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A New Japanese Restaurant is Coming to Ann Arbor | What Now Detroit

Downtown Ann Arbor is getting a new Japanese eatery. Tabe, with its name referring to “eating” in Japanese, will fill the former Jim Brady space at 209 S. Main St. The new concept is brought to the public by 168 Group, which also owns 168 Asian Mart, 168 Nail Supply, Pop Chicken, Beyond Home, Lao Pot and Fuji Buffet in other parts of Michigan. This news was first seen in MLive.Jieyu Wang, 168 Group’s chief administrative officer, told MLive that “Tabe plans to be a high-end Asian fusion restaura...

Hot Dogs and Chili are Coming to Holland | What Now Detroit

D Dogs (Daya Dogs), a new restaurant featuring fresh made hot dogs, homemade chili, and macaroni & cheese with various customizations, is coming to Holland in February. The upcoming fast-casual eatery is filing the space at 12719 Riley Street, which was previously a Spectrum store.“We are not going to claim to be the best Hot Dog establishment because we want you to be the judge. We make our chili and mac and cheese fresh every day and it is fabulous. If you are like us, you love a great America...

Four Man Ladder Hospitality to Open New Fast Casual Concept | What Now Detroit

Detroit-based restaurant management company Four Man Ladder Hospitality is heading into the new year with its first fast-casual restaurant project. Anticipated to open in the summer of 2025, the yet-to-be-named concept will fill a nearly 1,000-square-foot building at 22305 Woodward Ave in Ferndale.“Over the past nine years, our beloved Grey Ghost burger has developed a loyal following,” chef and co-owner John Vermiglio said in a statement co-owner Jill Giacomino shared with What Now Detroit. “It...

Kansas City's art scene is a perfect winter escape. Catch these 5 exhibits before they close

This story was first published in KCUR's Adventure newsletter. You can sign up to receive stories like this in your inbox every Tuesday.Kansas City’s galleries and artist-run spaces are heading into the new year with promising momentum — so should you.There have been plenty of holiday markets and holiday-themed shows going on, including Hallmark’s Christmas town square at Crown Center. But if you want a spectacle that is not holiday-related, the galleries and art museums around Kansas City offer...

Local Business Owner to Open Event Venue in Former Guardian Brewing Space | What Now Detroit

Candice Grant, co-owner of The Grant Collection and a few other Grand Rapids venues, including Ivy House and Port 393, is turning the former Guardian Brewing space at 3657 63rd St into a new event venue called Emerson Lounge. A ribbon-cutting ceremony is scheduled on January 14 to debut the new venue to the public.“The Grant Collection is excited to celebrate the grand opening of Emerson Lounge—a stunning venue that blends rustic charm with refined elegance. Perfect for corporate gatherings and...

The Congregation Owners to Build Pizza Restaurant Next Door | What Now Detroit

Betsy and Greg Murdoch, Amy Peterson, and Antonio Luck is the power team behind the beloved Detroit church-turned-gathering-spot, The Congregation. Now, the group is making a new investment to turn the building next door at 1920 Atkinson St into a pizzeria with apartment complexes above. The new pizza shop will be called The Rectory and is slated to open in Q1 of 2025. This news was first seen in Crain’s Detroit Business.The project received its zoning approval back in 2020, with Peterson leadin...

Here are 6 ways to explore the Kansas City region north of the Missouri River

This story was first published in KCUR's Adventure newsletter. You can sign up to receive stories like this in your inbox every Tuesday.Kansas City’s Northland is a vast and growing region — exploding in population over the last decade and a half, and becoming more of a cultural and political powerhouse.What exactly counts as the Northland, may depend on where you are standing. Beyond the northern neighborhoods of KCMO, you’ve got Clay and Platte County, with towns like Riverside, Platte City, G...

New Brewery Set to Debut in Saugatuck Next March | What Now Detroit

Reed’s Livery, a historic building at 248 Culver St in Saugatuck, was originally built in 1905. Now, two executives behind multiple Grand Rapids breweries are in the process of opening a new 3,700-square-foot brewery in the building. This news was originally seen in Crain’s Grand Rapids. The yet-to-be-named brewery is anticipated to open some time next March.Industry veterans Brooks Twist and Wesley Noble, who previously owned and managed popular breweries Vivant Brewery and Spirits and Founders...

