Shop Offers Jewelry Made by Local Artisans

Shop Offers Jewelry Made by Local Artisans

by | Dec 11, 2019 | Elaine B, Ferndale, LBN Community Series

Shop Offers Jewelry Made by Local Artisans

11
DECEMBER 2019
BY PAMELA A. ZINKOSKY
LBN Community Series

Ferndale

Elaine Jager, founder and owner of Elaine B. Jewelry in Ferndale, is an artist first and a jeweler second. The Charlottesville, Virginia, native trained in metal material studies and apprenticed with a master jeweler, but she was also a glassblower who worked part-time in her family’s restaurant business.

“I was always an artist,” Jager said. “Jewelry just became a way to make a living with my art.”

ELAINE JAGER

OWNER, ELAINE B. JEWELRY

While working with the master jeweler, she designed and created her own metal and glass pieces, developing a name for herself by selling at craft and trade shows and creating an online presence for her products. Six years ago, she took the plunge and went full time with her business, operating a small private studio in Virginia.

When her husband took a position with Ford Motor Co. three years ago, she moved to Ferndale and moved Elaine B. Jewelry into a Detroit warehouse, hiring like-minded artists along the way.

“I was very interested in Detroit and being a part of that culture,” she said.

But having a daughter reduced her personal time and her willingness to travel to work, and when a storefront opened up six blocks from her home, she nabbed it. Elaine B. Jewelry opened in November 2018 on Woodward Avenue just north of Nine Mile.

Not just a storefront

“There’s not a lot of foot traffic, but this is our season, so people come out more,” said Jager. There’s parking on Woodward and adjacent streets, but it’s easy to overlook the shop while driving.

Elaine B. is more than just a storefront, though, Jager said. “At this time in the business world, you can’t do just one thing,” she said. “You have to do a little bit of everything.”

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To that end, Jager sells her jewelry online, at a few trade shows, and wholesale through some catalogs and to partner businesses.

“We ship our products across the country,” she said.

With the help of Jager’s new public relations manager, Elaine B. also maintains a social media presence.

“It’s not enough to just have a good product,” she said. “You can’t just have a storefront.”

Not just jewelry

The storefront posed a bit of challenge, she said, in that jewelry just doesn’t take up much space. Customers need something else to look at and purchase.

Jager has a lot of different interests and enjoys partnering with like-minded businesses, so she supplements her jewelry displays with products like handmade goods in leather, wood and ceramics. She also carries a line of candles and skin-care products called Detroit Rose.

All of the products are either made in Michigan or in Virginia, her home state, she said.

“The storefront has allowed me to indulge in many of my other interests,” she said.

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The jewelry

Elaine B. specializes in unique, handmade jewelry, as the pieces displayed in the store are designed by Jager and her staff and made at the site. Just beyond the gemstone counter, you’ll see the work area, where pieces are soldered, hammered, sanded, set and hand-polished.

“We partner with a caster,” said Jager, but 90% of the work is done at the shop.

Jager characterizes her company’s jewelry as “airy, with clean lines.” Much of it is geometric — concentric hoop earrings and necklaces, cubed pieces, hexagon- and triangular-shaped designs and more.

Elaine B. offers a wealth of 18- and 14-karat gold pieces as well as sterling silver and vermeil, which is 18-karat gold plated over sterling silver.

The shop also offers a line of fine jewelry, with a variety of precious gemstones and ethical diamonds.

“We have pieces from $40 up to several thousand,” said Jager.

Elaine B. caters to a wide range of customers, especially during the holiday season, but one target customer, she said, is a woman in her mid-30s who’s professional and creative. She may have a collection of trendy jewelry from Banana Republic and the like, but she’s looking to upgrade her collection.

“We try to be a nice medium price point,” said Jager.

Custom-made

If you don’t see exactly what you want in the store, you can have something custom-made, said Jager.

Elaine B. does a lot of custom engagement rings as well as other gifts and personalized pieces. “People can mix and match,” Jager said. They might like the shape of a ring but want a different stone set into it, or want it created in a different metal type.

“We also do redesigns,” said Jager. For example, she’s in the process of taking the diamonds out of an heirloom ring and setting them into multiple pieces for the family members, she said.

