Natalie Burg

Natalie Burg's Latest Articles

Jersey Mike’s brings East Coast taste and 20 jobs to Ann Arbor

By Natalie Burg

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Arts & Culture

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June 25, 2014

When Peter Shipman and Mike Wagner opened their first Jersey Mike's Subs on Carpenter Rd. in 2012, it was also the first of its kind in Michigan. The franchise now has 11 locations in the state and the Ann Arbor natives have opened their third, in Westgate shopping center.  "We're just looking to expand as quickly as we can, but also taking our time to choose a good area," says Wagner, who is an operating partner with franchisee Shipman. "It was the right time in terms having space available in Westgate." The Huron and Pioneer High School graduates blend the authentically East Coast sub style of fresh baked New Jersey bread, hand-sliced meats and cheeses and a vinegar and oil blend with Ann Arbor sensibilities of getting fresh produce from local supplier Frog Holler. Getting friendly with local customers is also a part of their store culture. "We make our subs in front of the customers, and we like to get to know them," Wagner says. "We encourage banter back and forth. We like to think we give friendly service." The new Jersey Mike's in Westgate opened last weeks after six to eight weeks of renovation work to the former pet shop space. The restaurant seats about 30 diners and employs a staff of about 20. Wagner and Shipman also own a location in Canton and plan to continue to expand their business. Source: Mike Wagner, Jersey Mike's Writer: Natalie Burg

Renovated Sushi.com to reopen as Miya with new foods and larger staff

By Natalie Burg

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Arts & Culture

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June 25, 2014

Sushi.com closed its doors on June 4, but fans of the restaurant need not worry. It's soon to return as Miya, a Japanese and Korean food restaurant with a new look, new staff and new foods... as well as most of the old favorites.  "We did the renovation for the whole restaurant," says owner Don Kim. "Everything is changed to a modern, Japanese style. We're building a whole new restaurant." Kim says the menu will largely be the same but with the addition of some new appetizers and a wider selection of Korean foods than were offered previously. He decided on the name Miya, as that is how most Americans pronounce his wife's name, and it also translates in Japanese to "palace." One thing that will definitely stay the same, says Kim, is his commitment to quality, healthy food. "We are try to make everything fresh," he says. "It's clean and fresh and high quality food. Everyone knows Korean and Japanese food is healthy, and healthy is our main concern."  The total renovation of the space began a few months ago, and Kim expect work to be completed and the restaurant open within about a week. The 1,300 square foot space will seat about 55 diners. Kim is now hiring two to three additional employees to staff Miya. A new website for the restaurant is forthcoming.    Source: Don Kim, Miya Writer: Natalie Burg

Sex, Drugs and Eating Disorders: Data-Driven Solutions to Risky Teen Behavior

By Natalie Burg

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General

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June 25, 2014

The bad news is that eating disorders, carrying a weapon and unsafe sex is on the rise in Michigan teens. The good news is that wellness reporting and healthcare counseling reduce those numbers. How do we know this? From the innovative risk assessment interviews that are employed by U-M spin-out RAPPS.

Beer Grotto plans second tasting and retail location in downtown Ann Arbor

By Natalie Burg

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Arts & Culture

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June 18, 2014

As the first Beer Grotto prepares to open in Dexter next week, owner Sam Short is already working to open the craft beer and wine retail and tasting concept's second location on S. Ashley in downtown Ann Arbor.  "It's an ideal location, right across the street from Grange, and all of these other wonderful businesses," says Short. "And more importantly, the building is just so unique. We don't usually have a patio arrangement, but we're changing our concept slightly so we can serve out on the patio."  The 1,500 square foot space won't be seeing too much renovation on the exterior, as preserving on the building's historic integrity is an important factor for Short. On the inside, however, decades of former renovation work will be peeled back to take the interior back to some of its original features.  "We want to maintain some of the spectacular historic elements of building," Short says. Similar to the Dexter location, the Beer Grotto will offer beer and wine for purchase as well as tastings, with seating for enjoying a beverage at the store, including the patio, which will be unique to the Ann Arbor store. Wine and 48 beers will be on draft for customers to take home in growlers.  Short intents for renovations to begin in the next two to three weeks with the hope of opening by mid-September. He plans to hire 10 to 15 employees to operate the Ann Arbor Beer Grotto, and will open at least one more Michigan location this year in Lansing.  Source: Sam Short, Beer Grotto Writer: Natalie Burg