A New Thai Restaurant is Coming to Ann Arbor | What Now Detroit

The space that once belonged to Ann Arbor’s Greek icon KouZina Greek Street Food is finally getting new life, having sat vacant since KouZina’s closure last December. Chef Teerawat “Apple” Pho-On has begun to remodel the building at 332 S. Main St. to become the future home of his new concept, Eat Thai. This news was first seen on MLive.Pho-On told MLive that he anticipates the construction to be completed in the next few months. The chef is a notable figure in the local Thai food scene. Having...

This Staple REO Town Diner is Relocating to Old Town | What Now Detroit

Good Truckin’ Diner, having served REO Town since 2014, has outgrown its current space at 1107 S Washington Ave and is planning to relocate to The Creole building at 1218 Turner St. in Old Town. Owner Nick Sinicropi told What Now Detroit that he is getting the new space ready and anticipates to fully move over by February 2025.“A farewell to an 850 sq. ft. building, to wonky bar stools and open-door drafts, to hour-long waits and a farewell to REO town, well sort of…” the diner announced on Face...

Owner to Replace Isalita Cantina Mexicana with New Event Space | What Now Detroit

Ann Arbor’s Isalita Cantina Mexicana has officially closed on December 22. Owner Adam Baru is converting the space at 341 E Liberty St into an event venue called Mani Next Door to compliment, literally, his restaurant, Mani Osteria & Bar in the adjacent space. This news was first seen in The Michigander.Isalita Cantina Mexicana opened in 2012 and has since served the neighborhood with authentic Mexcian fare. However, growing competition in the cuisine and the high competition density drove Baru...

This Portage Icon is Now Under New Ownership | What Now Detroit

Franco’s Italian Pizzeria, a Portage staple at 8022 S. Westnedge Ave, has changed hands as former owners Franco and Francesca Impellizzeri retire after serving the community with delicious food for 41 years. New owners Corey and Jason Milbeck have been learning the authentic Franco’s recipes since August, according to MLive.“As we move forward, we want to let you know that we have sold our restaurant and passed the pizza paddle on to an experienced and passionate couple who share our values and...

Miss Kim is Opening a Grab-and-Go Concept in 2025 | What Now Detroit

Miss Kim, the beloved Ann Arbor Korean restaurant by James Beard Award Best Chef semifinalist Ji Hye Kim, is opening a new grab-and-go extension a couple of doors down at 407 N Fifth Ave. The new restaurant is called Little Kim and will be “an Asian inspired, grab-and-go style restaurant” with “delicious vegetarian and vegan cuisine,” according to the chef’s Instagram announcement. According to The Michigander, Little Kim is anticipated to open in 2025 in the old Eat location in the Kerrytown co...

Detroit 75 Kitchen to Open New Location in Oakland County | What Now Detroit

Detroit 75 Kitchen, a popular food truck business ownerd by brothers Mike and Ahmad Nassar, is opening a new permanent location at 32275 Stephenson Highway, north of 13 Mile Road in Madison Heights. The announcement was posted on the food truck’s Instagram page. This news was first seen in Crain’s Detroit.“We will be opening a new permanent spot in Madison Heights near I-75 and 14 Mile on January 6th, 2025! Our Southwest Detroit Flagship location is open til’ December 20th and taking a holiday b...

A Local Greek Brand is Opening a Banquet Hall in Dearborn | What Now Detroit

Modern Greek and Salad Bar, a local Greek restaurant chain, is working on a new project in Dearborn. The planning commission has reviewed a special land use permit application and site plan submitted by Modern Greek’s co-owner, Sam Haidar for the site at 20031 Carlysle Street. The location is also marked as “Coming Soon” on the company’s website.Located near Southfield Expressway, the property sits close to Beaumont Hospital. Nearby dining options include Dellah Coffee & Brunch House, Lim’s Gard...

Barbat Holdings Opens Aurora On the Lake in Commerce Township | What Now Detroit

West Bloomfield-based real estate investment and management company Barbat Holdings has acquired It’s a Matter of Taste at 2323 Union Lake Road in Commerce Township, according to a press release shared with What Now Detroit. Prime Concepts Detroit, Barbat’s hospitality group, is converting the restaurant into Aurora on the Lake and anticipates to complete renovations in early 2025.“The acquisition of this stunning lakeside property perfectly positions us as we continue to grow our real estate ho...

