Development News

Bulgogi Korean Cuisine opens in East Lansing with 20 jobs

Kevin Choi, Bulgogi Korean Cuisine Wednesday, February 13, 2013

When Kevin Choi owned and operated Korean restaurants in both Novi and Ann Arbor, he noticed a similar thing happening in both locations.

"There are many MSU students and that, during the weekend are going an hour away to go to the restaurant," says Choi. "There are many Asian students here, but they go to Ann Arbor and Novi because they couldn't find the right Korean food in East Lansing."

Choi decided it was time to open an authentic Korean restaurant right where he knew there was demand: in East Lansing He opened the doors of his Bulgogi Korean Cuisine on Albert Avenue last week with 20 employees and room for 80 diners.

Though other small Korean restaurants to exist in the area, Choi's offers something new to the scene. Not only is the 3,400 square foot Bulgogi Korean Cuisine larger than the others, it also features Korean barbeque grills at each table.

" We bring out the customer scan too,' says Seoyoung Choi of Bulgogi Korean Cuisine. "A lot of customers don't know about Korean barbeque grills, so we want to make it a fun and enjoyable way to get the word out about Korean food."

In addition to Korean barbeque, Bulgogi offers other traditional Korean dishes, hot pots and noodle dishes. The restaurant is currently working to secure a liquor license, and Choi plans to add delivery as an option in the future.

Source: Kevin Choi, Bulgogi Korean Cuisine
Writer: Natalie Burg, Development News Editor

New automotive facility brings 25 jobs to Potterville

Bob Trezise, LEAP Wednesday, February 13, 2013

Big things are happening in Potterville. The town has recently welcomed Profile Metal Forming to a 30,000 square foot facility. The tier two automotive stamping and welding assembly company will bring with it 25 new jobs over the next two years and plans to invest $5 million in the local economy.

Profile Metal Forming began in Newmarket, New Hampshire in 1986 and planned to expand into the Lansing area to be closer to the automotive industry. The Potterville location was chosen for its accessibility to the expressway and its central location between both east and west sides of the state.

"This will assist in the revitalization of the automotive and manufacturing sector in our region," says Bob Trezise, President & CEO of the Lansing Economic Area Partnership (LEAP). Profile Metal Forming and LEAP connect through a site search. The firm then worked with CB Richard Ellis in locating a site for their new facility.

According to LEAP, Profile Metal Forming has already placed purchase orders with Michigan firms totaling $1.7 million since opening in Potterville.

Source: Bob Trezise, LEAP
Writer: Natalie Burg, Development News Editor

Portable Feast re-opens in Old Town

Wednesday, February 06, 2013

The Portable Feast fed Old Towners from 2002 through 2009, and after a few years of trying something new, owner Sharon Hind decided it was time to revive her old business, in the exact same space.

"I wanted to get back to doing my own thing and my creativeness instead of working for somebody else," says Hind. "And this area is a cool area. I have a lot of friends here who have been really supportive."

Just like the former Portable Feast, the new business, serves light breakfast and lunch fare for dine-in or take away. Hind's reopening took place last week with salads, soups, wraps and more.

"The menu is similar," Hind says. "There are some old favorites and new items. I'm still doing breakfast, lunch and casual catering. I'm thinking of opening into evening as well."

Source: Sharon Hind, Portable Feast
Writer: Natalie Burg, Development News Editor

Have a development news story? Send Natalie an email here.

Jefferson Street Salon opens, creates three Grand Ledge jobs

Wednesday, February 06, 2013

When her employer closed its doors in September, hairstylist DeAnn DeChelbor wasn't about to walk away from the clients she'd been taking care of for 11 years.

"We have the best the clientele," says DeChelbor. "We're like a family because we've know them for so long. They're like our family, and we didn't want to lose them."

The day after leaving Fantastic Sam's, she started looking for a location to start her own shop, and in December, she and partners Jennifer Temple and Andrea Graeber opened the doors of Jefferson Street Salon in Grand Ledge.

The 1,200 square foot salon supports the three stylists with room to add up to three more in the future. Eventually, DeChelbor says, she would like to hire a massage therapist as well.

According to DeChelbor, the goal of the Jefferson Street Salon is to offer high quality hair services at a lower cost than other area salons.

Source: DeAnn DeChelbor, Jefferson Street Salon
Writer: Natalie Burg, Development News Editor

Have a development news story? Send Natalie an email here.

