over the last seven (7) years. For example, the McGuire's/Jensen’s built a brand new full service waterfront restaurant (JP’s Waterfront), among many other improvements, and in doing so helped revive the waterfront community of Gibraltar.

Thomas further shares “The McGuires recognized that it would take a very capable team to continue on with what they built. Myself, Josh, Justin and Rob all share the long term vision of continuing what Jason has created, and we are honored that he has entrusted us with the opportunity to do so”.

The team, through a newly formed entity named Rise Gibraltar LLC, took over management effective March 1^st and will conclude the acquisition after a transition phase allowing regulatory transfers of the various licenses and approvals needed to operate the dynamic facility.

“We're all very fortunate to be surrounded by really strong teams in our respective businesses, which allowed us to get together and take on this project. The cyclical nature of this business meshes really well with some relatively slower times in our other businesses. This flexibility will allow us to keep people employed year-round, reduce seasonal turnover, provide gainful career opportunities, and improve the performance consistency of our customer service”. Rob Molnar continues. “At the marina customers can look forward to investments and growth in Will Musser’s service department, continued dock and seawall rehabilitation, more heated boat storage space, new and used boat brokerage, and customer-centric adoption of technology. The relaxed marina culture will continue to be the Mission.”

“Taking over an already successful operation is more challenging in many ways than starting fresh or trying to turn something around” says Josh Cade. “Dean McGuire set a high bar for service and attention.” Josh currently owns and operates local well-known establishments such as District 142, Whiskey’s on the Water, and Iron Gate; each with their unique atmospheres. “The focus at JP’s Waterfront is going to be continuing the great service while focusing on quality and the exciting atmosphere that exists in the waterfront setting. One opportunity we have is to establish a beer garden outside where guests can enjoy cocktails and appetizers in a relaxed environment while waiting for dinner seating. We’re committed to cutting down wait times in the summer months and serving the demand,” per Josh. Fortunately, many of the current staff members are staying on board and are excited to maintain the many relationships that they’ve made with loyal guests over the last few years. Large groups and private parties can book a two-story pavilion as a private event space. “We have a great team and are excited to bring our energy, focus, and maybe even some awe-inspiring cocktails for guests to enjoy.”

The entire facility offers a full-service restaurant, 500+ boat slips, 200+ rack and launch spots, indoor and outdoor winter boat storage, boat brokerage, mechanic service, hoist service up to 35 tons, bathhouses with laundry, and a waterfront convenience store with beer, fuel and pump out services conveniently located where the Detroit River meets Lake Erie in Gibraltar, Michigan.

The site will remain home to Sunseeker’s Boating Club; featuring a nicely constructed and outfitted clubhouse with bar service, an outdoor recreation area, and club member dockage. For 32 years and counting Sunseeker’s is a social boating club made up of enthusiastic, friendly people. The Club provides members, their families, and their guests great times through fun activities, friendship and entertainment, both on and off the water. They are a club affiliate of AYC.