Great Lakes Friendly Restaurants

star_border: Denotes a Platinum Level Ocean Friendly Restaurant that meets all of our program's criteria.

Restaurant Information

check_circle_outline Only reusable foodware is used for onsite dining. info
check_circle_outline Paper straws are provided only upon request. info
check_circle_outlineNo expanded polystyrene use (aka Styrofoam™).
check_circle_outlineNo plastic bags are used for takeout or to-go orders.
check_circle_outlineSingle-use utensils, straws, condiments, and other accessory items are provided only upon request for takeout and to-go orders.
check_circle_outlineBeverages are not sold in plastic bottles.
check_circle_outlineProper recycling practices are followed.

check_circle_outlineA discount is offered for customers with a reusable item (e.g. cup, container, bag).
check_circle_outlineVegetarian and vegan food options are offered on a regular basis.
check_circle_outlineAll seafood is ‘Best Choice’ or ‘Good Alternative’ as defined by Seafood Watch, or no seafood is served.
check_circle_outlineWater conservation and pollution mitigation efforts are implemented.*
check_circle_outlineEnergy efficiency efforts are in place.**
check_circle_outlineConcessions and pre-packaged food items are not sold in plastic packaging.
check_circle_outlineComposting efforts are in place for food waste.
check_circle_outlineNeither single-use plastic nor bio-based plastic containers are used for takeout or to-go orders, reusable containers are preferred.

Locally sourced, sustainable seafood is preferred and should be prioritized when Seafood Watch recommendations do not apply.
Examples include installing low-flow faucets and toilets, offering drinking water upon request only, no hosing down outside to reduce urban runoff, proper disposal of FOG, and up-to-date septic or sewage to prevent wastewater pollution.
Examples include switching to LED lighting, installing solar panels, using Energy Star certified appliances and/or other efforts to use less energy.

Great Lakes Friendly Restaurants marketing collateral including window stickers, brochures, and bill inserts to promote your membership to customers.
Use of Great Lakes Friendly Restaurants logos for restaurant menu, website and other restaurant marketing materials.
Restaurant listed on Surfrider national and chapter websites.
Restaurant included in Ocean / Great Lakes Friendly Restaurants national map on Surfrider national and chapter websites.
Launch parties and collaborative promotions with your nearest Surfrider chapter.
Access to national vendor discounts on sustainable restaurant and to-go products.
Tax-deductible donation opportunity.
Association with a nationally recognized nonprofit with thousands of members and supporters working hard to keep our ocean healthy and protected!

Mitch's Seafood saves over $4,000 a year by switching from single-use plastic to reusables for onsite dining.

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The Tiny Turtle saves over $3,000 a year by offering paper straws upon request.

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Channel Islands Juice Co. can save between $900-2,000 a year by running a glass bottle return system after reaching their breakeven point.

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Flying Fish Co. saves about $10,000 a year by switching from bioplastic disposable cups to reusable stainless steel cups.

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