New on-water delivery service for boaters debuts on Lake Charlevoix

CHARLEVOIX — Boaters on Lake Charlevoix now have a new way to enjoy their time on the water without worrying about stocking up on supplies.

Dinghy Dash, a food and grocery delivery service for boaters, officially launched this summer, providing a convenient and unique solution for those spending time on the lake.

Founded by Jessica Alcorn and Charles Strehl, both 28, Dinghy Dash operates primarily in the Round Lake and Oyster Bay areas near the City of Charlevoix. The service offers boaters the ability to order food from area restaurants and grocery supplies from Oleson's directly to their vessels, eliminating the need to dock and leave the water.

“We wanted to create something that makes life easier for boaters,” said Strehl.

The concept for Dinghy Dash was inspired by the growing popularity of on-demand delivery services and the unique lifestyle of Northern Michigan's boating community. Boaters can text a grocery list or place orders at any of their favorite restaurants in downtown Charlevoix and, within a short time, a delivery dinghy will arrive with their requested items.

“Our goal is to provide a service so boaters can have more time on the water,” added Strehl.

"Hot takeout, fresh groceries and whatever floats your boat" is their slogan.

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Dinghy Dash operates on weekends from 1-7 p.m., and will be present at several major events throughout the summer. They announce their daily locations on Facebook so boaters can easily find them.

"We'll be serving Aquapalooza with takeout orders from local restaurants," said Strehl.

Local restaurants have embraced Dinghy Dash as well, seeing it as an opportunity to reach more customers, according to Strehl.

“They consider it like adding ‘floating tables’ to their restaurants,” he said.

As Dinghy Dash starts its first summer on Lake Charlevoix, Alcorn and Strehl are already looking ahead to expanding their service.

“We’ve had a great response so far. People are very excited when they hear about what we are doing,” said Alcorn.

For more information or to place an order, boaters can visit the Dinghy Dash Facebook page or call/text (231) 676-8471.

— Contact reporter Annie Doyle at (231) 675-0099 and [email protected]

This article originally appeared on The Petoskey News-Review: Dinghy Dash launches on-water food delivery service for boaters on Lake Charlevoix