Amy Jean Thompson and her husband Matt Lange are from-scratch cooks at heart. They operated Ideal Bite Catering and the Ideal Bite Kitchen in Farmington Hills for years, but after the pandemic, they shifted gears to open Olive Thyme. The catering company operates out of a commissary kitchen on 11 Mile Road and offers catering for all occasions, plus seasonal pick-up items for the holidays (Cinco de Mayo is coming up). Olive Thyme also participates in Farmington events like the Harvest Moon Festival and some Farmers Markets, bringing along treasures like ground cherry jam and a special Farmington egg breakfast.

Throughout 2021, Shawn MacDonell and Ryan Kavanagh worked on renovating the old Page’s Food & Spirits building in downtown Farmington, and the co-owners were finally able to open in February 2024. The brewery and restaurant features all gluten-free food and some gluten-free beers. Stop by for smoked meat specialties like pulled pork sandwiches, sliders and shredded chicken meat bowls or sandwiches. You can also enjoy gluten-free macaroni and cheese, and Ocorn bread, which Shawn said is a crowd-pleaser. Heights also has 11 beers on tap, with ciders and seltzers joining the mix in the next few weeks. 

Lizabeth Hanks is a MIchigan State student studying computer science who also likes to bake. She’s experimented over the years and researched recipes, and last year she founded Batter Up, a home-based baking business in Farmington. She likes making decorated sugar cookies the best, but she can do cakes and cupcakes for special events, and is even planning to make a wedding cake and cupcakes this August. Contact Liz via phone or Instagram to discuss baked goods for a special occasion or just for fun.

Morgan Hammoud, owner of Debone Grill in Farmington, enjoys cooking Mediterranean food the way his grandmother used to. He uses traditional family recipes to make the eatery’s shawarma, hommus, fattoush and more. Stop in for a taste of what you would get on a street corner in the Middle East, with nothing added or subtracted. There are also plenty of raw juices and smoothies, including Hammoud’s signature forever young smoothie. Debone offers carryout, dine-in, online ordering and catering options for your convenience.

Just before the pandemic hit, Missy LaRussa took over Kitchen Creations as the longtime baking supplies company’s third woman owner. The niche business now benefits from a remodeled store, online purchase options and more. Stop  by Kitchen Creations for custom cake toppers made in-store, premade edible flowers and other decorations, chocolate molds, premade icings, customized edible images and more. Sign up for the Feb. 10 make -n- take brownie event for Valentine’s Day.