Yolla Awad, an experienced restauranter, wanted to open a unique business, and she did that in January 2024 in Farmington Hills. Perfect Pairing is a marketplace for unique wine and cheese, plus specialty foods like Cherry Republic products. Stop by her welcoming store on 10 Mile Road and find wine, cider and beer you can’t find anywhere else. On Saturdays from 12 to 3 p.m. stop in for free wine tastings, or sign up for a full tasting event that occurs monthly at a local hall. Yolla is proud to note that Perfect Pairing was nominated for Best New Business and Best Small Business.

Doug and Ally Cohen, owners of Detroit Jerky, took over the business in December 2023 because they loved the product so much. Detroit Jerky offers six different vegan. gluten-free jerky options that are great for snacks, salad toppers and even in stir frys. Their products are available in 15-20 stores and online, with free shipping for orders over $30. Try the spicy mojito inferno or the cherry bomb, with a nod to Michigan cherries. 

Chris Paquet is a trained chef who works at a local restaurant, but he also runs Gnomerie Kitchen out of his home in Farmington Hills. Guests can sign up to enjoy a six-course dinner of small plates, plus dessert and a few surprises, once a month. On May 18, Chris will be serving squab, a game meat. Enjoy this unique “supper club” concept right in Chris’s dining room. You can reserve the whole table of eight, or come and meet new people. Bring your own drinks.