Matthew Branton:

Matthew Branton, owner of North Country Kitchen and Bar in Suttons Bay, has been operating the establishment for the past year since closing on the purchase from Karen Boone in March 2023.

Since opening last June, Branton moved to Leelanau County to run his newest business venture and has been getting acclimated to working in the restaurant industry.

“It’s been a lot of fun. A restaurant is very difficult and complicated — very different from what I’ve done before, but I’m really enjoying it and I hope everyone else is enjoying it,” Branton said. “I love living up here and I really like the people — it reminds me a lot of where I grew up.”