Grand Traverse Pie Company opens, adds 40 jobs to downtown Ann Arbor

The Grand Traverse Pie Company is part of a wave of Northern Michigan-based establishments that have opened storefronts in downtown Ann Arbor. The restaurant, which just opened on Monday at 505 E. Liberty St., is owned by franchisers Dave and Beth Ziegler, who also own the Grand Traverse Pie Company branch on Zeeb Road in Ann Arbor. The Traverse City-based business, founded by Mike and Denise Busley, now has 16 locations around Michigan. "There's a couple of us northern Michigan businesses that are moving into Ann Arbor specifically, and some of the other [lower Michigan] downtowns." says co-founder Mike Busley. The Grand Traverse Pie Company joins Fustini's Oils and Vinegars and Cherry Republic as examples of Northern Michigan purveyors that have opened their doors in Ann Arbor. Busley likes the draw that college towns have for a cross section of students, residents, retail visitors, and tourists. "You see that Pure Michigan ad, a lot of folks come to Ann Arbor just for the experience," he says. The restaurant has about 3,100 square feet and seats 75 inside and 25-30 on an outside patio. It is open seven days a week, from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., serving breakfast, lunch, dinner, and, of course, pies, all of which are made in either the Zeeb Road or Liberty St. stores. Michigan suppliers are used for the cherries, apples, blueberries, strawberries, flour, sugar, and pie boxes. Coffee is supplied by Traverse City-based Higher Grounds Trading Company. The Liberty St. store's counter is reclaimed oak and maple from the Ann Arbor area, Busley says. "If we can match up our needs with a Michigan supplier then we try to do that." Source: Mike Busley, co-founder, Grand Traverse Pie Company Writer: Tanya Muzumdar