When the new
Grand Traverse Pie Company opens its doors in
Downtown Lansing on Jan. 31, it won’t just be another faceless chain setting up shop. Though Mike and Denise Busley opened the original store in Traverse City in 1996, the opening of their first urban location in Lansing is more like a family homecoming.
"My grandmother worked at
Knapp’s and my grandfather worked at the
Olds plant," says Busley. "My mom worked at Olds for awhile. They all lived Downtown."
Though the Busley’s newest location will be their third in the Greater Lansing area, it’s this family connection that makes the Downtown location extra special.
Their dedication to the area and the state will be apparent when the doors open, in everything from the furniture to the coolers to the butcher block tables — all of which were made in Michigan.
"We really wanted to try to find Michigan sources for the food as well as the build out of the store," says Busley. "We’ll make sure that’s clear to our guests and give credit where credit is due to these great companies."
One of those companies is
Old Town’s ATG Concepts who made all of the furniture for the forthcoming pie shop from reclaimed Michigan barn wood.
Beyond a beautiful interior, the new Grand Traverse Pie Company will feature some special offerings exclusive to Downtown Lansing, including an express checkout with ready-made sandwiches and an outdoor café that is ready for a spring premier.
The new restaurant has created 30 new jobs already and represents a $420,000 investment in Downtown.
"Downtown Lansing is a great story, of how it’s being rebuilt," says Busley. "We’re really happy to be here."
Source: Mike Busley, Grand Traverse Pie Company
Writer: Natalie Burg, Interim News Editor
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