Lucky’s Market to bring value-oriented natural food to S. Industrial

By Natalie Burg

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Community Development

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June 18, 2014

There's no doubt that the Ann Arbor has a demand for healthy, natural foods. But with so many upscale grocers catering to that market, Boulder, CO-based Lucky's Market saw an opportunity to offer something that different: a natural foods at a lower price.  "Ann Arbor also shares our love of quality, local foods and products—but also in bettering the community through doing good, which benefits all of us," says Lucky's Market founder Bo Sharon. "Moreover, there are no value oriented natural supermarkets in Ann Arbor, so we felt we would be a positive addition. Lucky's Market is slated to open in the 32,000s square foot space on S. Industrial formerly occupied by Kroger. A complete remodel of the space will include the addition of a juice bar, scratch bakery, butcher shop, produce section with roll-up garage doors and more. "Lucky’s is a special kind of store," Sharon says. "It’s a place people tell us they enjoy shopping. It’s fun. It’s helpful…It’s a true community experience." The new store is slated to open in the first quarter of next year with about 150 employees. According to Sharon, the store demonstrates its commitment to employees as well as the community with employee benefits and paid community volunteer hours. The store will also feature tours, classes and food events with live music. Source: Bo Sharon, Lucky's Market Writer: Natalie Burg

Chelsea Retirement Community to open new, 52,000 sq ft. commons

By Natalie Burg

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Development News

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June 18, 2014

Renovations and a new facility are coming to the Chelsea Retirement Community, and the $13 million project will both enhance the living experience for current residents and make room for more. A new, 52,000 square foot assisted living building called Glazier Commons will add larger living spaces, a cafe, new dining areas, two libraries, play areas for visiting children, a medical clinic, therapy area, juice bar and outdoor gardens to the United Methodist Retirement Communities's facility. "The Glazier Commons project came together to address improving accommodations for our residents and increasing the number of people we serve," says    Glazier Commons is expected to open in late September and will allow the organization to take on about six new residents and hire the same number of new staffers. The project is just one example of the UMRC's efforts to upgrade their Chelsea facilities. A new restaurant was added last year, and independent living apartments are being renovated this year.  "In addition, we are developing additional housing and services in other communities in Michigan," says. "In September, in partnership with Presbyterian Villages of Michigan, UMRC will open a new low-income senior apartment building in Detroit called Rivertown Senior Apartments. This is the second partnership for UMRC at Rivertown Neighborhood – an innovative community."  In addition to the Chelsea Retirement Community, UMRC serves older adults in five other locations and plans to add at least two locations within the next two years. Source: John Thorhauer, United Methodist Retirement Communities, Inc. Writer: Natalie Burg

National Hudson Motor Car Company Museum to open in Depot Town

By Natalie Burg

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Arts & Culture

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June 11, 2014

After searching for the perfect place to house a Hudson car museum, the Hudson Essex Terraplane Historical Society has finally found it: Depot Town. Thanks to a partnership with the Ypsilanti Automotive Heritage Museum (YAHM), the Ypsilanti building will soon be the home of the National Hudson Motor Car Company Museum.  "It was a Hudson dealership and was known as the last operating Hudson dealership," says Bill Nickels, YAHM secretary. "And they'll bring in the history of Hudson from the teens, twenties and thirties, and we don't have much exhibited from those decades." The partnership is also a financial one, which will benefit the local organization and give visitors even more Hudson automotive history to enjoy in a uniquely appropriate setting. "Hudson was what they term an independent," says Nickels. "It wasn't General Motor, Ford or Chrysler. It was a struggle for independents, but Hudson was an innovator. They did have features in their cars that were first, and were eventually adopted by the industry." The National Hudson Motor Car Company Museum will operate in a 10,000 square foot exhibit that will make up about a third of the YAHM. The exhibit will be designed to look like an operating Hudson dealership during a particular decade from the early 1900s to the 1950s, and the era will change over time. Construction is now underway, though most of the YAHM will remain open throughout.   The grand opening of the National Hudson Motor Car Company Museum will take place on the weekend of Sept. 21 in conjunction with the YAHM's Orphan Car Show in Riverside Park. Source: Bill Nickels, Ypsilanti Automotive Heritage Museum Writer: Natalie Burg

