Better Life Dog Training
After retiring from his nursing career, John Frisch started Better Life Dog Training. He offers his in-home training sessions across the state of Michigan and beyond, helping dog owners and their furry friends learn how to communicate and happily live together.
Bodhi Seed Yoga
Before taking over ownership of Bodhi Seed Yoga in 2020, Daniel Carpenter was a yoga instructor at the studio in Mount Clemens. Today, he runs the studio and continues to teach a variety of classes. In addition to in-person and online yoga classes, Bodhi Seed Yoga offers massage therapy, reiki, pilates, facial massages, and red light therapy. Daniel invites beginners and seasoned yogis to check out the studio and learn how consistent practice can positively impact physical and mental health.
Troy City Fitness
Andre Kzirian’s passion for health and wellness is what led him to open Troy City Fitness. The facility looks at getting in shape and staying in shape wholistically, incorporating accountability, daily nutrition, and lifestyle coaching. Members are given a personalized plan that addresses their goals and obstacles that affected their ability to stay consistent in the past. Andre and his team invite beginners and athletes to join Troy City Fitness for help reaching their goals!
Botany Birmingham
Plant expert Jake Janowitz runs Botany Birmingham, a specialty plant shop that offers rare indoor houseplants and plantscaping services. They cater to plant enthusiasts with a variety of unique plants and expert guidance for plant care. You can spot Botany Birmingham in local farmers markets during the warmer months, but they also host a climate controlled showroom where customers can explore their curated plant collections. Botany Birmingham emphasizes creating lush, green spaces both at home and in commercial settings.
Motor City Gas
Rich Lockwood is the co-owner of Motor City Gas Whiskey Distillery, a small-batch distillery in downtown Royal Oak. The business has distilled 90 different varieties since its inception in 2015, and currently offers 10 to 20 at its tasting room. The business even has its own farm to grow the grain. Look for Motor City Gas Sweating Bullets bourbon at your local liquor store. It’s Motor City Gas’s first retail product, distributed through Great Lakes Wine & Spirits.
Savvy Sliders
Mark Wolok, vice president of business development for Savvy Sliders, stopped by to tell us about the Savvy Sliders menu, which includes nine different sliders, plus chicken fingers, fries, cheesy curds and onion rings. Wolok said workers consistently tell customers, “See you tomorrow,” because they know they’ll be back for more. Savvy Sliders has 39 Michigan locations, including Farmington, Farmington Hills, Troy, Sterling Heights, Rochester and Auburn Hills.
Reware Vintage
Vintage tee and music enthusiast, Bethany Nixon, has been running the brick and mortar shop, Reware Vintage in Berkley, MI since 2021, but has been selling vintage and handmade items on her website since 1998. Specializing in casual vintage fashions, Reware Vintage is a go-to spot for unique, high-quality items from the 1970s to the 1990s. With an array of band tees, denim, and retro styles, you’ll be sure to find something to love in the store, or on the website. Be sure to look out for weekly events at the store, like concerts from a variety of local and national bands, and VHS watch parties on an old school A/V cart!
Camp Ticonderoga
Camp Ticonderoga is a fixture on Sylvan Lake Golf Course in Troy. Known for its cozy and outdoorsy decor, it offers a wide variety of items, from the famous jerk chicken pasta to shepherd’s pie, burgers, salads and sandwiches, plus a full bar. Manager Tim Cooley noted that Camp Ticonderoga has the best patio, overlooking the golf course, in Troy. Don’t forget to order a plate of homemade cookies for dessert!
Bombshell Treat Bar
Jill Kasle opened Bombshell Treat Bar in Berkley in April 2024 after doing catering and farmers markets. The “dessert restaurant” offers hand-churned ice cream bars with scratch made toppings like toffee, graham cracker crumble, oreos and more. Build your own bar or choose from 10 featured bars, including campfire dreams and cherry bomb. Don’t forget the grab and go cooler, which includes packed pints, cakes and even dairy- and gluten-free options.
Zeoli’s Modern Italian
Scott Brown, owner of Zeoli’s Italian in downtown Clawson, likes to call his restaurant a “hidden gem.” The eatery features modern Italian dishes like salmon marsala and Tuscan chicken ravioli, and also has traditional dishes like lasagna and pasta alfredo for catering. Stop in for brunch from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. Look for gluten-free, vegan and vegetarian options, and if you don’t see what you’re looking for, ask the staff, and they’ll accommodate.
Main St Rocks
Main Street Rocks Clawson offers a captivating destination for enthusiasts of crystals, gems, and minerals. Located on 14 Mile Rd., this store features an impressive array of unique and stunning crystals. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just starting, Ocean Roupe, and the rest of the knowledgeable staff are on hand to help you explore and understand the mystical allure and healing properties of these natural wonders.
What’s New? – Great Lakes Pot Pie
Owner Jannie Teitelbaum stopped by to tell us about a new pie this Clawson business is offering – a s’mores cookie dough hand pie, plus a larger 6-inch pie. It’s made with chocolate chip cookie dough, marshmallow creme, mini marshmallows, Hershey’s milk chocolate, chocolate chips, graham crackers and cinnamon sugar pie chips. This is a perfect treat for fall and back-to-school days. Order it ahead of time, and Great Lakes Pot Pies can have it ready for you to eat when you arrive!
Sourdough Ida
Ida Zhouli knows the benefits of sourdough baked goods firsthand, and now she’s sharing it with others at Sourdough Ida in Troy. Open now for just five months, the bakery features classic sourdough bread, cinnamon rolls, brownies, scones, cookies, cakes and more, all baked with organic ingredients and sourdough starters, which feature probiotics that help with digestion and make you feel less full. You can order online and pick up the baked goods in store, but keep in mind that items may sell out. They’re baked from scratch daily.
Too Ra Loo
Bob Ciaciuch, general manager and Tina Pasquali, owner/partner, stopped by to tell us about Too Ra Loo, a bar and eatery in downtown Rochester. The corner bar features 80 different beers, plus a wine list and full bar. There’s also a wide range of food, with everything from pizza and salad to famous choices like the TRL burger, which comes in single or double. Stop by for happy hour drink specials from 4 to 7 p.m., or just enjoy lunch or dinner on the patio.
Four Corners Diner
Four Corners Diner co-owners Marty Hutnick and Rob Edmunds love what they do, and it shows. Their breakfast-and-lunch eatery is a Romeo community hangout and features homemade dishes, right down to the potato chips they cut and fry themselves and their homemade dressings and soups. Many regulars stop by daily to enjoy their favorites, from french toast to eggs benedict. Order online to pick up or dine in 7 a.m. through 3 p.m. every day except Tuesday, when the diner is closed.
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