If you’ve driven past The Superior Inn Hotel lately, you might’ve noticed something different. The familiar sign that once said Chicago Joe’s has been replaced by a new name—Lake & Spruce Restaurant. And with that change, we've heard the question floating through Thunder Bay: “Is the restaurant still open?”

The answer is a heartfelt and resounding yes. We’re not just open, we’re thriving.

This June, we want to set the record straight and open our doors to old friends and new faces alike. Because while the name above the door has changed, everything else you loved remains just the way you remember it—and maybe even a little better.

A New Name, But the Same Soul

Lake & Spruce isn’t a brand-new restaurant. It’s a continuation of everything our guests have always loved—rooted in warmth, comfort, and unmistakable flavor. What began as a simple name change due to new ownership has unexpectedly led to a wave of confusion. Many of our regulars—those who’ve shared laughter, late-night snacks, and Sunday brunches under our roof—are now assuming we’ve closed our doors for good.

We haven’t. We’ve never been more excited to welcome you back.

Our kitchen still hums with the same culinary passion. Our legendary chicken wings and golden strips haven’t gone anywhere. The chefs who perfected your favorite dishes are still behind the grill, crafting every plate with care. The servers who remembered your usual orders, your birthdays, and your stories are still here, smiling, waiting to greet you.

Familiar Faces, Fresh Flavors

While our soul remains unchanged, we’ve taken this opportunity to refresh and expand our menu, bringing in seasonal ingredients, bold new flavors, and chef-inspired creations that pair beautifully with our timeless classics.

Expect more variety. More color on your plate. More inspiration drawn from the rich natural beauty of Thunder Bay—the lakes, the forests, the spirit of community. The name Lake & Spruce pays tribute to that landscape and to the roots we’ve planted right here at The Superior Inn.

Whether you’re a hotel guest looking for a satisfying dinner, a local craving your favorite wings, or someone simply curious to see what’s new, we promise this: your experience will feel familiar—and maybe even more delicious than before.

The Invitation Stands

This month, we invite you to rediscover the restaurant you thought you’d lost. Bring your family, your friends, your appetite, and your stories. Let the comforting smell of grilled chicken, fresh herbs, and seasoned fries lead you through our doors.

Because Lake & Spruce is more than just a name, it’s a promise that some things don’t need to change to stay special. We’re still your neighborhood gathering spot. We’re still the place where memories are made of good food and good company.

We’ve only just begun this new chapter. And we can’t wait for you to be a part of it.

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Lake & Spruce Restaurant
Located inside The Superior Inn Hotel & Conference Centre
555 West Arthur Street, Thunder Bay, ON, P7E 5R5
(807) 577-8880

Come hungry. Leave happy. Come back often.