Thanks to AnQi Sushi Express, there is finally a place in Downtown Lansing for sushi-lovers to head to for a quick lunch, sushi on-the-go or some bubble tea.

After five years of making sushi for the Okemos branch of Meijer Inc., owners Steve Hsieh and Joanna Liu decided they were ready to open their own store.

“There is no sushi place [Downtown] and after my success at Meijer [it made sense to take the next step],” says Liu of AnQi Sushi Express.

Differing from other sushi establishments in the area, AnQi’s focus is to serve a “healthy, fast, fresh and delicious” alternative to lunch crowds, or those looking to get sushi as takeout. Some unique items on the menu include a sushi sandwich and sushi balls.

AnQi Sushi Express is located at 111 E. Allegan St, and is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Source: Joanna Liu, AnQi Sushi Express

Writer: Suban Nur Cooley 

All Photographs © Dave Trumpie

Eclectic Art Tattoo Gallery is a quality custom tattoo studio and art gallery opening at 615 E. Michigan Ave. in Downtown Lansing today, Sept. 1. With many years of experience between them, friends and owners Geary Morrill, Mike Riina and Sean Peters decided it was time to connect, combine their passion for the art form and invest in a business.

“Eclectic Art Tattoo Gallery is a high-end establishment that takes pride in providing a unique and personal experience focusing on client needs, both artistically and conceptually,” says co-owner, Geary Morrill. “[We hope to provide] a new and distinct tattoo experience and art platform, while also becoming involved in the local Downtown business district and community.”

The owners are both painters and tattoo artists, and the business enables them to combine and showcase both talents in the one space. They have an art space under the gallery to spend time on other creative projects. 

“[We hope to create] a thoughtful and conscientious version of the standard tattoo experience, and exceed the expectations of the clients and community,” adds Morrill.

Source: Geary Morrill, Eclectic Art Tattoo Gallery

Writer: Suban Nur Cooley 

Photo:Geary Morrill & Mike Riina (missing Sean Peters)

All Photographs © Dave Trumpie

The new Spartan Dance Center (SDC), located on Albert Ave. in the heart of East Lansing, is an affordable traditional dance center that provides dance classes in a variety of styles, including lyrical, contemporary, ballet, tap, jazz, zumba, hip-hop and Broadway. 

One of the many goals of SDC is to provide a user-friendly and affordable dance studio to dancers of all ages, with options to fit various schedules, skill levels and preferences. 

“SDC will be an open and vibrant hub for dancers to come and go," says Luke Miller, public relations and media director for Spartan Dance Center.

Spartan Dance Center offer drop-in classes that require no registration and the flexible class structure allows dancers to either pay by the class or purchase a pre-loaded “class card” at a discounted rate. "This format is very unique to the area, since most studios in the area require specific times, memberships and registration for classes,” according to Miller.

Spartan Cash is also accepted for MSU students.

“Director Tiffany Russell found this style to be popular in New York City and thought the Lansing area could adapt a similar institute for an area that is equally youthful, urban and bustling," says Miller.

Source: Luke Miller, Spartan Dance Center

Writer: Suban Nur Cooley 

All Photographs © Dave Trumpie

Downtown Lansing welcomes another new eatery, Lenny’s Sub Shop, to 212 S. Washington Square. Lenny's Sub Shop is a Philadelphia-style sub shop featuring sliced-to-order submarine sandwiches and authentic Philly cheese steaks.

This is the first Lansing area location for the national chain, which has four other Michigan locations in Jackson, Portage, Kalamazoo and Warren.

“We love Lansing and chose Downtown to appeal to the busy lunch crowd,” says David Bonofiglio, owner of Lenny’s Sub Shop. “We take pride in serving our customers well with authentic Philly Cheese steaks that are available both as dine-in and custom catering options. Our generously-sized, sliced-to-order deli sandwiches and made-from-scratch chicken salad also make convenient box lunch choices.”

Lenny’s Sub Shop will be ready to serve Downtowners this fall.

Source: David Bonofiglio, Lenny’s Sub Shop

Writer: Suban Nur Cooley

The Lansing City Market has long delivered wonderful local fare, and following tradition, now welcomes the Waterfront Bar and Grille, a casual dining experience with modern flair.

“While catching a quick lunch or enjoying one of our many microbrews or organic wines, customers are able to enjoy the City Market shops or a relaxing view of the Grand River on our patio,” says Robert Schleman of the Waterfront Bar and Grille.

The restaurant is housed in a 700 square foot space inside the market, with expansion plans for a second floor and dining overlooking the market. You can expect freshness and presentation, and the wares of many of the market vendors are used in the food prepared at the Waterfront.

“As we continue in this exciting vision of a new Lansing, we are cross marketing with various vendors to promote an awareness of local services and entertainment,” adds Schleman. “We are extremely honored to be a part of Downtown Lansing's rebirth in the new City Market.”

Source: Robert Schleman, The Waterfront Bar and Grille

Writer: Suban Nur Cooley 

All Photographs © Dave Trumpie

After almost 15 years as the Lansing Principal Shopping District, the promotional agency for Downtown Lansing launches its new brand with a new name, Downtown Lansing Inc (DLI).

“Through the implementation of a comprehensive Downtown Lansing Revitalization Program — a volunteer, grassroots-driven effort dedicated to the health and vitality of our Downtown — the Principal Shopping District has transformed into an organization committed to creating a thriving, world-class capital city,” says executive director Mindy Biladeau.

About $5,000 was invested to create the logo, site and complete brand strategy, which includes an array of marketing materials visible throughout Downtown in the newspaper kiosks, on coffee sleeves in the downtown coffee shops, on pins and magnets and online.

“The region will better understand who we are and what we do as an organization as well as easily recognize and associate our new mark and brand with Downtown Lansing,” adds Biladeau.

“With the launch of our new marketing materials like the website and our bi-annual Downtown guide complete with a calendar of events and business directory, the region will clearly know about the revitalization taking place in Downtown Lansing [and] the progress the Capital City has made over the last five years.”

Source: Mindy Biladeau. Downtown Lansing Inc.

Writer: Suban Nur Cooley

CBI Rehabilitation Services (CBIRS), a provider of behavioral services for both children and adults with brain injuries or significant behavioral and cognitive disabilities, has moved its primary office from Okemos to a more visible space at 3446 Lake Lansing Road in East Lansing.

“The Gaslight Village condominiums are an attractive cottage-like community of offices that was built near the corner of Lake Lansing and Abbot Roads a few years ago. With this purchase, four of the five buildings are now occupied,” says CB Richard Ellis/Martin (CBRE) senior associate, John R. Peckham.

CBIRS’ previous office was tucked behind Wheat Jewelers in Okemos. “The building in which CBIRS was located went largely unnoticed. This move will provide CBIRS with significantly increased exposure,” adds Peckham. 

CBIRS hopes to make the transition to their new building in September.

Source: Veronica LaBar

Writer: Suban Nur Cooley 

All Photographs © Dave Trumpie

One night after taking his friend out for his birthday in East Lansing, businessman Spencer Soka strolled up Grand River Avenue and stopped in front of the storefront that used to house Melting Moments.

It was perfect, Soka thought, for a deli. If only the spot was available.

As fate would have it, Melting Moments closed shop after 25 years in April, and Soka wasted no time moving in.

The Stateside Deli and Grill, opened its doors Aug. 7 at 313 E. Grand River Ave. It’s Soka’s second Stateside location. The first is in Okemos at 3552 Meridian Crossing Dr.

Soka promises a full deli experience, complete with fresh-baked breads, pastrami sandwiches, Philly cheese steaks and meats hanging from the ceiling. But you can also order a burger and onion rings.

“We never ask our customers if the food is good,” says Soka, 30, who also owns a Verizon store in Okemos. “You know why? Because we know it’s good.”

Stateside Deli and Grill is open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Monday through Wednesday, and from 11 a.m. to 3 a.m., Thursday through Saturday. On Sundays, the deli is open noon to 9 p.m.

Soka says he wants to cater to students, so he has opened up a back room where students can sit and study.

Source: Spencer Soka

Writer: Louise Knott Ahern