NewsLocal NewsIn Your NeighborhoodEast Lansing - Okemos - Haslett - Williamston - Webberville

Actions

Decade old empty building brought back to life in Okemos

Anna's House Okemos
Posted
and last updated

EAST LANSING, Mich. — After standing empty for nearly a decade, the former Pizza Hut in Okemos got a makeover and will reopen as Anna's House on Feb. 4.

Anna's House moving into mid-Michigan
Anna's House has been remodeling the old Pizza Hut building since last January.

Anna's House is a chain of brunch restaurants in Michigan and this is their first location in the Lansing area.

“We’ve always been looking for something in Lansing, for years,” said General Manager Becky Miller.

Miller says she's excited for this location to open Feb. 4 and her history with the company goes all the way back to the beginning; 17 years ago.

"In 2003 I owned Anna's House," she said. "A couple years later I sold it to Josh Beckett, the owner now."

Anna's House moves into mid-Michigan
Paintings like these ones can be found through the restaurant.

Beckett was once just a customer of the original Anna's House in Grand Rapids. Eventually, him and Miller became friends and now, co-workers.

“Josh ran it a couple years and gave me a call and asked me if I would come back and be willing to help open new stores," Miller said. "And that's the part I really enjoy. Josh is good at finances and money and I'm good with food."

They planned to open last March, but Regional Manager Christina Post said COVID set them back.

Anna's House Okemos

“Unfortunately, COVID created a lot of road blocks for us as far as getting permits on time and getting crews together," Post said.

But now they're opening just in time for the 25 percent indoor dining capacity.

“We’re actually okay with the 25 percent to start because it helps with the training, it's a slower transition, less mistakes,” Miller said.

On top of indoor dining, Anna's House will be offering takeout, as well. To view their menu, visit their website here: