Grosse Pointe : Development News

The Grosse Pointe Athletic Club is adding 2,000 square feet of space and introducing classes at the 18-year-old business that maintains a loyal following of locals who gravitate toward hometown entrepreneurs.

Dr. Carlos Borrego, a lifelong Grosse Pointer who left radiation oncology several years ago to earn a master's degree in public health and become a consultant, was first an investing partner in the private club. In 2006 he took over as owner operator.

"I was between jobs and took over the job of streamlining the club, making it paperless, building in efficiencies," he says. "I was enjoying it so much."

It gave him the opportunity to offer trainers who could specialize in clients' needs, depending on age, activities, and injuries, as well as tie their training and workout to healthy lifestyles.

"This was never really on my radar," he says, "but it's been a wonderful thing. The thing about GPAC is it's really a neighborhood business and with a very loyal customer base who see it as a part of the community, which was all the more reason to expand and become a bigger part of the community."

The club at the corner of Fisher Road and Maumee in the Fisher Road shops will increase from 3,500 to 5,500 feet by taking over a former hair salon.

Borrego is replacing most equipment with new models in the the current space and using the new space for classes, most likely spinning, yoga, zumba and pilots, he says. The new club will open late September. There will be additional trainers and instructors in the new space, a former hair salon.

The building's owners are redoing the facade, the streetscape and landscape and there will be more parking and free parking in front and in back.

"It will be new inside and outside," he says.

Writer: Kim North Shine
Source: Dr. Carlos Borrego, owner/operator, Grosse Pointe Athletic Club

A new self-serve, self-top ice cream bar with a smorgasbord of choices has opened on Fisher Road in Grosse Pointe Farms.

Serving your own ice cream from a wall of different flavors and picking out the toppings, from cookies to fruit to sauces and nuts, is trendy but not so new.

Snogo, however, is taking some of the bite out of the concept, which usually has consumers paying by weight and paying a pretty penny for it. At Snogo there is no weighing, just a set price per cup, to keep it more affordable and fun, says owner David Cracchiolo.

Snogo seems to be in an ideal location, across from a high school with a swimming pool and athletic facilities that go seven days a week at all hours.

Snogo opened a few weeks ago and has been so busy more employees are already being hired.

Writer: Kim North Shine
Source: David Cracchiolo, owner, Snogo

About 15 metro Detroit cities, schools and community groups are sharing in tree-planting grants awarded by DTE and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.

A total of 34 grants were awarded statewide. The amount of grants totaled $75,610 and will lead to the planting of more than 1,000 trees. Locally, communities such as Lincoln Park, Warren, Grosse Pointe Park and Pleasant Ridge will plant trees in the fall and spring.

Schools such as Commerce Elementary in Oakland County and Romeo Community Schools in Macomb County, as well as community groups such as the International Wildlife Refuge, Jefferson East Business Association and Michigan Alliance for Environmental and Outdoor Education, all in Wayne County, are also receiving grants.

The program is intended to increase the number of proper tree species and encourage properly planted trees and to also help reverse the loss of tree canopy in urban areas.

In the 15 years since the Michigan program began more than 20 million trees have been planted throughout the state, according to the DNR.

“The trees planted through this program will help to improve public areas in communities throughout the state,” said Kevin Sayers, coordinator of the DNR’s Urban Forestry Program. “This program also helps raise awareness about the importance of planting the right tree in the right location to avoid utility and tree conflicts.”

Writer: Kim North Shine
Source: Scott Simons, DTE Energy and Madhu Oberoi, executive director, Lincoln Park Downtown Development Authority

A Bloomfield Hills/Birmingham boutique owner is opting for the east side, bringing her specialty clothing and personal styling services to the Village business district in Grosse Pointe.

It's another sign, says James V. Bellanca Jr., that development in the Grosse Pointes is at a tipping point.

"She wants to be a part of the changes happening here. It's an exciting time," says Bellanca, an attorney who oversees a family trust that owns property in The Village.