Zoobie's Old Town Tavern to be revived, create 15 jobs

Wednesday, February 06, 2013

Sam Short and partners Aaron Matthews and Alan Hooper first purchased the long-vacant Zoobie's building in Old Town, it was with an eye on another development project.

"Originally, it was a means to an end," Short says. "We were looking to redevelop the Temple, and Zoobie's had a liquor license that was mobile. We had purchased it with the intention of moving it over."

Instead, that liquor license is staying put and will be a part of the re-opening of the bar under its former name: Zoobie's Old Town Tavern. The 1,500 square foot space is now under renovation, including plans for a new roof.

"We're looking to work with some of the great historic elements of the building," says Short. "It has a great 50s-era feel. We don't want to do anything kitschy, but we want to work some neat 50s design elements into it."

No opening date has yet been set, but Short expects the new Zoobie's to open in late spring or early summer of this year. The bar will feature craft beer and boutiq wine and well made, craft cocktails and will employ approximately 15 workers. No plans are yet made for the second floor, but Short says eventually expanding the bar into a restaurant or developing residential units in the space are possibilities.

Source: Sam Short, Zoobie's Old Town Tavern
Writer Natalie Burg, Development News Editor

Have a development news story? Send Natalie an email here.

Norplas Industries to invest $75M, create 400 new jobs in Delta Twp

Sara Graham, Lansing Economic Area Partnership Wednesday, January 30, 2013

President of the Lansing Economic Area Partnership (LEAP) Bob Trezise, has called it possibly the largest new manufacturer adding new jobs, and building a new, very large facility in the Lansing region in the last 15 years. With 400 new jobs and plans for $75 million investment in Delta Township, Norplas Industries, Inc. has announced plans to build a new, 350,000 square foot manufacturing facility.

The company is a manufacturing division of Magna Exteriors and Interiors. The new plant will be a state-of-the-art robotic paint line and injection molding, tier one, manufacturing facility. The Michigan Strategic Fund Board approved $2 million in economic incentives for the project. Additional incentives and assistance from Delta Township and LEAP will also be a part of the development.

"We believe this development will have additional spinoff within the automotive sector," says Talent & Communications Director for LEAP, Sara Graham, "and possibly bring additional companies to our area."

In terms of a timeline for the project, Graham says LEAP anticipates construction will begin in late spring or early summer.

"The company has expressed urgency to move the process forward," she says.

Habitat for Humanity to open second ReStore, create 3 jobs

Denise Paquette, Habitat for Humanity of Lansing Wednesday, January 30, 2013

Few things in life are genuine win-win-win-win scenarios, but the forthcoming opening of Habitat for Humanity of Lansing's second area ReStore location is truly such a quadruple win. The new, 9,600 square foot store at the Haslett Shoptown shopping center will create jobs, raise funds for the non-profit, provide local shoppers with affordable new and gently-used building materials, as well as save those materials from landfills.

It's very exciting to be expanding from one store into two,” says Executive Director at Habitat for Humanity of Lansing, Denise Paquette. “It's been a long time coming.”

The new ReStore location is expected to open for business to the public in April. Until then, the store will be accepting donations of gently used home improvement goods, furniture, building materials and appliances on Saturdays from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m.

"We’ll be doing a little bit of remodeling," says Paquette. "The building is in great condition and we’re thrilled to be moving into it."

The idea to open a second Lansing-area ReStore location came after learning from the Habitat for Humanity of Michigan's distribution center that the Lansing area was being underserved with only one outlet. The Haslett shopping center, which was represented by CBRE|Martin is now 93 percent occupied. According to Paquette, three full-time equivalent employees will be hired to operate the new ReStore location.

New family bakery brings Italian pastries, five jobs to Mason

Roseanne Sherwood, Nana's Sweet Treats Wednesday, January 30, 2013

Mornings are coming pretty early these days for Roseanne and Tom Sherwood. The Mason couple has been arriving at their new bakery, Nana's Sweet Treats between three and four in the morning. But they're not complaining.

"It's been very good," says Roseanne Sherwood. "We've been quite busy. We've been getting a lot of orders for cakes and cupcakes."

Sherwood began her baking career in her own kitchen, utilizing the state’s cottage food laws to produce goodies for customers on order. On Dec. 8, however, the husband and wife team moved their operations into a 2,500 square foot location on Cedar Street.

