SAGINAW, MI — From the sale of Freeland’s oldest ice cream shop to the implementation of a robot “employee” at the Midland Mall, here’s some recent mid-Michigan business news you might have missed:
Freeland’s oldest ice cream shop has new owners with long history in town
FREELAND, MI — What started 30 years ago as a small family-owned restaurant centered around dozens of beloved pie recipes then grew to include a riverfront bar and grill has more new things in store for 2024.
Now, the Graebner family business is growing again, this time to include a long-standing local ice cream shop.
The Graebners, owners of Riverside Family Restaurant and The Otherside Bar & Grill, both located on Midland Road in Freeland, have purchased Freeland Dairy.
The ice cream shop, locally known as “The Dairy” and located at 200 King, is now The Dairy House.
“Another family business…lots of new fun things coming in 2024! We can’t wait to continue serving the great community of Freeland!” the Graebners recently announced via the Riverside Family Restaurant Facebook page.
Read the full story here.
Meet Neo, a Michigan Mall’s newest ‘employee.’ It’s a robot.
MIDLAND, MI — The Midland Mall’s newest “employee” is tasked with keeping the floors inside the shopping center spotless.
But Neo isn’t like other workers. This new staff member doesn’t require lunch breaks, call in sick or take vacation.
That’s because Neo is a robot.
“This is cutting-edge technology,” said Midland Mall owner Jordan Dice. “This is the first one deployed in mid-Michigan.”
Read the full story here.
Shop local with your besties during Bay City’s Galentine’s Boutique Crawl
BAY CITY, MI — Looking for something fun to do with your BFFs? Check out Bay City’s upcoming Galentine’s Boutique Crawl.
This event, from Thursday, Feb. 8, through Saturday, Feb. 10, will highlight several locally-owned retailers and feature a gift card give away.
Unlike Valentine’s Day, a holiday typically associated with romantic love, Galentine’s Day is a celebration of female friendship originating from an episode of the sitcom TV series “Parks and Recreation.”
Read the full story here.
Children’s TV show star visiting surprising Saginaw venue
KOCHVILLE TWP, MI — A DreamWorks show star is planning a visit to a surprising Saginaw-area venue this February.
The Gardner White furniture store in Saginaw County’s Kochville Township is hosting a meet and greet event with Laila Lockhart Kraner, star of the hit children’s TV show “Gabby’s Dollhouse.” New episodes are streaming on Netflix.
The actress will meet with children and their families from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 4, at the furniture store, located at 2660 Tittabawassee Road.
Read the full story here.
Specializing in Greek food but offering many cuisines, don’t miss this Midland restaurant
MIDLAND, MI – Whatever you may be craving, chances are Antonio’s Restaurant & Bar offers it.
The restaurant and bar, located at 1716 W. Wackerly St. in Midland, opened in May 2021 where Shirlene’s Cuisine once was.
General manager Ashleigh Lee said the owner tore the building down to the studs to build it into what it is today.
Aside from the appearance changing, a full bar has been added along with a substantial menu.
Greek dishes, such as the gyro and spinach pie, are some of specialties available. There are also Italian, Mexican, Chinese and American options.
Read the full story here.
Saginaw chamber of commerce president Veronica Horn announces retirement plans
SAGINAW, MI — Veronica Horn, president and CEO of the Saginaw County Chamber of Commerce, is planning to retire at the end of the year.
Horn shared the news with chamber members during the monthly Percolator Breakfast at Horizons Conference Center, 6200 State St. in Saginaw Township, Thursday morning, Jan. 11. She has been president and CEO of the organization since 2018.
“It’s time for me,” she told the crowd, noting that she plans to spend more time with family. “I just want to thank you all. …It’s been a blast, and we’re not done yet.”
Read the full story here.
Looking for that small-town bar vibe? Find it at two bars in Bay City
BAY CITY, MI – If you’re searching for a small-town bar setting, there’s at least two options, and they’re owned and operated by the same staff.
Barfly Pub & Grub located at 400 Washington Avenue, opened on April 1, 2022. Joe Marsh, the owner, also recently opened Sloppy Joe’s Lounge in Bay City’s South End located at 1317 Cass Avenue.
Previously, Marsh owned The Crowne Pub on Midland Street, but wanted to have a bar and restaurant on the East side of Bay City instead, general manager Bobbi Valeck said.
Both businesses were remodeled with drop ceilings removed and handmade tables and booths by Marsh were put in, Valeck said.
Barfly Pub & Grub features a DJ on Fridays and Saturdays, food specials on weekdays, a free billiard table and free corn hole, Valeck added. There is also a free billiard table at Sloppy Joe’s Lounge along with free darts and horseshoes.
In the warmer months, Barfly Pub & Grub offers beer pong and table tennis in their outdoor patio space.
Read the full story here.
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