Birch Run Restaurant Guide

In 1962 Lloyd "Shorty" and Florence Fent built the first Laundromat in Birch Run with 20 washers and 12 dryers. In 1963 Duane and Chuck Fent decided a coffee shop would go over big as the new Clio-Fenton Expressway (now known as I-75) was opening. So, on the July 4th weekend of 1963, Duane and Chuck opened the doors to the Exit Drive-Inn, complete with 10 counter stools and car hops to serve their customers. They started as a family business with many of the family members as employees. It wasn't long when they added an addition of 30 seats and the car hop services canceled. In February 1968, construction began to remodel an expand both Fent's Laundry and The Exit Restaurant. The doors were opened again on March 13th, but tragedy struck on week later when a fire destroyed both businesses on Monday, March 18th, 1968 at 4:00pm. Although there was a tremendous loss to Lloyd, Chuck and Duane, they maintained their enjoyment of business and once again construction of The Exit Restaurant began. In 65 Days, due to help of friends, neighbors and family, the restaurant was built with the seating capacity for approximately 140 people.
Chuck's son Dennis is now the General Manager of The Exit Restaurant, and son David is the General Manager of Subway and America's Best Value Inn & Suites. Hospitality has always been a goal of our business and we are all saddened by the loss of "Mr. Hospitality", our father Lloyd "Shorty" Fent, who passed away November 12, 1991. He instilled in each of his sons and daughter that everyone we meet is a friend and customer. Because we are proud of our businesses we encourage you to visit each one to see what we have to offer.