That is due to the presence of 1,000-foot freighters, as long as three football fields, replacing the smaller boats.
Recently, a Cleveland, Ohio-based fleet grocer ceased operation, leaving only three U.S.-based Great Lakes fleet grocers in operation.
According to Kannowski’s great-grandson, Al Kannowski, his first market was briefly located on Chisholm Street, across from the current Culligan Plaza.
According to Al, he set his sights on Ripley Boulevard property to build a new Marnie Market structure.
When his father passed, he returned to Alpena to join his brother, Max, in operating the Marine Market.
Another observation was that, during the Great Lakes shipping season, the Marine Market could take a boat steward’s order at any time and meet the freighter at their next port of call, which could be hours away.
Serving freighters can range from ports at Erie, Pennsylvania to Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin, Toledo and Cleveland, Ohio, Gary, Indiana, Detroit, Michigan, Northeast Michigan ports, numerous ports on Michigan’s west side, and, periodically, into Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.
In a magazine article, “Feeding the Freighters,” former Alpena News reporter Mike Lozon reflected on how important meals and snacks are on freighters.