The boutique will open in a space behind City Kitchen and a bath shop on Kercheval Avenue.Opening day will be sometime in May, Bellanca says.

It opens as the City Kitchen restaurant and bar expands in response to demand for barside dining. Down the street David Gilbert, an award-winning chef who's worked around the world and was executive chef at prestigious Forest Grill in Birmingham, is opening a French bistro with his wife, Monica Gilbert. She was general manager at Forest Grill. Marais is expected to open in August, Bellanca says.

Across from Marais in a neighboring block on Kerchveval will be a new hardware store, a still-to-be-disclosed national retailer and a combined medical and retail development in the spot where Borders was once located.

Writer: Kim North Shine
Source: James V. Bellanca Jr., attorney and property manager

Since Borders bookstore closed in 2011, leaving one of the largest buildings in Grosse Pointe's Village business district empty, the big question has been what would replace it and when.

And when the equally large Ace Hardware located in the same building relocated to Detroit in January, leaving the whole block on Kercheval Avenue empty, the conversation turned more worrisome.

Now the tone is changing as three tenants are making plans to take over the 50,000 square feet of space.

James V. Bellanca Jr., who manages the property for the family trust that owns it, says David DeRonne will open a DeRonne True Value Hardware in part of the space previously occupied by Ace Hardware. A smaller part of that space, about 11,000 square feet, is in negotiations between two retailers, who can't yet be named, Bellanca says.

The third part of the building, about 22,000 square feet where Borders was located, will become a Beaumont Hospital office and retail development. The back portion of the building will be used for medical, the front for retail, he says. It's a fit with the new Neighborhood Club Beaumont Hospital community and wellness center located just behind the Village and within walking distance of the new building.

Bellanca says True Value, which will be run by a family with a 50-year-plus history in the hardware business, could open by late spring or early summer. Beaumont's facility could be open by August. And the tenant in between could be open for business mid-summer.

Writer: Kim North Shine
Source: James V. Bellanca Jr., attorney and property manager

People are eating up Ethel's Edibles gluten-free baked goods at such a pace that this toddler of a company has had to grow up quickly and move to a larger bakehouse and its first bakery retail store. The company started at the family dinner table and has spread to stores in metro Detroit and Michigan.

"We really hadn't intended to move so quickly, but this spot came up," says self-taught gluten-free baker and chef Jill Bommarito of Grosse Pointe.

In 2010, she discovered the pecan dandies and hot blondies that would get her name out there in Grosse Pointe. By August 2011, she was shipping her goodies to food bloggers around the country and involved with the Tri County Celiacs Support Group which introduced her to people, events and organizations looking for gluten-free baked goods that didn't taste gluten free. By November, Ethel's Edibles was in its first store. It's now in 25 stores, and in June Plum Market will carry Ethel's in its new Chicago store along with two other Michigan products -- Zingerman's and Cooper Street Cookies.

"It's all about having good people to work with," she says. "And the customers, they are amazing. They have helped us so much in how we do things. They have great ideas, great advice. There are so many good stories."

Eastern Market, too, she says, has been the launching pad for her company and so many food start-ups.

The new bakehouse on Harper Road between 8 and 9 Mile Roads in St. Clair Shores is the stepping stone to more products, more distribution, and relationships with like-minded small businesses, Bommarito says. She has 12 employees and is developing a "decadent cookie like Mrs. Field's and a great gluten-free muffin."

She started gluten-free cooking to take care of family members with Celiac's Disease, an intolerance to gluten that is hereditary. Her goal, she says, was to make the same family favorites without anyone knowing the difference.

The success of Ethel's Edibles, named after Bommarito's grandmother who taught her to bake and cook in a carefree and creative style, resulted from a beautiful collision of circumstances: a growing consumer interest in eating gluten-free, a deepening interest in supporting local businesses and the explosion of social media as a sales and marketing tool.

"Twitter and Facebook have been tremendous," she says. "By the time we were in stores in August we would come up on Google….We receive orders through Facebook from Boston, Chicago, California."

"Last year, our first full year, was a fun year, a busy year," she says. "We intend to double our production this year over last year."