"It's a great location because most people have to go right by here to get up town," Sherwood says.

Nana's Sweet Treats was named for Sherwood's mother, and specializes in both American and Italian pastries, such as cinnamon rolls and cannoli. Everything, says Sherwood, is made completely from scratch.

The new bakery celebrated its grand opening earlier this month. In addition to Roseanne and Tom Sherwood, Nana's Sweet Treats also employs three part time employees.

The Sweet Cake quadruples space in new Williamston location

Shayna Bennett, The Sweet Cake Wednesday, January 23, 2013

A little Portland bakery is getting a big boost in visibility next month as it moves to a storefront on Grand River in Williamston, more than quadrupling its space.

“I don’t have a storefront now,” says owner of The Sweet Cake, Shayna Bennett. “This was a great opportunity.”

Bennett began her cake business out of her Portland home in 2008 and quickly moved into a small commercial location in 2009. Since that time, demand for her unique, made-from-scratch cakes has been on the rise, outgrowing her 300 square foot spot.

“I offer a lot of very unusually decorated, very personal cakes,” Bennett says. “I do a lot of the carved cakes like you see on TV. I plan to offer, in the very near future, gourmet cupcakes.”

Opening in early February in Downtown Williamston, The Sweet Cake will enjoy 1,400 square feet of space. Bennett plans to have a display up in the front of the store by the first of the month, in time for the local Ice Sculpture event.

Bennett hopes The Sweet Cake will continue to grow in its new location, and would like to add a staff in the future.

J.S. Peck Real Estate opens in Okemos, creates two jobs

Jeffery Peck, J.S. Peck Real Estate Wednesday, January 23, 2013

According to Jeffery Peck, his new Okemos agency, J.S. Peck Real Estate is more than just an ordinary real estate business.

“I was a private mortgage banker for 20 years,” says Peck. “I also do seminars for people with houses going into foreclosure and short sale. I let them know they don’t have to give up hope for the American dream.”

The 1,200 square foot office opening in October, offering credit counseling and help for those who may not believe they are candidates for homeownership.

“I think the biggest misconception people have is they think they can’t afford a home,” Peck says. “I’ll work with them for as long as need be to get approved. Then we’ll go shopping for houses.”

J.S. Peck Real Estate celebrated their grand opening in December. Peck currently employs a staff of two and plans to expand his location in the future. He would also like to open between three and four more offices over the next few years, including an additional Lansing-area location.

New Okemos bike to aims for community envolvement, to create up to 12 jobs

Michael Reuter, American Cycle & Fitness Wednesday, January 23, 2013

American Cycle and Fitness may be new the Lansing area when it opens on Grand River in Okemos next month, but the brand is anything but new to Michigan. The store first opened in 1938 in Grosse Pointe and has grown into a six-locations throughout Southeast Michigan. Very soon, they’ll expand into the Lansing area.

“We have six locations [in Metro Detroit],” says Michael Reuter, CEO of American Cycle & Fitness. “There isn’t a growth potential for us without taking market share from our other stores. Outside of Detroit, the Lansing are has been a possibility for us for years.”

That possibility will become a reality in February when American Cycle and Fitness opens near Playmakers. The proximity is no coincidence. Reuter and his partners have worked with Playmakers frequently in the past, and liken their commitment to community health and participation to Lansing’s legendary running store.

“Those guys do business like we do business,” he says. “We’re excited to be close to them here. We really want to earn that reputation as well.”

According to Reuter, American Cycle and Fitness will carry cycling equipment for biker enthusiasts of all ages and experience.

“We make cycling fun for everyone,” Reuter says. “We have a bike for you if you’re eight or 80, or any age.”

The 7,200 square foot store will employ between eight and 12 employees upon opening, joining the company wide staff total that grows to around 100 during their peak season. A grand opening is planned for April 5.

Grand Ledge Nana-n-Paws expands to 10 acrea property with eight employees

Patty Lance, Nana-n-Paws Doggy Daycare Wednesday, January 23, 2013

Patty Lance knows dogs. She’s been training them for 33 years, and after a few negative experiences with boarding facilities, began taking care of other people’s dogs in her home the way she felt they should be cared for.