Many customers also come in with older pieces that simply need updating, Jager said. There’s not much she and her staff can’t handle as metalworking experts.

Jager noted that the business’s staff, six including herself, is made up of women who are art-school trained and share her philosophy of having a work-life balance.

“We kind of treat it like home,” she said of the store, which includes not only a work area, which customers are free to see and visit, but a gated area for her dog. Her 10-month-old daughter used to be in the store every day, she said, until she needed more attention and playtime.

Workshops

Elaine B. brings more customers into the store through monthly jewelry-making workshops. She charges a flat fee for a typical three-hour evening and the materials, and participants can choose to purchase upgrades.

In December, she held a hoop earring workshop at a cost of $68 per person. She’s planning a future ring-making workshop, she said.

Jager said she’s not sure the direction the business will take, but she’s optimistic about growth. “Oh, I love a challenge. We’ll always keep growing and changing.”

Elaine B. Jewelry’s holiday hours are noon to 7 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and noon to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

22961 Woodward Avenue
Ferndale, MI 48220
248.565.8758

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Farmington Flower Shop Has 19th-Century Roots

Farmington Flower Shop Has 19th-Century Roots

by | Dec 6, 2019 | Farmington, LBN Community Series, Springbrook

Farmington Flower Shop Has 19th-Century Roots

06
DECEMBER 2019
BY PAMELA A. ZINKOSKY
LBN Community Series

Farmington

In 1932, Imogene Ely Bicking was still living on her family’s 1800s farm at Power and Shiawassee roads in Farmington. At 40-something, she started making pottery and selling it at local markets, but she found it easier to sell with flowers in it. This was the birth of Springbrook Gardens Florist, located in an old barn that was once part of the Ely dairy farm.

Step inside the more than 150-year-old structure, whose rooms sit underneath Power Road, as owner Rick Hatfield points out, and it feels like not much has changed. Fieldstone walls hearken back to what Hatfield said is a circa 1832 foundation, with century-old greenhouses around back.

RICH HATFIELD

OWNER, SPRINGBROOK GARDENS
Indeed, Springbrook is as traditional as flower shops come these days, but that doesn’t mean the business hasn’t changed, said Hatfield, whose brother’s wife was a descendant of the shop’s founder, a woman he simply calls Mrs. Bicking.

“She was born and raised on this property,” Hatfield. “This is the last parcel of the original land.”

Hatfield is the youngest of three brothers whose family has owned the business since 1959. One brother retired, the other is semi-retired, and he’s in charge now.

Back in the day

Hatfield was an adolescent when his family purchased the shop, but he remembers when Farmington was more rural than suburban and when the Ely farm, once bounded by Shiawassee and 10 Mile roads, and east-west by Farmington and Orchard Lake roads,  was divided and sold to the Catholic church across the street and to Bellaire Subdivision’s builders.

“I could tell you so many stories,” Hatfield said. “People say we should write a book.”

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Many of Hatfield’s stories begin with “back in the day.” For example, said Hatfield, the Elys grew potatoes on their farm during the Depression and sold them to customers desperate for filling, inexpensive food. It was one of the ways they were able to keep the farm “back in the day,” he said.

He also tells of Mrs. Bicking, who provided food for the American Indians living in what is today known as Orchard Lake Village. She had moved into the small house just south of the shop, which is still there today, and would put food in a basket outside, knowing they were too proud to beg but nevertheless hungry.

These stories have been passed on through the generations, but Hatfield has also seen many changes firsthand. For example, he’s seen one change in the florist industry that he’s happy with.

“People used to think of flowers only for the dead,” he said. Nowadays, people buy them as gifts and for home decorating.

However, big-box stores have also gotten into the flower business, leaving small flower shops struggling, he said. In the early 1990s, Springbrook was one of the top 20 florists in the country. Now, Kroger is the top flower seller, he said.

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“People buy a lot of stuff online,” which cuts into traditional flower shops’ profits, Hatfield said.  “The average florist shop is a novelty.”

Diversification and quality

Springbrook, named for Springbrook Place, which is what the land became known as after it was the Ely farm, does its share of cash-and-carry arrangements, wire-service sales, seasonal home decorating, and funeral and wedding floral services, said Hatfield. “We’re an old-time shop that does everything.”

