For more than a century, Harry’s Place has been more than a restaurant — it’s been a constant in a changing city.
From factory workers on lunch breaks to families sharing Sunday dinners, generations have found comfort within its walls. Today, third-generation owner Harea Bates proudly carries on the family’s enduring legacy.
Harry Andros opened the restaurant in 1921 and owned and operated it until 1965. His nephew, Art Arvanites, took over and ran it until 2005. At that time, he passed it on to his daughter, Bates, and her husband, Hugh, who, along with their children, Kristi and Matthew, operate the business today.
“It’s something I am really proud of, carrying on the legacy of my great uncle and my dad, and having the privilege to serve our wonderful customers all these years,” Bates said. “The business actually started out as a little restaurant across from the old Durant Motors factory. For about 70 years, Harry’s was a bar and grill that mainly served workers from the Fisher Body plant. When GM closed the factory in 2005, my dad saw it as a good time to step back, and that is when I stepped in to keep it going.”
Located at 404 N. Verlinden Ave. In Lansing, Harry’s serves up burgers, subs, pizza, wings, pork chops, and even liver and onions — among other customer favorites. Its biggest draw is the Friday fish fry, which is served all year long.
Bates said she’s been working at the restaurant since she was a teenager and learned the value of hard work and delivering a quality product from her father. She’s instilling those values in her children, who will someday take over the family business.
“It’s a simple formula, but it still works,” she said. “My dad still comes in regularly, offers advice and is an amazing inspiration. Kristi and Matthew work here with me and my husband, along with our awesome staff. It’s pretty special to see the next generation stepping in.”
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“Thanks to our loyal customers and the support from the neighborhood, we have been able to pivot through any difficult changes over the years and keep going. We kept some menu favorites and that warm ‘like family’ atmosphere we are known for.”
Jason Schmitt
Jason Schmitt is a social media manager for M3 Group. Originally from St. Johns, he spent more than 20 years in the field of journalism, working for several newspapers across the state. He and his wife, Sue, currently reside in Royal Oak and enjoy golf, pickleball, bowling and traveling to warm destinations.
