- Bløm Meadworks to Debut in Ann Arbor in 2018
Husband and wife team Matthew Ritchey and Lauren Bloom will open a meadery featuring craft mead and cider at 100 S. Fourth Ave. in downtown Ann Arbor. The space will feature meads made on-site and locally-sourced ciders and a community taproom. “We are excited to bring what we believe is a unique beverage and food offering and community gathering space to the vibrant downtown Ann Arbor neighborhood,” Bloom said. - U-M Breaks Ground on New Trotter Multicultural Center
Almost four years after students met with university leaders to ask for a new multicultural center, U-M broke ground in November on the new $10-million, 20,000-square-foot William Monroe Trotter Multicultural Center, located in the heart of Central Campus on State Street, near the Kelsey Museum of Archeology. “The new Trotter on State, located along the campus’ busiest thoroughfare, will stand as a powerful and unmistakable indicator that students of all backgrounds are welcome here at UM, and that it is both our similarities and our differences that make us the leaders and best,” said E. Royster Harper, the U-M Vice-President for Student Life. - Paint and Pour Studio Opens in Ypsilanti
Following its grand opening in December, Paint and Pour offers a creative night on the town on Washington St. in downtown Ypsi. Instructors walk participants step-by-step, through replicating a featured painting during 2-3 hour class sessions (that include many beverage breaks) and everyone leaves with their own personal creation. Join pre-scheduled classes or book the studio for private fundraisers or parties. No artistic experience required! - Black Rock Bar and Grill Opens in Pittsfield
Known for sizzling steaks on a 755-degree flat stone right in front of the diners, the popular chain restaurant is now open at the site of the former Passport Restaurant and Lounge at 3776 S. State St., near the Ann Arbor airport. The menu will be the same as other Black Rock locations in Michigan and official documents submitted to the township project annual food sales of $4 million and projected annual liquor sales of $1 million. - Lulu Beauty Lounge and Academy Offers Beauty Services and Classes
Recently opened, Lulu’s offers women-only high quality hair-cutting, styling and coloring as well as microblading, eyelash and hair extensions. Customers can also take studio classes in hair and lash extensions, makeup artistry, bridal styling and more. - Veg-o-rama Brings Fast Vegetarian and Vegan Fare to Ypsilanti
Former tech entrepreneur Prafulla Kharkar wants to start a national McDonald’s-esque vegetarian fast food chain of restaurants and his initial store has opened at 533 W. Cross St. in Ypsi. Veg-o-rama features Indian-American vegetarian dishes Kharkar describes as “love food,” including a Golden Crunchy Bird’s Nest Burger made of coleslaw, chickpea flour base and cajun spices, and a Love Seed Beet Them All burger made with shredded beets, roasted sunflower seeds, flax seed, buckwheat, chickpea flour, and spices.