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BUCHANAN — A new restaurant and cidery is giving the historic Redden block a new lease on life in downtown Buchanan. 

Thistledown & Row, a restaurant and cidery located at 103 Days Ave, opened its doors to the public today and is offering its take on modern American cuisine paired with organic ciders, meads, and Michigan wines. The restaurant is owned and operated by Buchanan Craft LLC., the creators of River Saint Joe, Michigan’s only organic brewery. 

The project has been in the works since 2022, when Buchanan Craft LLC was approached by local developer Rowland Property Group, which envisioned bringing new businesses to Buchanan’s growing downtown area. 

The Rowland Property Group undertook the task of restoring the Redden block, a historic multi-use building erected in the 19th century and located in the heart of downtown, in which Thistledown & Row now resides. The interior of the restaurant space pays homage to the history and character of the building through nods to architectural details, fanciful art, and tributes to the St. Joseph River that runs through Buchanan. 

Thistledown & Row will operate five days a week, open Wednesday through Saturday for dinner service with additional Lunch hours Friday through Sunday. The menu is a mix of modern and classic favorites, utilizing local, in-season ingredients from Buchanan Craft LLC. ‘s sister company, Flatwater Farms, an organic farm located in the Buchanan and Niles Townships. Organic craft ciders and meads brewed using Michigan apples and honey as well as other locally-sourced ingredients will be served on draft alongside Michigan wines and hand-crafted non-alcoholic beverages. A to-go window at the front of the establishment will be used to serve grab-and-go meals and drinks during downtown events and throughout the annual Buchanan Common Concert Series. For more information and to see Thistledown & Row’s full menu go online to www.thistledownandrow.com. 

Thistledown & Row is the second project by local restaurant group Buchanan Craft LLC., whose first venture, River Saint Joe Brewery, is located in Buchanan Township on Flatwater Farms. Buchanan Craft LLC. aims to create dining experiences that are tied to the land through local flavors and ingredients, and through thoughtful stewardship and sustainable practices. 

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