Thirsty Fish Sports Grille to Close November 29
The Thompsons' six-year run at 221 East State Street ends as the business no longer holds a lease on the building.
Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Openings & Closings
Thirsty Fish Sports Grille will close its doors on November 29 at 221 East State Street, ending a six-year run under owners Rick and Christina Thompson, who took over in 2020. The business announced the closure on Facebook and invited customers to keep visiting through the rest of the month.
Why it matters
The closure comes after Union Street Station shut in February amid a legal battle with building owner Bob Guyot, and the business said it no longer holds a lease and has other plans for the building. The owners also noted that not owning the property leaves some of its success in others' hands.
The closure ends a run of roughly six years under owners Rick and Christina Thompson, who took over in 2020. The source does not specify the building's future use beyond the operator's reference to other plans.
The players
Thirsty Fish Sports Grille
A sports grille at 221 East State Street whose operators are announcing its closure after six years.
Bob Guyot
The building owner involved in a legal battle with Union Street Station before that business closed in February.
The details
Thirsty Fish Sports Grille is set to close on November 29, and the owners invited customers to continue visiting through the rest of the month. The announcement was posted on Facebook, and the business said it is no longer in a lease on the building.
Timeline
2020: Rick and Christina Thompson take over Thirsty Fish Sports Grille.
February: Union Street Station closes amid a legal battle with building owner Bob Guyot.
November 29: Thirsty Fish Sports Grille closes its doors.
Openings & Closings
The Thirsty Fish closure follows Union Street Station's February shutdown, which also unfolded amid a legal fight with building owner Bob Guyot. Both cases show how tenants without ownership of their premises can lose operating ground when landlord relationships break down.
Customers who want to visit Thirsty Fish Sports Grille have through November 29 before it closes. The closure also signals that diners who frequent the venue will need to find another sports grille once it shuts.
The takeaway
Tenants who do not own their building can lose their location quickly when a lease ends or a landlord dispute arises, so local food and drink businesses are exposed to decisions made outside their control. Regulars should check directly with operators before assuming a favorite spot will remain open.
Further reading
For more restaurant and business shutdowns like this one, browse Openings & Closings.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Ticker | Traverse City News & Events.
