VIDEO: Door County’s Historic White Gull Inn Wins Good Morning America’s Best Breakfast Challenge!

Posted on 20. May, 2010 by Stephen Kastner in Daily Dose of Door, News

Fish Creek becomes home of the Breakfast of Champions… no, not cereal. It’s Cherry-Stuffed French Toast!

In the early 1970’s Door County experienced the opposite of a “brain-drain.” Lots of talented young people decided – for any number of differing reasons – to set sail from all parts of the world to come and settle in Door County. It was an unusual influx, one that brought in a wave of new ideas and energy.

Two of those people, an 18-year old summer-job waitress and her handy-man boss, the young manager of the White Gull Inn met back in 1972. For three years they worked together, fell in love, married and eventually became owners of this historic country Inn. For almost 40 years they have worked to restore and expand the dining and hospitality services of the White Gull – and managed to raise two adult daughters.

Last week, Andy and Jan Coulson, their day-chef Julie Zak and the entire staff at the White Gull Inn were recognized – not only by winning top honors on ABC’s Good Morning America TV show – but also by the wave of support from fans all over the country that took the time to vote for them and help spread the word in an online election to pick America’s Best Breakfast.

Photo by Brian Kelsey

I was there, camera-in-hand for two days, recording the event, not knowing on day one, that I would return the following morning to witness the crowning of a champion. As an emerging filmmaker, with a shoestring budget, I edited down the embedded video (above) and want to share it with the viewers of Door County Style as an early-release, in order to share some of the behind-the-scenes experiences of two of my oldest Door County friends, winning some well-deserved recognition. It was a privilege and a joy to witness. Congrats! …to Andy, Jan, Julie and everyone at the White Gull Inn.

Facebook.com/WhiteGullInn