Sustainability

Branding Birmingham

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September 19, 2013

Downtown Birmingham is taking on the indoor shopping malls and big box retailers by promoting its 70-plus home, home accessory stores and home design businesses in one easy-to-shop district that comes with better atmosphere. The city's Principal Shopping District is working to capitalize on its home-related stores -- contemporary, rustic Italian, chic, and Northern Michigan styles among them -- with the branding campaign, BLUEPRINT: THE BIRMINGHAM HOME COLLECTION. The first Blueprint event was in May in connection with spring and summer decor updates. The next is the weekend of Oct. 3-5, the Fashion Your Home for Fall 2013. It will feature stores with trunk shows, sales and promotions, how-to seminars and more during the weekend. Check out enjoybirmingham.com's website or Facebook page for details. John Heiney, executive director of the Principal Shopping District that markets the downtown and downtown retailers, says the intent is not to say Birmingham is a better destination but an alternative seriously worth considering. "I wouldn't take it upon myself to say better or worse. What we're really saying is people may not know what a great destination Birmingham is for home furnishings and home accessories and items for the home," he says. "People may think of Birmingham more for its fashion or shopping and its restaurants," he says. "We have all that but when you think about home furnishings, gifts, dishware, kitchen items, cabinetry, and interior designers, we really do have quite a wide variety of stores and businesses that are all geared toward the home." Plus, he says, on days when shopping may be time-consuming it's nice to have the downtown with the atmosphere and environment. Like the May BLUEPRINT event Heiney and retailers expect a good turnout. "We think this is something that's going to grow every year," he says. "More and more customers are becoming aware of what we're doing and what we have her. We're just getting started." Source: John Heiney, executive director, Birmingham Principal Shopping District Writer: Kim North Shine

Latest in Sustainability

BoConcept brings Danish decor to downtown Birmingham

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Arts and Culture

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September 19, 2013

A husband-and-wife team opening a Danish furniture store in downtown Birmingham say they are speaking to locals' long-held love of simple, contemporary design. Steve and Jane Szydek are opening BoConcept at 670 South Woodward this month in a 6,800-square-foot space filled with customizable, modular furniture and accessories that can be combined and assembled in numerous ways. A grand opening with sales and special events is set for Oct. 5. The Szydeks describe their Danish franchise as a store that offers an affordable shopping experience in a unique environment that's unlike typical furniture showrooms. “We decided to bring BoConcept to Michigan because for many years Danish furniture thrived in this area and it embraces the need for space, individuality, and great prices,” says Steve Szydek. “The designs feature clean, pure lines and are minimalist and modern. Most everything in the store can be customized in terms of color, style, material and size.” The BoConcept Birmingham store opening brings the Denmark-based BoConcepts number of stores in North America to 30. It is the first in Michigan. The company has 230 franchise stores and 90 studios in more than 50 countries. Source: Steve and Jane Szydek, owners, BoConcept Birmingham Writer: Kim North Shine

Food Truck grants heat up business plans

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Arts and Culture

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September 19, 2013

Two metro Detroit food trucks are sharing in state economic development grants meant to support a burgeoning industry in Michigan. The $77,775 in grants awarded by the Michigan Economic Development Corp., which predicts food truck businesses will be a $2.7-billion industry by 2017, went to Southfield-based Detroit Pommes Frites and Plain and Fancy Food from Pontiac. With matching grants from each winner, a total of $144,246 is being invested in the 10 food trucks. The grants are part of the 2013 Mobile Cuisine Startup Program, which is designed to help new or growing businesses that "offer easily accessible and unique food options to patrons in public spaces and contribute to the local economy by working with other local businesses and farms. The intent of this program is to assist with community and economic development by increasing pedestrian traffic in downtowns and traditional commercial cores," according to the MEDC announcement of the winners. MEDC president and CEO Michael Finney says "today's grants will help food entrepreneurs from around the state launch their business ideas, grow, and create jobs in Michigan." Other winners included MI Fresh Start in Traverse City, The Organic Gypsy in Kalamazoo, Roaming Harvest in Interlochen, Dia De Los Tacos in Marquette, Taco Now in Flint and Pure F2T in East Lansing. Source: Kathy Fagan, Michigan Economic Development Corp. Writer: Kim North Shine

