Crocodile Palace: An Overwhelmingly Addictive Traverse City Dining Experience That’s Growing!
Crocodile Palace co-owner Michael Evans describes their Chinese-Sichuan dining experience as “overwhelmingly addictive” for their rapidly growing patron base that now spans two Traverse City locations.
Michael and co-owner/brother Patrick say the keys to success are “playing to the audience” with spices and flavors and exceptional service. That’s coupled with a “people first” organization that strives to make every element of work rewarding.
Their menu includes Grilled and Chilled Romaine with cashew, chili vinaigrette, goji berry and scallion oil. Or you can try Spicy Cold Noodles with chilled noodles, chicken or tofu, peanuts, scallion, cilantro and fresh chili. And there’s also Gong Bao Chicken that includes chili, Sichuan peppercorn, dark soy, ginger, garlic, scallions, peanuts and jasmine rice. Go to crocodilepalace.com for a complete menu of options.
As highly talented graduates of the Great Lakes Culinary Institute, the entrepreneurial brothers have experience from San Francisco to France and have charted a path near their Traverse City home.
Their Crocodile Palace location at 124 Cochlin Street offers take-out/pick-up from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday – Sunday. Drop by or call ahead to place your order at 231-421-3555.
Their new Crocodile Palace location at Little Fleet, 448 Front Street, has outside patio dining and pickup options, also from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday – Sunday, (open ‘til 10:00 on Friday and Saturday.) Call ahead for take-out orders: 231-943-1115. Little Fleet’s fare includes bar snacks, cold dishes, salads and sandwiches.
The talented team of Michael Evans, Ryan Corbin + Patrick Evans flanked by some uniquely tasty Crocodile Palace fare.
“Both locations are dedicated to Chinese - Sichuan fare – cuisine from China’s Sichuan Province,” says Michael. “It’s based on traditional ethnic street food to make every dish approachable.”
“We offer a distinctive and unique flavor profile that can be adjusted to fit the spice tolerance of a diner,” Michael explains. “Our menu reflects the cooling effect of green and red pepper spices with the heat of chilis for a truly distinctive meal that honors a centuries-old ethnic tradition.” That blend produces the overwhelmingly addictive senses that beckons guests to return.
It’s fun, memorable and mouthwatering. Once you go, you’ll want to return and join their growing number of “regulars.”
Venture North Funding and Development, a nonprofit source of financial and technical support to hundreds of businesses in northwest Michigan, recently provided $50,000 in growth capital to Crocodile Palace.
“We were impressed with Michael and Patrick,” said Venture North Market Development specialist Steve Brower. “They had a well-conceived plan for the business. Their growth means more customers and employees and they do a fantastic job supporting both. It’s an honor to help them.”
“We strive daily to make Crocodile Palace a great place for customers as well as employees,” said Michael. “Employees can use this experience to hone their skills – from use of a knife to use of spices and flavors, as well as their understanding of what’s involved in running a business. We want to demonstrate and teach the power of making people first in everything we do.”
First and foremost, Crocodile Palace is a fun and memorable experience – overwhelmingly addictive for the patrons they serve!