But traditional floral services aren’t enough anymore. Most florist shops, even many local ones owned by people who worked for Springbrook “back in the day,” have diversified heavily into the giftware business, but not Springbrook, Hatfield said.

“Our specialty is cut flowers and plants,” he said. “We do it, and we do it right.”

Faced with the need to supplement flower sales, Springbrook diversified into growing plants and selling at markets, he said. The shop uses the greenhouses to “grow on,” or finish growing plants started elsewhere, and to house an array of perennials and cut flowers sold both in the store and at five different warm-weather markets.

Springbrook is also part of a co-op with other growers and florists that enables the members to trade and obtain a wide variety of plants and flowers.

The shop has a reputation for high-quality plants and flowers and for horticultural knowledge, Hatfield said. Customers ask questions about plants all the time because they know Springbrook’s expertise, he said.

What’s more, said Hatfield, “People know our quality.” Products that aren’t up to Hatfield’s standards simply aren’t sold, he said. “If I don’t want it, you aren’t gonna get it,” unless you take it for free, he added.

All in the family

Back in the 1970s, the Hatfields made some changes to the barn that houses their business. They moved the entrance to the north end of the shop, so that customers would enter above ground and step down into the main showroom. It used to sit on the south end, closest to Shiawassee Street, and customers would enter into what is now the consultation area.

The Hatfields also raised the ceiling of what is now the main showroom and work area, as it used to sit low, like what you might see in a Michigan basement. They kept the shop’s basic footprint and look, hiring an old-time mason to restore one of the stone walls, which was deteriorating. They brought the building up to code without modernizing it, and, Hatfield added, without adding any heat, as the underground shop stays fairly warm without it.

Stepping into the shop does feel a bit like stepping back in time, not only because of the way it looks, but because of its old-fashioned values.

“We’ve made a lot of friends over the years,” said Hatfield. “People have gotten to know us as ‘the brothers’ or ‘the flower guys.’ ”

Customers trust Springbrook to supply arrangements for many important life events ­ — the death of a loved one, a wedding, an illness, perhaps even a first date — and Hatfield and his six employees appreciate that, he said. “They’re not just customers. You build a relationship with people. We treat them like family.”

At 73, Hatfield still works in the shop daily and in the seasonal markets, and he’ll continue as long as he’s able, he said. Best of all, though, “This place will probably be standing long after you and I are gone,” he said.

Springbrook Gardens Florist is a monument to a time when farms dotted the landscape, but it’s also evidence that old-fashioned family businesses can survive in modern times.

Springbrook Gardens is open 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday.

23614 Power Road
Farmington, MI 48336
248.474.0858

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Nostalgia Draws Customers to Clawson’s Scoop Vintage

Nostalgia Draws Customers to Clawson’s Scoop Vintage

by | Dec 6, 2019 | Clawson, LBN Community Series, Scoop Vintage

Nostalgia Draws Customers to Clawson’s Scoop Vintage

06

DECEMBER 2019

BY TIM SMITH

LBN Community Series

Clawson

Here’s the scoop on downtown Clawson’s Scoop Vintage: It’s a nostalgic place where an array of items from bygone eras can easily hook customers.

In the case of Birmingham’s Kim Simon and her mom, Leslie Darga of Royal Oak, they were so impressed with what they saw in the 1,000 square-foot store on 14 Mile that they left with $100 worth of purchases and intended to tell friends and family members about it.

“It’s well organized. Everything’s laid out nicely,” Simon said. “It’s not too overpacked. Some (stores) are too big and overpacked.”

KEVIN HAYES

OWNER, SCOOP VINTAGE

According to Kevin Hayes, who owns Scoop Vintage with his wife, Margo Kendzier, that reaction validates their vision for the business, which opened in November 2018.

“We opened up one year ago to kind of do our little idea of a nice, cozy vintage antiques store,” Hayes said. “Heavy emphasis on quality products in good-to-excellent condition, items that you don’t necessarily see every day, from the 1700s to the 1990s.”

Feedback since doors opened has been extremely positive.

