The new cafe features an expanded breakfast and lunch menu, something that was not possible at the former site.

The new location at 302 S. Stephenson Ave., formerly Paws & Claws pet grooming, was on owner Marilyn Fisher’s radar when she was looking to open Blends in 2021, but it did not work out at that time. Blends would eventually end up in the 415 Stephenson Building.

Fisher, who owns The Green Spot Cafe with her son and daughter-in-law Dave and Yvonne Slattery, has a long history as a decorator and restaurant owner. She and her husband, Jay David Fisher, opened their first restaurant back in 1976 in California. Throughout the years she and her husband would own restaurants not only in California, but Idaho and Nevada as well. After her husband’s death, Fisher moved from Reno, Nev., to the area to live closer to her son and daughter-in-law. But she soon wanted to get back into the restaurant business.

Fate took a turn when the landlord at 415 Stephenson purchased the former pet grooming site Fisher had originally wanted and asked if she would like to relocate there.

THE GREEN SPOT Cafe is at 302 S. Stephenson Ave. in Iron Mountain. (Jim Paul/Daily News photo)

Soon began a months-long renovation of the new location. The building was completely redone and is unrecognizable from its previous versions. Fisher said it was quite the challenge fitting all of the kitchen equipment. The cafe is small but cozy, with some room for seating.

The Green Spot Cafe opened for business in April and has been well received by old and new customers. Fisher says she also receives business from guests at the new TownPlace Suites next door that are looking for a later breakfast.

“People are loving us, in fact, they love our breakfast,” Fisher said. “We care about what we do — when you care, it shows. People like what is going on.”

Fisher describes The Green Spot Cafe’s food as “healthier, but not health food.” Care is put into the selection of ingredients and nothing is deep fried or cooked in grease.

The smoothies are all gluten and dairy free. There are even several vegetarian options available.

“When you say you are healthier, they think it is not good if it is healthy,” Fisher said. “That is not true. We serve meat, ham, chicken, even bacon when I do specials. So we do not hold back on anything, but we are a healthier option.”

Breakfast is served weekdays until 11 a.m. and all day on Saturday. The breakfast menu features scrambles made with farm-fresh eggs, an Asian veggie stir fry, New Orleans-style custard French toast and the popular eggs Benedict.

Lunch has soups and salads, including garden, caesar and specialty salads. Sandwiches on the menu include ham, turkey and a fresh garden stack, among others.

A deli case often features quiches, frittatas, lasagna, salads and desserts.

The Green Spot Cafe also makes take-and-bake gluten-free pizzas with a cauliflower crust.

In addition, Fisher packages and sells spice blends that she created, many of which are used on menu items.

The Green Spot Cafe is at 302 S. Stephenson Ave. in Iron Mountain and is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 8 a.m to 2 p.m. Saturdays.

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The Daily News plans to highlight some of the new businesses in the region. Know of one that recently opened or changed hands? Contact Jim Paul at 906-774-2772, ext. 229, or jpaul@ironmountaindailynews.com.