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Amtrak train service is available to downtown New Buffalo, one block walking distance to Michigan Thyme!
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About Us

Celebrating its eighteenth year, Michigan Thyme, Ltd. is dedicated  to the simple pleasures of wholesome and gracious living, celebrating the beauty of life. This mission statement of Michigan Thyme Cafe and Shops in New Buffalo is also a personal lifestyle statement of owner, Janet Oberweis Clark. Janet grew up in Aurora, Illinois, where her grandfather founded the famous Oberweis Dairy, and her brother Jim and nephew Joe developed the dairy into its widespread fame. Janet began her food career clearing tables and washing dishes in the Oberweis Ice Cream Shop at age seven.

Since that early beginning, Janet was a teacher, school principal, superintendent, and interior decorator. It's been rumored she's a clotheshorse who compares the appreciation of attire to art. A larger canvas included marriage, two children, and civic activity. In 1987, searching for a summer place, she attended a weekend party in Harbor Country. A casual conversation soon became dream discussion of a future retail business in New Buffalo.

    
In July 1994, an empty hundred year old building, painted a garish yellow and bright blue, in desperate need of repair, became available in New Buffalo. Its past history included a dry goods store, millinery shop, and most  recently, a one-hour photo store.

    
Under Janet's direction, local tradesmen gutted the entire building, reinforced the structural foundation with concrete, and leveled the tipsy floor. A month and a half later on August 23, 1994, the Gourmet Food Shop opened featuring home decorating and entertaining items, as well as packaged specialty foods. Men and women's clothing were later added to become, The Shops at Michigan Thyme.

    
In 1995 Michigan Thyme Cafe opened, starting out as a deli, and later developing into a popular  cafe with catering services and breakfast served all day. This breakfast and lunch cafe offers fresh, seasonal cuisine with homemade soups, salads, sandwiches, wraps, and quiche. Gourmet coffee, juices and waters are available all day.

    
Simply stated, in the homelike setting of Michigan Thyme, every encounter is warm and easy -nothing is taken completely seriously. It's our Harbor Country response to the lure of leisure living.

-Janet Oberweis Clark