MANISTEE – Scooby’s Snack Shack, a new retro-style eatery, is set to open at 21 Cypress St. in Manistee.

Scooby’s Snack Shack, owned by Marty Spaulding, has been undergoing renovations for over a year. The sign was recently installed by Johnson Sign Company. Spaulding is also president and CEO of Kalamazoo-based Union Bag and Barrel, which specializes in the restoration of historic buildings.

“My passion is the restoration of historic buildings. … I have found great joy in restoring neglected buildings and making them an asset to their neighborhoods,” Spaulding said on social media.

The Manistee venue will house a fast-food joint and a drive-thru diner. According to a July Facebook post, there will also be ice cream, a vending machine and a small bar with 12 beers on tap. The courtyard will feature smoked barbecue, gyros, al pastor tacos and homemade pies daily.

The plan is to use the rear of the building as a deli and liquor store, offering a wide selection of wines, baked goods, deli sandwiches and home-brewed beer accessories, Spaulding wrote on his Facebook page.

Spaulding seems to nod to that history with a mid-century-inspired logo and other vintage touches like the addition of a 1952 Bastian Blessing machine and a 1964 Rock-Ola to the concession stand.

In a Facebook update, Spaulding stated that Scooby’s Snack Shack is close to completion despite previous delays.

“Scooby’s Snack Shack is not ready yet, but will open first. We have been in a lengthy and complicated utility easement debate for two years. We believe we will finally have that debate behind us in a few weeks,” he explained.

Spaulding has declined several interview requests from the Manistee News Advocate for 2023 and 2024.