Jennifer Champagne
David Delisle, the owner of Happy’s Place in Munising, grew up in the bustling kitchen of Napoli’s Pizza, a local favorite restaurant owned by his mother, Yvonne Delisle. Napoli’s was renowned for its mouth-watering pizza and especially its secret sauce, a recipe so treasured that it attracted pizza lovers from all over, as well as its gravy fries, both of which he features on Happy’s menu. This vibrant culinary environment instilled in Delisle a deep passion for food, particularly pizza, which has stayed with him throughout his life.
Delisle’s childhood was not only filled with the aromas of delicious food but also marked by athletic success. A 1994 graduate of Munising High School, Delisle is known for his remarkable track records, which are a source of local pride. His records in the onemile (4:22) and two-mile (9:30) still stand among the gymnasium record banners.
After a career as an ironworker, Delisle returned to Munising with a mission to give back to his community. He started by running a successful food truck, Happy’s, specializing in pizza and empanadas. However, Delisle’s ultimate goal was to save the beloved bowling alley where he had spent countless hours as a child, playing in leagues and watching his mentor, David “Satch” Methot, excel at the sport. Satch worked at the bowling alley for 43 years, becoming a fixture of the local bowling scene.
In February 2023, Delisle’s dream came to fruition with the opening of Happy’s Place, a unique combination of a family- friendly bowling alley and restaurant. The lanes were named Satch’s Lanes in honor of his mentor, who has been instrumental in getting them up and running and providing ongoing maintenance support. The journey to this point has been long and challenging, filled with moments of doubt and perseverance. Delisle credits the unwavering support of the Munising community and a few close friends for making it possible.
“Without the community and the people who believe in me, I wouldn’t have made it,” shared Delisle. “Their support has been incredible, especially during the tough times.”
Kristy Bonevelle, former owner of the popular Beachcombers and a burger innovator in her own right, has been a key supporter and helped Dave with the menu, bringing her famous Smash Burger to the venue. “He’s my best friend, and I want to see him succeed. He’s doing something for the community, and I just want to help him in any way I can. No one works harder than Dave,” she said.
The community’s effort has been truly remarkable. Two good Samaritans from another town, hearing that Delisle needed help getting the automatic scoring system online, popped in one day and within an hour had it up and running. This was a significant upgrade from Delisle’s childhood days when he bowled during the Bradway ownership and kept score for leagues by pen and paper. “I used to mark for leagues when they didn’t have automated scoring,” recalled Delisle. “These two gentlemen showed up out of the blue, heard I was having trouble with the system, and within an hour, they had it up and running. Their generosity and expertise were incredible. They even said they’d come back in a few weeks to tweak the system a little more. It’s just amazing how people are willing to step up and help.”
Delisle also constructed a new bar and service counter as an homage to previous owner Scott Smith, who ran the bowling alley under the name Munising Bowl. Smith has been supportive throughout the transition, offering guidance and encouragement. “Scott’s support has meant a lot to me,” said Delisle.
Looking ahead, Delisle knows that for Happy’s Place to thrive, especially through the fall and winter, forming bowling leagues will be essential. “Leagues are imperative for us to remain open,” said Delisle. “Without both adult and children’s leagues, I may have to shift to being a seasonal business.”
In addition to the bowling and community gatherings, Happy’s Place is excited to announce new summer hours and an updated menu. The summer hours are Monday through Thursday from 12 to 8 p.m. and Friday through Sunday from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. The new menu includes delightful additions like the Smash Burger and breakfast options starting on Thursdays.
The breakfast menu features quick and delicious options such as a breakfast bowl with eggs, hash browns, mushrooms, onions, green peppers, and cheese, perfect for a graband- go meal. Delisle also proudly offers his mother’s biscuits and gravy. “I believe my mom’s biscuits and gravy are the best I’ve ever had. Bringing them to Happy’s Place is a way to honor her memory and share a piece of our family tradition with the community,” said Delisle.
Another must-try is Delisle’s twist on his mother’s famous Napoli’s pizza, with his own spin on the secret sauce. Other customer favorites include burgers, cheesy breadsticks, and the rising star, Cowboy Chicken Sandwich.
Happy’s Place has also recently launched its website, making it easier for customers to stay updated on events and menu changes.
Delisle’s dedication to quality and community is not only reviving the bowling alley but also has made Happy’s Place a beloved local spot, where every pizza tells a story of tradition, love, and the joy of good food. The community’s support in booking the venue for birthdays, work luncheons, and baby showers has allowed him to keep the doors open.
Katherine Reynolds, CEO of the Greater Munising Bay Partnership/Alger County Chamber of Commerce and executive director of the Munising Downtown Development Authority, praised Delisle’s efforts to keep the building active. “It is great to see this building open and the space being enjoyed by people of all ages. Hats off to David and all of the work he has been doing to make this happen. His perseverance and desire to bring enjoyment to others is evident,” stated Reynolds.
For more information, visit Happy’s Place at www. happysplacemunising.com.