Peachy Fitness opens on Huron Pkwy with Zumba, yoga and more

By Natalie Burg

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Development News

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June 11, 2014

As an adult, Zaini Lateef has learned a lot about fitness and nutrition, but she doesn't want her kids — or any others, for that matter — to wait that long to get healthy. That's why she started Peachy Fitness, a fitness business offering Zumba, yoga, dance and more to both kids and adults.  "We have teen yoga class, kids' Zumba, kids' yoga, mother-daughter classes, and in the fall I will have more," says Lateef. "My goal and my passion is to have more kids classes, and brining some nutrition classes in as well." After hosting classes in various locations around town for two years, Leteef recently opened a permanent space on S. Huron Pkwy. for better visibility and to grow her business.  "For people coming from Ann Arbor, and even from Saline, it's a pretty central location," she says. Lateef began adult classes in the approximately 1,100 square foot space last week, and will kick off children's programming with an open house on Saturday. In addition to regular classes, summer camps for children will be offered throughout the summer.  Peachy Fitness offers many classes and special events for adults as well, including Zumba fundraising events, corporate fitness classes and Zumba bachelorette parties. Lateef employs about seven different instructors to teach her various classes and events. Source: Zaini Lateef, Peachy Fitness Writer: Natalie Burg

Young Buckaroo’s opens below longtime Chelsea boot shop for ‘lil cowfolk

By Natalie Burg

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Arts & Culture

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June 11, 2014

Chelsea's Mule Skinner Boot Shop has been in operation for more than 40 years. When owners Bill and Pam Conn hired marketing student Ellen Dewey to help out at the shop, she brought with her all sorts of ideas — including one that has become a full time job.  "I said I thought they were missing out on something because children's boots are big," Dewey says. "I've always wanted to open my own business, and Bill and Pam have been nice enough to help me do that." Young Buckaroo's is Dewey's new venture below Mule Skinner offering boots, accessories and apparel in sizes from toddler to teen. The space was formerly used as storage, but with a little paint and elbow grease, it's is now a full showroom. In addition to running the new children's store, Dewey plans to continue helping out upstairs as well.  "I'm just going to continue to grow and learn from Bill who has been in business for 40 years," she says. "Sometimes hands-on is much more substantial than book learning. And I'm teaching him things as well." Young Buckaroo's has been open for about three weeks. In addition to boots, Dewey carries handcrafted belts, toy guns and holsters, hats and more. Source: Ellen Dewey, Young Buckaroo's Writer: Natalie Burg

New U-M apparel and gifts coming to State St. with The Victors Collection

By Natalie Burg

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Development News

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June 11, 2014

For some time now, the owners of M Den have had their eyes on some pretty cool new merchandise they've been wanting to offer customers — they just didn't have the room for them. After coming to an agreement with their State St. neighbor, All About Blue, they'll now be expanding into the 3,000 square foot space with a new M Den shop called The Victors Collection. "We'll be able to bring a collection of women's fashions that people have never seen before," says M Den co-owner Scott Hirth. "It's just going to knock people's socks off. That's our goal, to do a bette job for Michigan ladies."  Though the shop will begin at about 70 percent men's apparel and 30 percent women's, Hirth says that breakdown will eventually move to 60 percent female and 40 percent male. In addition to fashion forward apparel, customers will find crystal glassware, Swiss watches, genuine pearls and in blue and yellow, as well as other fine goods.  "There will be a little bit more of a business causal feel for both men and women," says Hirth of The Victors Collection merchandise. "Brooks Brothers will be a big partner at the store." Renovation is now underway at The Victors Collection space, with a goal of being open by the time students arrive in August. Hirth expects to hire one or two full-time and 10 to 20 part time staff to operate the new store. The Victors Collection will be the sixth M Den location.  Source: Scott Hirth, M Den Writer: Natalie Burg