“I don’t like outdoor runs because dogs can escape. I don’t like leaving them unsupervised, because anything could happen,” says Lance. “I don’t like dogs in cages. I wanted it to be more like a home environment, instead of an institution of steel and cement.”

Her client list outgrew her home, leading Lance to open Nana-n-Paws Doggie Daycare in Grand Ledge in September. The facility includes a 9,300 square foot main building and 5,000 square foot training and rental facility on 10 acres.

“We also have an 11,000 square foot outdoor play area where and they are never unsupervised,” Lance says. “We have a bedroom and a kitchen here for staff to spend the night. Nine times out of ten we fall asleep with dogs in our beds.”

Nana-n-Paws Doggie Daycare offers boarding facilities with separate rooms for older dogs, small dogs, large dogs who love to roughhouse and those with more timid personalities. The facility also has a retail store, grooming services, dog training and some veterinary services.

“I just really love dogs,” says Lance, “and I don’t want them to be scared, I don’t want their feelings hurt. I want them to feel like they’re at home.”

Lance hopes to continue to grow in her new location, with such plans as adding a dog park to her property, coordinating adoption days with area rescue organizations. Eight employees currently work at Nana-n-Paws.

Local owners open area's third Culver's in Eastwood Towne Center

Jay Laing, Culver's Wednesday, January 16, 2013

Lansing just can’t seem to get enough of Culver’s, the fast food franchise famous for its frozen custard. Holt residents Jay Laing and Scott Berman have now opened their first, but the area’s third Culver’s restaurant in Eastwood Towne Center.

“We looked at a variety of concepts, and Culver’s was the best fit for us,” says Laing. “It’s really proven to be successful over the past several years.”

The 4,300 square foot restaurant is one of the first few Culver’s in the nation with an updated floor plan that gives customers and employees more room. The restaurant holds 108 diners, and currently employs about 60 workers. Even more diners will be welcome when the weather allows them to open their patio.

“We went to great lengths to make the patio an appealing place,” Laing says.

The new Culver’s opened last week after breaking ground in July. Laing says the business plans to be active in the community, including events and partnerships within Eastwood Towne Center.

Opie's Pizza to open, create 11 jobs on Chandler Road

Paul De Leon, Opie's Pizza Wednesday, January 16, 2013

Paul De Leon could be opening an authentic Mexican restaurant in Wisconsin right now, but thanks to a chance meeting while shopping for a truck to take him there, his plans changed.

“The sales guy had a long experience with pizza,” says De Leon. “He had a really good pizza recipe, and he asked me if I was interested in opening a restaurant with him.”

That’s how De Leon and Bill Grantham began their working relationship, which will result in the opening of Opie’s Pizza on Chandler Road in Bath Township later this month.

“We’re about 96 percent ready,” De Leon says. “We had to make a pizza place out of a room with just four walls. We had to make the kitchen and dining room and bathrooms. It was a lot of work.”

De Leon and Grantham hope all that work will be worthwhile when they open their doors on January 23. The 1,800 square foot restaurant will include a full bar and will employ 11 workers upon opening.

The business partners hope to expand Opie’s Pizza into a franchise, beginning with future locations in Old Town and Grand Ledge.

New home healthcare agency celebrates ribbon cutting, to add 20 jobs

Christina Goedert, The Caring & Compassionate Health Care Agency Wednesday, January 16, 2013

Lansing-area residents in need of home healthcare now have a new option in The Caring & Compassionate Health Care Agency on East Grand River. The company celebrated its ribbon cutting with the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce on November 30.

“We like to share compassion toward the people we’re taking care of,” says Office Manager Christina Goedert. “We like to set ourselves apart with the kind of one-on-one care we provide for them.”

According to Goedert, The Caring & Compassionate Health Care Agency is now also one of just three home healthcare agencies in the Lansing area that is certified with the Joint Commission for Medicare. Their recent certification is causing their current staff of five to soon jump to approximately 25 over the next couple of months.

The Caring & Compassionate Health Care Agency offers a variety of in-home services for patients, including cardiac nursing, diabetic care, IV therapy, post-surgical care, rehabilitation and more. Goedert says the business hopes to eventually expand into a school to train home healthcare workers.

The company, which began in Minnesota, opened their second location in Lansing to serve the growing population of elderly residents, and because of CEO Mattie Brown’s connection to the area. Brown has owned both a daycare facility and beauty salon in Lansing.