Writer: Kim North Shine
Source: Jill Bommarito, founder, Ethel's Edibles

The Village in downtown Grosse Pointe is getting a new restaurant, one with a French influence that will take over two storefronts on Kercheval Avenue and be run by a couple connected to culinary standouts in metro Detroit and in Europe.

Marais, owned by David and Monica Gilbert, will be an upscale white tablecloth French restaurant at the corner of Kercheval Avenue and St. Clair, says Jennifer Palms Boettcher, president and executive director of the Grosse Pointe Chamber of Commerce.

The Gilberts have traveled the world learning about food and have cut their chops at the best of the best in the restaurant arena. David Gilbert cooked at top Michelin-rated restaurants in Europe. He and Monica Gilbert left Brian Polcyn's award-winning Forest Grill in Birmingham, where he was executive chef and she was general manager, to build Marais in Grosse Pointe, where the couple lives.

Opening day for Marais could come by August, says James V. Bellanca, an attorney who negotiates lease deals for the family that owns several pieces of property in the Village. Part of the French bistro will be pub and private dining area. The other will be the dining room, says Bellanca. At 6,100 square feet, he says it will be the largest restaurant in Grosse Pointe.

"With David's design and reputation and experience this is going to be an exceptional operation," Bellanca says.

The current occupants of the two storefronts, one a prominent, window-wrapped space at the corner of Kercheval and St. Clair, the other a long narrow space, are moving out so that renovations can begin.

The Grosse Pointe Art Center and Bellissima women's clothing and bridal boutique have found new locations. The art center is moving a block away on Kercheval, and Bellisima is moving to Mack Avenue in Grosse Pointe Woods.

Marais will add variety to the Village, which is home food-wise to two bagel shops, two bakeries, two coffee shops, two casual restaurants and City Kitchen, a slightly upscale restaurant and bar that's expanding its bar.

The expansion and the coming of Marais is building on a buzz across all the Pointes as metro Detroit restaurateurs show some love to the community, where residents are used to leaving town for variety and often asking, "Why not here?"

"I think there is great opportunity for restaurants and other businesses to locate in the Village," says Grosse Pointe City Manager Peter Dame.

Writer: Kim North Shine
Source: Peter Dame, Grosse Pointe city manager, and Jennifer Palms Boettcher, president and executive director, Grosse Pointe Chamber of Commerce

City Kitchen in downtown Grosse Pointe is nearing completion on an expansion that will more than double the space of its bar which is big draw for the restaurant that opened six years ago.

After years of standing room only crowds at the "upscale yet casual" bar owner Chick Taylor decided to move into space that became vacant next door.

City Kitchen's expansion is one of several changes coming to Kercheval Avenue, the main street through The Village shopping district.

In the same block as City Kitchen a hair salon is opening in the space formerly occupied by Gap, which closed in January. Across the street a creperie and bakery, Sweet Little Sheila's opened in October.

Down the street an occupant for the closed Borders store has yet to be found, but city officials say other nearby development, including the Neighborhood Club and Beaumont Hospital's Health and Wellness Center, which will include a community fitness center and pool and will open in January, could spin off business for the business district.

Writer: Kim North Shine
Source: City of Grosse Pointe

The Hill business district in Grosse Pointe Farms, a stretch of stately architecture dominated in recent years by financial firms, is taking a step in a new direction with the opening of an upscale shoe and accessories store.

Capricious, located at 74 Kercheval Avenue, may help to liven up the strip of Kercheval Avenue that has lost retail shopping options in the last several years. In their place have come secure, but quiet offices, primarily for financial companies.

Behind the business - as well as others that have brought life and variety to The Hill, is Gretchen Valade, an heir to the Carhartt clothing fortune and founder of Jazz music label, Mack Avenue Records. Valade has been called the savior of Detroit's free jazz music festival since she bailed it out with a big donation. Her philanthropy is generous and widespread. And more and more she is making her name as a Pointer who gives back to her community by investing in new, quality businesses.

