Popular St. Clair Shores eatery stays afloat with SBA Guaranteed Loan program!

Waves Chill and Grill Restaurant, located on the Nautical Mile in St. Clair Shores, has been a family dining/ late night hot spot for more than ten years.  Started in 1995 by Nancy and Jim Thibault, their son Michael and Donald Moore, the eatery is a local favorite known for its tropical atmosphere featuring Polynesian food with a Cuban flair.

Earlier this year the restaurant changed ownership when Don Moore, Director of Catering, and Scott Vezinau, Executive Chef and Operations Director, had an opportunity to purchase the restaurant from the previous owners.  They decided the time was right to invest in the business and begin to incorporate some of their newer, more contemporary ideas into the operations.

In the current economic climate, obtaining credit to make the purchase was becoming a barrier for Moore and Vezinau.  They sought the assistance of Jim Ahee, Senior Economic Development Specialist with the Macomb County Department of Planning & Economic Development.  With Ahee’s help, they were able to obtain financing from Lake Osceola State Bank in Baldwin, Michigan.  The package includes an SBA 7a loan, which secured the deal by guaranteeing 75 percent of the principal loan amount to the bank.  As a result, Moore and Vezinau were able to keep the restaurant running and, more importantly, keep the 100 people that work at the restaurant employed. 

Waves Chill and Grill has a dual personality.   First, its extensive American and seafood menu choices have made it a family favorite for more than ten years.  Add a splash of a unique Polynesian influence and Waves has found the recipe for success with diners from near and far.   

When the dinner crowd leaves, the party crowd moves in.  A new rush of customers arrives each night at around 11 p.m., to enjoy the nightly entertainment and dancing.   Wednesday’s karaoke is popular as is Thursday’s regular, the Erich Grobbel Band.  DJ Tommy Holiday mixes the music to the great satisfaction of throngs of dancers on Friday and Saturday nights. 

Moore and Vezinau have more than 20 years experience in the restaurant business and are also establishing a reputation as one of Michigan’s top caterers.  Aside from family functions and social events, Waves has served up lavish layouts for North American International Auto Show exhibitors, Super Bowl parties and events at Masonic Temple, Fillmore Detroit, the Detroit Historical Museum and other venues throughout the region.  Moore and Vezinau are working to expand this aspect of the business and hope to add 20 new jobs in the near future.

Check out the restaurant at www.waveschillgrill.com and better yet visit them for some excellent dining.