Federal grant funds speedier trains between Dearborn and Kalamazoo

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Arts and Culture

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September 12, 2013

A 135-mile stretch of railway that runs from Dearborn to Kalamazoo will undergo $9 million in improvements to prepare it for a 110-mph regional commuter rail service between Detroit and Chicago. The federal TIGER grant announced this week is one of several meant to create jobs and improve mass transit infrastructure in the Midwest and across the country. The Michigan Department of Transportation will oversee the project. The Midwest High Speed Rail Service will run on an AMTRAK line that will eventually provide higher-rate service on a Pontiac and Ann Arbor line through Michigan, to Chicago and other parts of Illinois and Indiana. “These transformational TIGER projects are the best argument for investment in our transportation infrastructure,” U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx said in a statement announcing a total of $474 million in grants. “Together, they support President Obama’s call to ensure a stronger transportation system for future generations by repairing existing infrastructure, connecting people to new jobs and opportunities, and contributing to our nation’s economic growth.” In Dearborn, where an intermodal passenger rail station is to open in mid-2014 on Michigan Avenue near Brady, mass transit improvements are seen as a way to "draw more visitors, businesses and residents" and "support the city's largest institutions and their employees: Ford, U-M Dearborn and The Henry Ford: America's Greatest History Attraction," says Dearborn Mayor John B. O'Reilly. Source: Nick Schirripa, spokesperson, Michigan Department of Transportation Writer: Kim North Shine

Revolution Lighting acquires Oxford-based Relume Technologies

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Economic Development

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September 12, 2013

Revolution Lighting Technologies has acquired Relume Technologies and plans to keep the Oxford-based firm’s facilities in Oxford. Relume Technologies makes LED lights and smart-grid control systems. Think LED streetlights and the control systems that help maximize electricity usage. LED lights are seen as the next generation in energy efficient lights, and use exponentially less electricity than traditional incandescent light bulbs. Relume Technologies is a portfolio company of Beringea, Michigan’s largest venture capital firm. Revolution Lighting Technologies, a Connecticut-based company listed on the NASDAQ, agreed to pay $15 million to acquire Relume Technologies with $5 million in cash and $10 million worth of its common stock. “We thought there was a strong partnership with Revolution Lighting,” says Michael Gross, managing director of Beringea. He adds, “we thought it was a better path for growth than just keeping Relume as a stand-alone company.” Relume Technologies’ acquisition is Beringea’s fourth exit in the last five months. It is also Beringea’s second exit of a Michigan-based company this year. Pioneer Surgical Technology, which is based in Marquette, was acquired in June. Source: Michael Gross, managing director of Beringea Writer: Jon Zemke Read more about Metro Detroit's growing entrepreneurial ecosystem at SEMichiganStartup.com.

Ink Detroit’s new online store promotes Michigan-made goods

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Arts and Culture

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September 12, 2013

Ink Detroit started out as a company focused solely on making shirts and such that express Detroit love, and now the eight-year-old company is spreading its love to the whole of Michigan by turning out a new line of products that show statewide pride. The I Love Michigan line can be found at the newly launched I Love Michigan Shop, the newest addition to www.thegreatlakesstate.com, which was started several years ago by Ink Detroit co-founder Paul Marcial as a marketplace for Michigan businesses. Marcial and Steven Mansour formed Ink Detroit in 2005 with the mission of creating hip and fun graphics for quality t-shirts and other garments and accessories that Motor City natives "can wear proudly like a badge of honor." "It kind of started as a hobby. We were just doing shirts on the side for years. We weren't really pushing it. Then it started growing little by littler and it got to the point where one of us had to leave our job," Marcial recalls. Mansour, who has a background in the garment industry, left his job and is full-time with the ventures. Marcial, a graphic designer and landscape architect, spends countless hours on the start-up. The company's offices and product development are handled from Marcial and Mansour's Royal Oak homes. They have a warehouse in Southfield. After Ink Detroit got rolling, the Michigan pride vibe got stronger, Marcial says. It became clear the buyers were very different. "We did a few Michigan designs before, and they did OK," Marcial says. "When we started a whole separate division that's where it took off." He says a large number of sales are coming from Instagram posts, simple pics like one of his son in a I Love Michigan shirt at the apple orchard last weekend. The next big step for Mansour and Marcial is the launch of a catalog, which is being printed and bound as the pair prepares to approach retailers about stocking their products. Currently about 10 stores sell their goods. Source: Paul Marcial, co-founder Ink Detroit and I Love Michigan Shop Writer: Kim North Shine

Ferndale-based Valentine Vodka steps into more out-of-state markets

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Arts and Culture

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August 22, 2013

Valentine Distilling Co. in Ferndale is now distributing to stores in New York and preparing to go into Maryland, Washington, D.C. and Connecticut while a Detroit Red Wing has come on board as brand manager. Rifino Valentine, owner and operator of the business, says Eddie Mio, former Red Wing, assistant GM for the Phoenix Coyotes and a part of hockey great Wayne Gretzky's Gretzky Estates Winery, will use his experience to guide Valentine through growth that's been on a steep incline since opening in 2009. With the three new states and the District of Columbia as new markets, Valentine's product line, which includes Liberator Gin and Woodward Whiskey, will be sold now in seven states. Connecticut will come online in September and Maryland and D.C. will follow in October, he says. The distillery, which also has a tasting room on Vester Street in Ferndale, brought in a new still earlier this week to keep up with production, Valentine says. Valentine Vodka has won national and international awards since the first bottle was filled four years ago. The tasting room opened in 2011 and nearly 2,000 stores in several states stores now sell the vodka made in small batches in downtown Ferndale. Writer: Kim North Shine Source: Rifino Valentine, founder, Valentine Vodka

