Some of the best meals served up come with a side of family history.
From unique ingredients to secret-recipe sauces, these multi-generational restaurants aren’t just serving food — they’re preserving tradition.
Passed down through decades, these five beloved spots in mid-Michigan are proof that when a family puts its heart and soul into a kitchen, the community tastes it.
La Familia Morales – Flint
Founded in 1968 by Esteban Sauceda and Rita Patlan, this restaurant began as La Azteca Taco House.
The restaurant became La Familia Morales in 1998 and is now operated by their granddaughter.
It continues to serve authentic Mexican cuisine, maintaining its rich family heritage.
Crowd favorites at La Familia include the classic taco, with beef or ground turkey.
Families also like to order the super nacho because they can share.
The restaurant is located at 725 Garland St. in Flint. Visit La Familia’s Facebook page here.
Tia Helita’s – Burton
Tia Helita’s has been a cherished part of the Flint area since it first opened its doors on Fenton Road in 1969.
In 1999, the restaurant relocated to 4070 Saginaw St. in Burton where it has become one of the city’s longest-standing establishments.
This longevity is particularly notable in a time when many restaurants and businesses have faced closures.
“We have people that come from Northern Michigan, Lansing, Imlay City and Bloomfield area,” said Mellia Herrera, the restaurant’s general manager. “My grandparents were very known in the community and always opened their doors to anybody.”
Tia Helita’s was founded by Herrera’s grandparents, Maria Villarreal and Urbano Villarreal.
The most popular menu item is the wet stew beef burritos with chunky beef.
“It’s a secret family recipe,” said Herrera.
Read more here.
Starlite Burger & Coney Shop – Burton
This second-generation, family-owned diner has been serving breakfast all day, fresh ground hamburgers, and Flint-style Coney dogs, making it a beloved local institution.
With two locations in Burton near the Flint border, the original location at 1500 N. Center Road was established in 1966.
The newer location opened in 2019 inside the former 3,200 square-foot Boston Market building at 4125 E. Court St., a little over one mile south of the original spot near the corner of Davison and Center roads.
Starlite has always been known for its mouthwatering burgers, which customers can enjoy at either spot.
Starlite is owned by Kosta Popoff, whose father Alex began Starlite Coney Island & Diner in 1966. Co-owner Jason Hester joined on as a business partner in 2007.
Read more here.
St. Laurent Brothers – Bay City
St. Laurent Brothers, 1101 N. Water St., was founded in 1904.
It is renowned for making all-natural peanut butter, candies, assorted chocolates, confectioneries and roasted nuts.
Each year, the business serves more than 100,000 customers and sells nearly 200,000 pounds of nuts that are roasted or made into peanut butter.
Edward St. Laurent began his career in the 1970s, working at his family’s business, St. Laurent Brothers, in downtown Bay City—his hometown.
It was here St. Laurent worked alongside his father and uncles until 1985, when they sold the business.
He returned in April 2025 to the Bay City fixture as general manager, helping to expand the business his ancestors conceived decades ago.
“I am honored to be working for Jordan Dice and his team to continue the St. Laurent legacy,” St. Laurent said in a statement. “I applaud Jordan for his commitment to investing in the community and reviving the history of some of the most iconic businesses such as St. Laurent Brothers.
“My grandfather, father, and uncles put their blood, sweat and tears into this business and I intend to do the same. There is a lot of history here with the great stories and memories. Feel free to stop by, say hello, or share your memories with us.”
Read more here.
Gatsby’s Seafood & Steakhouse – Bay City
Established in 2001 in downtown Bay City by Rick Revette and son Kyle Revette, Gatsby’s Seafood & Steakhouse is another restaurant in a long list of establishments by the Revette family now spanning four generations.
Located at 203 Center Ave., Gatsby’s specializes in steaks, but it also offers from-scratch vegan options with a full vegan menu and meatless specials every Wednesday.
Manager Dan Auger said Gatsby’s is known for “steaks and seafood, first and foremost, with classic cocktails and a nice wine list.”
“All of our steaks are hand-cut in-house,” he said.
Read more here.
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