“We do a lot of research on what we bring in, to sell it at market value and offer good value to people,” Hayes said. “We pride ourselves on finding things you don’t see every day.”

Essential to their mission is making sure the items they put on the sales floor meet their scrutiny, Hayes said.

“We try to bring in stuff we like,” he said. “A lot of thought goes into what we purchase. Some antique stores bring in stuff just to sell. … We find a good home for the stuff, too. I tell people they don’t have to buy something unless they love it.”

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Hayes’ background in merchandising is successfully tested at Scoop Vintage.

“The store is set up so they can walk around and wander,” Hayes said. “Even though it’s a small space, there’s a lot of product in here (more than 1,000 items). I’m trained in merchandising and display, so the displays are set up to attract people, and also, with it being a small space, slow them down.

“I have customers that will spend five minutes in here or I have customers that will spend 45 minutes in here. Depending on what catches their eye.”

The time invested in choosing what to buy from collectors and families (they don’t do consignment) sometimes means a tug at the heartstrings when something is sold and leaves Scoop Vintage.

One item that fits that category is a toy car priced at $250

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“This piece is a Schuco, pre-World War II, a tele-steering wind-up toy in remarkable condition, still in the box,” said Hayes, who grew up building model cars and later worked in the automotive industry.

With its accompanying small pylons, one could make a race track and “drive” the Schuco for hours.

“This is one that you probably never see, especially in this condition,” Hayes continued. “I don’t think anybody barely ever played with it.”

The concise manner in which the merchandise ­— Art Deco pottery, vintage board games, antiques and classic toys and more —  is arranged is by design, Hayes said.

“I’ve been in way too many antique stores that have just been cluttered and crowded,” he said. “You have to dig for things, or you go to pick something up and you have to move something. You can pick up anything in here without touching anything else.”

That approach elicited a thumbs-up from Simon and Darga.

“You can see everything,” said Darga, who had stopped in with her daughter on a Saturday afternoon. “Pieces catch your eye. Sometimes when the store is too big, you can’t really see and appreciate a lot of the pieces.”

They left with a vintage ceramic food warmer that Hayes had set out the day before.

Also grabbing Darga’s attention was a display of classic Polaroid cameras, sure conversation pieces and quite the departure from today’s pervasive smartphone cameras.

The store has a wide range of nostalgic goodies for customers of all ages to consider for holiday gift-giving, Hayes said.

In one area are Beatles lunch boxes and even a Beatles-themed Monopoly game.

“We kind of buy things we like or (that) would be of personal interest,” he said. “So, Beatles stuff tends to sell — throughout the year, not even just the holidays.”

Nearby were board games for TV shows and glass tumblers of cartoon characters. On a wall was a 1930s poster for “The Witch,” a play presented by the Dayton Theatre Guild. Another had the outer box for Scoop!, a newspaper-themed board game sold during decades when print media dominated.

But Hayes insisted the Scoop game had no bearing on deciding to name his business Scoop Vintage.

“The name comes from my wife. She has always used the word scoop; she is known for it with her friends,” Hayes said. “Scoop is like her ‘cool,’ or ‘What’s the scoop?’ ”

Scoop Vintage is open 11:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesdays through Fridays and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. Closed Mondays and Tuesdays.

259 East 14 Mile
Clawson, MI 48017
248.439.1122

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Specialty Paper Shop Provides Creative Spark

Specialty Paper Shop Provides Creative Spark

by | Dec 5, 2019 | Birmingham, LBN Community Series, Paper Source

Specialty Paper Shop Provides Creative Spark

05

DECEMBER 2019

BY REBECCA CALAPPI

LBN Community Series

Birmingham

On a bustling corner in downtown Birmingham, Paper Source stands with hidden delights, gifts galore and elegant creative ideas.

One side of the store is floor-to-ceiling paper in all colors, patterns and textures. Some are elaborate, others are understated. Some are made of trees, other paper is made of stone (you read that right). All of them are gorgeous.

The opposite wall hosts cards for every occasion, the craft area and a demonstration corner.

In between is charming.

BETH CESPEDES

STORE MANAGER, PAPER SOURCE

Originally a seller of fine paper, Paper Source has branched out to become a go-to place for all kinds of things, especially when shoppers are looking for something unique.