Birmingham eatery Luxe Bar & Grill adds Grosse Pointe Farms location

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Arts and Culture

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August 22, 2013

Luxe Bar & Grill in Birmingham has opened a new restaurant in Grosse Pointe Farms, bringing its neighborhood bar meets upscale feel to the east side. Luxe, known for its burgers and favorites like onion rings and Luxe garlic wings, moved into the space that was formerly Lucy's, once a local go-to until it was sold and quality declined. The newest Luxe moves into the toniest of the Grosse Pointes, down the street from the former Detroit Free Press Restaurant of the Year, The Hill Seafood & Chop House, and the prior Hour Detroit Restaurant of the Year, Dirty Dog Jazz Cafe. According to Grosse Pointe Chamber of Commerce President Jennifer Boettcher, Luxe describes itself like this: "Luxe Bar & Grill is the neighborhood spot that serves quality food, drink and atmosphere - without pretense. At every crossroad, quality and taste are the priority. We believe the character of a bar is its patrons and we welcome all seeking good company and friendly conversation to enjoy our charmed local bar." Writer: Kim North Shine Source: Jennifer Palms Boettcher, president/executive director, Grosse Pointe Chamber of Commerce

Happy’s Pizza chain rolls out new pub concept

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Arts and Culture

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August 22, 2013

Happy's Pizza has opened a new pub-style restaurant in West Bloomfield as it explores moving from a mostly take-out, small dine-in establishment to a full-service sports bar and family restaurant. The nearly month-old Happy's Pizza and Pub opened at 7170 Orchard Lake Road and is more than 4,000 square feet filled with over 40 TVs, two of which are projection, screens, and seats for 246. "If someone wants to watch a Lions game, a Tigers game, a Red Wings game, this is the place to do it," General Manager Bobby Dalou says. And, he says, Happy's promotes a family restaurant by offering a menu that can feed four for $20. The menu includes ribs, chicken and seafood. The new pub and restaurant was originally a Happy's Pizza. It expanded into an adjoining business next door and was renovated to include a large restaurant inside and an outdoor patio with room-size windows opening between the two, says Dalou. "It's a good vibe, a good feel." The first Happy's Pizza and Pub opened in Mt. Pleasant in March and has been a success. The company was founded in 1996 by Happy Asker, with the first pizza store in northeast Detroit. It has grown to more than 100 locations. "We were mostly a come-in, come-out [eatery]. We wanted to try something different," Dalou says. "So far it's working out great."

Ferndale-based Chazzano Coffee filling cups in four states

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Arts and Culture

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August 15, 2013

When Frank Lanzkron-Tamarazo started Chazzano Coffee in 2009, roasting beans from a hole-in-the-wall office in Farmington Hills and then moving as he grew into a larger light industrial park, he expected to land maybe 20 wholesale accounts. He's far exceeded that number, reaching 170 wholesale outlets for the coffee he roasts himself and distributes only in small batches to keep it fresh, but he's built a business that is 70-percent retail based. He sells in Michigan and three other states. "It's amazing. I had about three accounts before we opened the cafe coffee roastery in Ferndale. Those accounts led to more and more, and right now the 170 whole accounts…restaurants, cafes, speciality markets like Whole Foods, Randazzo's, Plum Market, Holiday Market," Lanzkron-Tamarazo says. Dozens of offices order his coffee, as do coffee club members who receive deliveries of special roasts on the 1st and 15th of each month. During the last year, the former synagogue cantor's coffee began filling the cups in Illinois, Iowa and Kentucky, and unexpectedly the roastery in a not so attractive part of Ferndale drew more customers than it had room for. So within a year Chazzano will be moving into a much larger space, likely in Ferndale, with a bigger cafe and roasting area, more parking and more space for retail. "We're kind of special because I roast all the coffee fresh to order when I get the order," he says. "We call each of our 170 wholesale accounts each week. We keep the orders small so that the coffee doesn't get a chance to lose its freshness." Any coffee around more than 2 - 2 1/2 weeks old is ground and donated to a homeless shelter. His wife, Lisa, made a delivery of fresh roasted beans and a brewing part to a Bowling Green, Ohio cafe yesterday. "My whole goal in the beginning was getting better coffee when you go out. I can't stand going to an awesome restaurant, where the food is fantastic and the service is great and the coffee is lousy. It makes no sense. "Once they start serving my coffee, then they become retail customers…then at home, then at a favorite restaurant, then to the office," he says. As grateful as he is for the growth and business expansion he knows he wants to limit it. "We're really a boutique roastery. We're different than any other roaster around. We're always going to make sure we're small enough so that there's quality." Source: Frank Lanzkron-Tamarazo, owner, Chazzano Coffee Roasters Writer: Kim North-Shine