They include the Dirty Dog Jazz Cafe, a supper club and jazz venue on The Hill that attracts top names and puts out an award-winning menu.

A few doors down is Morning Glory, a bakery and coffee house and after-dinner drink spot, that has built a solid customer base since opening in the summer of 2011.

Just across the street is Capricious, the new shoe store that will sell high-end brands as well as jewelry, scarves, belts and other accessories from a store decorated to convey posh. Capricious gives Pointers a destination that may keep them in the Pointes rather than heading to Somerset Collection in Troy for a shopping fix.


The grand opening of Capricious, which is creating at least three full-time jobs, is Nov. 15.

Writer: Kim North Shine
Source: Dawn Mitchell, assistant store manager

Talk of a comeback for Kercheval Avenue in Grosse Pointe Park never really goes away, but with the anticipated opening of three new restaurants - and possibly more - in coming months locals are saying the comeback is here and now.

Perhaps the restaurant opening creating the most excitement is Red Crown, a southern-influenced American comfort food joint that will open inside the garage bays and office of the Standard Oil service station, long closed but beloved for its art deco architecture.

Renovations are in progress and Red Crows is expected to open in December.

Mindy Lopus, the owner of still hot, French-inspired Tallulah Wine Bar and Bistro and her rustic Italian eatery Bellapiatti, both in Birmingham, is behind all three restaurants coming to the Park.

Besides Red Crown, which will have a garage opening onto a fireplace, patio with ping-pong tables and a kitchen run by top metro Detroit chefs, Lopus is behind a the Bona Fide Baking Company, which will move into the close Mulier's Market. Pastry chef and James Beard finalist Tanya Fallon will manage the bakery's output of artisan breads that will be sold in and out of the store and be used at Red Crown. Bona Fide, which is expected to open before the end of the year, will have a coffee bar and serve breakfast lunch.

Next to Bona Fide,where there is now parking lot, will be a Tallulah's wine bar and cafe like the Birmingham original.

The three restaurants are part of a larger redevelopment plan for the business district that hangs on to its quaint 40s-era architecture and a mix of earthy, artistic and longtime businesses are attracting young, newcomers and maintaining their old faithful clientele.

Writer: Kim North Shine
Source: Mindy Lopus, restaurateur

In about a year's time Slow Jams jam has gone from a hobby to a business, from Detroit's  Eastern Market to store shelves at markets around and small shops all around Metro Detroit.

This month the jam that comes in 20-plus creative flavor combinations such as blueberry lavender and strawberry balsamic and the newest just announced Spicy Strawberry Bomb, hopped on Pure Michigan shelves in 20 Kroger stores.

Shannon Byrne, jam-maker and founder of Slow Jams, says the success comes from being part of a connected, supportive food and slow foods community in metro Detroit.

On the heels of the Kroger deal more stores are coming, such as Fresh Farms Market in Grosse Pointe Farms.

Slow Jams, which is based in Grosse Pointe, employs four, not including Byrne, and will likely expand as more stores stock their product. New Slow Jams sellers include Plum Market and Zingerman's Creamery.

"We are so grateful for the success we've had so far," says Byrne. 

It only took about six months of selling at Eastern Market to decide to go retail. "It was fast once we saw there was a demand," Byrne says. "We had  restaurants coming to us wanting to use our stuff."

She says cottage food laws that eased restrictions to let more products be made in homes made it possible for the business to begin.

"And having Eastern Market, that was huge…It is a huge hub of what's going on the city around food," says Byrne, who uses locally sourced ingredients and business partnerships to produce Slow Jam. "Restaurant owners, chefs, store folks would come by and say they were really interested."

One example Forest Grill's Brian Polcyn and David Gilbert

"We want to continue to be successful," she says. "But only if we can stay true to using locally sourced ingredients…and only with an environmental focus on low waste and making our carbon footprint as small as it can be."

Writer: Kim North Shine
Source: Shannon Byrne, owner, Slow Jams

Pointe Alarm, a five year old home and commercial security business, is venturing into sales of other electronics, including some designed to keep homes secure and operating from a computer or other electronic controller.

