'It's time': Owner of Lucey Loo’s in Echo Bay hanging up apron

Looking to own your own business?

A restaurant east of the Sault is up for sale as as the owner of Lucey Loo's in Echo Bay has announced her retirement.

Patti Kastikainen is also offering an option to purchase an adjacent home and garage out of which her late husband ran his contracting business.

“It’s time for me to take a step back and spend more time in the garden and with family,” Kastikainen said.

Fans of the eatery can rest assured that the business will continue operating as usual until a buyer is found, according to Kastikainen.

Find more details in the following news release:

Patti Kastikainen, owner and operator of Lucey Loo’s Restaurant, has announced her plans to retire after more than 40 years in the restaurant industry and has placed the Echo Bay establishment for sale, with an option to purchase adjacent home and garage which was the headquarters for her late husband’s contracting business E.K.C. Inc.

Patti and Esko purchased the property in 1988 after managing the Hiawatha Lodge in Sault Ste. Marie.

Originally named Country Place Restaurant and Tavern, the local establishment has operated under several names over the years, including Big Loon Café and Bucci’s Place during periods when the couple leased out the property to local entrepreneurs.

Situated on Highway 17B next to Echo Bay’s iconic “Big Loonie”, the restaurant and adjacent home sit on commercially zoned land with direct access to Highway 17B.

This offers numerous opportunities for entrepreneurs or investors looking to either continue the successful restaurant business or explore new development possibilities.

The listing comes at a unique time for Echo Bay, especially following the recent closure of the town’s LCBO store – a popular stop for residents and camp owners of nearby communities.

With recent changes to provincial regulations which now allow beer and wine sales in convenience and grocery stores, a new owner could capitalize by adding these services or converting part of the space to fill the gap in the local area.

Echo Bay has seen many new families and retirees move into the village in recent years, driving low inventory of rental properties and homes for sale. Many have chosen to live in the village which offers a variety of new recreational facilities and a short commute to Sault Ste Marie.

“The restaurant and tavern consist of 4,800 square feet between the main floor and the basement. The sale includes all restaurant and bar equipment, making it a truly turnkey operation. The tavern, located on the lower level, has been closed for several years, but could easily be reopened with minimal updates,” said Kastikainen.

“The adjacent 1,430 square-foot home, which recently underwent renovations, is also being offered as part of the sale. The property features a massive five-bay garage—an ideal setup for a contractor or mechanic looking for a homebase.”

“It’s time for me to take a step back and spend more time in the garden and with family,” said Kastikainen. “Esko and I were so fortunate to have such loyal customers and staff over the years—many of whom who are like family. I will certainly miss interacting with them daily when a new buyer is found.”

Lucey Loo’s will continue operating as usual until a buyer is located. Century 21 has been tapped to handle the listing.