What’s New? – Ray’s Ice Cream
Jason Eddelston, owner of Ray’s Ice Cream in Royal Oak, stopped by to tell us about some new flavors his shop is offering. The three different flavors feature Girl Scout cookies, including Tagalongs, Samoas and Thin Mints. You can also catch Girl Scouts selling cookies at the shop on Saturdays and Sundays. Ray’s is a long-time shop, opening in 1958, and using the same recipes it’s always used. Eddleston, who took ownership, along with his wife, in 2022, continues to expand the parlor’s reach into the community.
Zo’s Good Burger
Hussein Olabi, owner of Zo’s Good Burger in Royal Oak, a new location, stopped by to tell us about this fast casual burger restaurant, featuring halal beef. Each burger is customizable, but also unique in toppings and bread choice. For example, the good burger is on a pretzel bun and includes cheese sticks, American cheese, onion rings and good burger sauce. You can also get a black bean burger, hand-battered chicken sandwiches, wraps, loaded fries, shakes and more. Zo’s is celebrating its tenth anniversary this year, and Royal Oak is the seventh location in metro Detroit.
Disability Made Easy
The Troy-based company Disability Made Easy installs wheelchair ramps, stair railings, grab bars, and other equipment that people might need to make their homes accessible and safe. The company was founded by two brothers whose father was diagnosed with ALS. When the home modifications they’d had done didn’t meet their standards, they started working on modifications themselves, and that inspired them to open Disability Made Easy. The company has been in operation since 2006.
DesignTeam Plus
Shari Stein, principal interior designer and partner in the firm DesignTeam Plus, started the company with architect Harold Remlinger in 2012. The Birmingham-based architecture and design company designs a wide variety of residential commercial projects, including single-family homes, multifamily housing, churches, greenhouses, and breweries. DesignTeam Plus is the leading brewery designer in Michigan, and its projects include Heights Brewing in Farmington and a therapy play park for LifeLab Kids Foundation in Ferndale.
Eton Academy
Eton Academy in Michigan is a K-12 school dedicated to supporting kids who learn differently. Pete Pullen, Head of School, shared how health and wellness are at the core of their science-based educational philosophy. If your child is struggling academically, reach out to Eton for support. Pete also encourages teachers who are looking for resources to support their neurodiverse students to contact Eton for support!
Zo’s Good Burger
Hussein Olabi, owner of Zo’s Good Burger in Royal Oak, a new location, stopped by to tell us about this fast casual burger restaurant, featuring halal beef. Each burger is customizable, but also unique in toppings and bread choice. For example, the good burger is on a pretzel bun and includes cheese sticks, American cheese, onion rings and good burger sauce. You can also get a black bean burger, hand-battered chicken sandwiches, wraps, loaded fries, shakes and more. Zo’s is celebrating its tenth anniversary this year, and Royal Oak is the seventh location in metro Detroit.
Gorman’s Home Furnishings and Interior Design
Gorman’s Home Furnishing and Interior Design, which now has furniture stores in Novi, Troy, Southfield, and Farmington Hills, has been around for 85 years. President Duane Petroskey shares some of the company’s unique history, including how it began by selling damaged freight from the railroads. Duane sees furniture as an important piece of creating a home, and to give back to the community, the company has been collecting donated furniture and distributing it to three nonprofits in metro Detroit to help people in need. (To find out more about donating, visit https://www.gormans.com/housewarming.inc or call one of the stores.)
Elite Paint Home Renovations
Nick Kelley started Elite Paint Home Renovations, based in Mt. Clemens, in 2012. The company focuses mostly on interior and exterior painting for both commercial and residential customers, and this often includes cabinet refinishing. Nick knows that many people have not-so-good experiences with contractors, so customer service and professionalism are paramount. Elite Paint works closely with customers to build trust and does not take payment until the project is complete.
NAMI Metro
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) is non-profit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for persons with serious mental illness and their families through advocacy, support and education. NAMI’s services are completely free and volunteers all have lived experience. Leon Judd, president of NAMI Metro–Oakland, Wayne, & Macomb–says if you or a loved one needs support, please visit namimetro.org or call (248) 773-2296 or (248) 277-1500.
Tiffany Florist
Meet the new owners of Tiffany Florist, Michael Fraley and Brent Grant! Simultaneously running The Ferndale Flower Project, Michael and Brent will be bringing their signature touch to Tiffany Florist while maintaining what has made the shop a beloved landmark in Birmingham, since 1973. This partnership brings a fresh twist to the shop’s offerings, blending their farm-fresh, unique flowers with Tiffany’s long-standing tradition of quality and service. This perfect match means more beautiful, local floral options for customers and a renewed focus on community connections.
What’s New? – House of Barbecue
Collier Willis, chef and owner of House of Barbecue in downtown Clawson, loves a challenge. Whether you’re gluten-free, vegetarian, vegan or just a regular omnivore, he will find a way to feed you at his restaurant. The chef stopped by to tell us about House of Barbecue’s special Christmas Eve menu. The restaurant is open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and will be offering smoked, fried and roasted turkey, beef wellington, smoked ham, vegan tofu, all your favorite sides and many house made desserts. Call for reservations.
Michigan Originals – McClure’s Pickles
Bob McClure started McClure’s Pickles with his brother, Joe, in 2006, using their grandma’s recipe for all-natural pickles made with fresh cucumbers. Today, McClure’s is available at multiple retail locations across the country and online. The Detroit manufacturing plant processes 40,000 pickles each week in small batches to keep them fresh. McClure’s also makes Bloody Mary mix. sauerkraut and more.
Chocolate Chipped Bakery
Mary O’Connor, co-owner of Chocolate Chipped Bakery, stopped by to tell us about her new storefront. The bakery’s quarter-pound cookies have been a favorite at the Farmington Farmers Market for years, and they opened a permanent location in downtown Farmington in October. Choose from 10 to 15 cookie varieties per day, plus a new 6-ounce brownie offering. You can get them at the store, order your favorite varieties by calling ahead or order online and have them shipped.
What’s New? – Cannelle by Matt Knio
Matt Knio, owner of Cannelle, an artisan bakery in Farmington, Detroit and other locations, stopped by to tell us about upcoming holiday products. They include the popular Buche Du Noel, a yule log cake that comes in multiple flavors. You’ll also find some live music in the Farmington and Detroit shops for the holidays.
Together Women’s Health
Together Women’s Health Imaging Center is officially open in Royal Oak on December 2nd. Their compassionate, caring team wants women in the community to know they’re here for all recommended breast health services, including mammograms, ultrasounds, exams, and imaging. The TWH network boasts over 150 providers that offer women’s health services at over 35 locations across six states.
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