The company's latest venture, Technical Living, will open in a prominent - and vacant - storefront on Kercheval Avenue in the Village shopping district in Grosse Pointe.

City Manager Peter Dame says the plan approved by the city in September has the front of the store, which was formerly an upscale boutique selling women and children's clothing, shoes and accessories, is to renovate the store that sells high end electronics and security systems in one spot.

Pointe Alarm's owners described the electronics end of the store a something similar to Sharper Image, Dame says. The front of the store will be dedicated to electronics. The back will be for security and home control systems.

Source: Pointe Alarm and Peter Dame, city manager, City of Grosse Pointe
Writer: Kim North Shine

What Crepe, the creperie that had planned to add a Grosse Pointe location, has scrapped that plan, but the vacant space on Kercheval in The Village shopping district has already been spoken for.

In its space is going Sweet Little Sheila's Pastry and Crepe Cafe, an offshoot of Side Street Diner, a restaurant around the corner from where the pastry shop will go. Renovations are going on now. Co-owner Sheila Taylor is known for her cakes, brownies and other desserts.

It's one of several changes coming to The Village this fall.

A few doors down from the soon-to-be Sheila's, the Grosse Pointe Art Center, a gallery and gift shop that regularly draws crowds to its openings and special events, has relocated from a spot down the road. The corner spot gives the art center a more visible presence with windows on two sides.

In the same block of the Village the restaurant and bar, City Kitchen, is expanding into the art center's old space, capitalizing on locals interest in the bar area, which currently is often to capacity. The new bar will have pub tables, a larger bar to satisfy customers' desires to eat and socialize at the bar rather than in the dining room.

Still unspoken for is the largest vacancy in the Village, the former Border's bookstore.

Source: City of Grosse Pointe
Writer: Kim North Shine

Giant, colorful perch are on the sidewalks of the Grosse Pointes, a definite improvement from the stinky mounds of fish flies that made their annual visit several weeks ago.

Unlike the stinky, slippery insects, the perch are a welcome sight around town as they serve multiple purposes, including generating traffic for businesses and business areas, raising money for philanthropic municipal improvements and providing some artistic eye candy for passersby.

The Grosse Pointe Perch, 51 of them, are a project of the Grosse Pointe Chamber of Commerce and come seven years after a highly successful fundraising frog project. The concept originated in 1998 with Cows on Parade in Zurich, Switzerland. The cow concept spread to Chicago and to dozens of other U.S. and international cities.

Other cities have also come up with their own versions of public art to reflect their towns' personalities and draw people to town while raising money: cartoonish cars in Detroit, salmon in Anchorage, bears in Hendersonville, North Carolina.

For Grosse Pointe, the perch is a play on Lake St. Clair that runs along the five Pointes, a love of the water, and, of course, the perch - whether fishing for them or eating them.

Source: Grosse Pointe Chamber of Commerce
Writer: Kim North Shine

A prominent vacant space in Grosse Pointe's Village district is expected to be filled by What Crepe, a Royal Oak restaurant with a funky, urban, upscale vibe.

Grosse Pointe City Manager Peter Dame says the restaurant owner has signed a letter of intent with the owner of the building that faces Kercheval Avenue. Dame says the lease is expected to be signed in days.

Signs saying "What Crepe is Coming" have gone up in the windows of the space where What Crepe will fire up its pans. The space was previously Burger Pointe, which closed due to personal reasons, and locals are eager for something to move in again.

"It's a wonderful place," says Dame, who visited the Royal Oak What Crepe. What Crepe has also opened a Birmingham location "A restaurant like this brings a whole new feel to Grosse Pointe."

It comes as proposals for an Emagine movie theater, which has a theater in Royal Oak and other Detroit suburbs, and a performing arts and banquet center for the Grosse Pointe Theatre are being considered by the city. They would be located, if approved, behind the spot where What Crepe is expected to open.

Writer: Kim North Shine
Source: Peter Dame, Grosse Pointe City Manager