Syndicate Ferndale Owner to Fill Former Scout Vester with New Concept | What Now Detroit

A new eatery is already planning to fill the space at 177 Vester Ave after Scout Vester’s recent closure. Dana Taucher, who owns Syndicate Ferndale across the street, announced on social media that she’d be taking over the Scout Vester’s space. This news was first seen on Fox2Detroit.The establishment remained vacant for a long time after M-Brew closed in 2020, but was most recently occupied by Scout Vester, which opened this summer. According to Fox2Detroit, Scout Vester closed earlier this mon...

Authentic Greek Food and Salad Chain to Open in Troy | What Now Detroit

Modern Greek and Salad Bar, a Michigan-based fast-casual chain featuring Greek dishes and Mediterranean salads, is working on a new location in Troy at 1475 W Big Beaver Rd. Sam Haidar, Modern Greek’s co-owner, confirmed with What Now Detroit that he hopes to open the Troy location no later than next January, stating that the location is nearly ready and is only awaiting final inspections from the city and the health department.Modern Greek & Salad Bar currently have locations in Dearborn and in...

Drive-thru Donut Shop Proposed in Sterling Heights | What Now Detroit

Indiana-based donut chain Parlor Doughnuts appears to be working on a new location in a retail center in Sterling Heights. The new location is being opened by franchisee Paul Dudgeon, who is currently applying for a special land use permit to redevelop a vacant suite at 2484 Metropolitan Parkway. The Sterling Heights Planning Commission will review the application on Wednesday, December 11.According to the submittal, Dudgeon proposes to redevelop the 1,800-square-foot suite formerly occupied by...

Couple to Open New Drive-thru Coffee Shop in Dexter | What Now Detroit

Husband-and-wife duo Garnette and Miranda Roberts are opening a Ziggi’s Coffee location in Dexter at 7061 Dexter-Ann Arbor Rd. The new location has received city approval and is anticipated to break the grounds in Spring 2025. The franchisees expect to open the location in June or July of 2025, according to MLive.The Roberts have always wanted to open a drive-thru coffee shop. Now that the project is moving forward, Garnette Roberts will transition from his academia and student service career to...

This Kalamazoo Restaurant is Getting a Full Renovation | What Now Detroit

Old Burdick’s on the ground floor of the Radisson hotel at 100 W. Michigan Ave in downtown Kalamazoo will close on December 21 for a full-on reimagination. Kalmazoo-based Greenleaf Hospitality Group is adding the restaurant to its project pipeline on the heel of their Radisson Plaza Hotel and Suites renovation. This news was first seen in Crain’s Grand Rapids.Old Burdick’s first opened in 1991 with a menu featuring traditional pub food and a full beer, wine and cocktail menu.


Plans for Old B...

Baton Collective to Open New Foxtail Coffee Location in Grand Rapids | What Now Detroit

Baton Collective, who opened Foxtail Coffee shops in Ada and Holland, is planning to open more locations in the next six months. A new location has been proposed in Grand Rapids at 1200 Wealthy St. SE near Fuller Avenue. across the street from Tanger Outlet. The location is now listed on the Florida-based coffee chain’s website as coming soon.The location is currently in the design phase and is anticipated to open in Spring 2025, according to a story reported by News 8. The Grand Rapids Grand Ra...

Drive-thru Coffee Shop Under Development in Pittsfield Township | What Now Detroit

Garnette and Miranda Roberts, the franchisees opening a Ziggi’s in Dexter, are also working on another Ziggi’s Coffee in their hometown, Pittsfield Township, at 5875 W. Michigan Ave. Site plans and permit applications were submitted to the Pittsfield Charter Township in late October and are currently marked as under review on the township’s website.According to the submittal, the franchisees propose to construct a new 1,075-square-foot coffee shop. The building will feature a drive-through, a 21...

Long-time Saginaw Restaurant is Now Under New Ownership | What Now Detroit

Fuzzy’s Restaurant, a local joint known for delicious ice cream, breakfast, and a full menu, has changed hands. Former owner Elaine Tambouridis listed the restaurant for sale last year. The establishment is now under the ownership of Tambouridis’ nephew Bobby Fish.Though a first-time restaurant owner, Fish told What Now Detroit that he felt confident taking over the Saginaw staple as his family has owned many restaurants for generations.


“My aunt has been asking me to take over the restaurant...
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