“We offer custom printing, wedding invitations, Christmas cards, holiday cards, personalized stationery, custom coasters, napkins and more,” said Beth Cespedes, store manager. “For us, our motto is, ‘Do something creative every day.’ We want to be ready to help with any project walking through the door. For us, it’s creating the experiences. We do a lot of demos because we have a lot of fun things. We really try to interact.”

Those fun things include classes, workshops and demonstrations right in the store. Paper Source offers workshops and private parties — anything from lettering classes each week to an open studio for kids

Sara Allingham is the community service chairwoman and has worked at The Paper Source almost a year after starting as a seasonal employee.

“I’ve always loved the crafty kind of things,” Allingham said. “It’s something I looked forward to coming every day.”

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As coordinator of the classes and parties, Allingham’s enthusiasm can’t help but spill over into her work. She likes the workshops because they givs people the opportunity to create something special.

“It’s so much fun,” she said. “And you get to try out the supplies, so if you like a stamp or a pen, you get 10 percent off.”

If you’re feeling crafty, get together a group of friends and book a private party.

“You choose your curriculum, bring refreshments and BYOB (and) host those, two hours,” Allingham said.

Each private party is two hours and projects could include, for example, creating gift wrap, card-making, making a hot air balloon with Modge Podge (decoupage material), stamping, watercolors and more.

Classes and parties make great ideas for birthdays, holidays and team-building.

Paper Source is also a great place to find a gift.

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“We have unique gifts that could be for man or woman: funny, interesting, with a sense of humor. It goes along with a happy place,” said Cespedes. “We definitely get a lot of chuckles and laughs from people who find things on our gift tables.”

Finding things on the gift tables is half the fun. Anything from Ruth Bader Ginsberg magnets to slime kits are on display. There are items for a woman who likes calm, men who like to grill, the politico in your life or just a little something to make someone smile.

After choosing the perfect gift, either from Paper Source or from another store, customers can pick from a wide variety of gift wrapping and have one of the expert team members beautify their packages. Simply purchase the gift wrap and pay a nominal fee per parcel.

A balloon station in the center of the store is a focal point.

“They’re magical,” said Cespedes. “Balloons always bring a smile to everyone’s face.”

 

Perhaps the best part of a visit to Paper Source is the originality of it all.

“We’re excited we have those things to offer because you can’t experience those things online,” said Cespedes.

Paper Source is open 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mondays through Wednesdays, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sundays.

115 West Maple
Birmingham, MI 48009
248-594-4954

papersource.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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They Rule the Roast: Friends Team Up to Sell Delicious Coffee Online

They Rule the Roast: Friends Team Up to Sell Delicious Coffee Online

by | Dec 4, 2019 | Auburn Hills, Blair Hall, LBN Community Series

They Rule the Roast: Friends Team Up to Sell Delicious Coffee Online

04
DECEMBER 2019
BY CAROL HOPKINS
LBN Community Series

Auburn Hills

Mike Kneffel happened to be at a class reunion in 2018 with Paul Mercieca — a boyhood pal from his old Detroit neighborhood — when he asked if Paul’s brother Joe was still roasting his own coffee.

“Joe’s coffee is really good,” replied Mercieca.

Kneffel recalled that Joe had roasted his own coffee in his basement for more than 20 years. “You ought to try some,” Mercieca said.

MIKE KNEFFEL

CO-FOUNDER, BLAIR HALL COFFEE
That exchange provided the spark for a new Auburn Hills-based online business, Blair Hall Specialty Coffee.

Kneffel, along with Joe and Paul Mercieca and friend Ryan Clark, now sell 12 roasted coffees online.

Customer Melissa Auxter of Genoa, Ohio, was introduced to the coffees by Kneffel.

“My husband loves the Special Dark blend because it has a very warm aroma with a smooth aftertaste,” said Auxter, who runs Boxcar Metal Co., which makes metal signs and other home décor items.

“It’s not bitter. I can only drink decaffeinated and I love that Blair Hall’s decaf uses a Swiss water process to make their (decaf) instead of using harsh chemicals.”

Auxter added: “And we love that the coffee is locally made in small batches.”

The four founders didn’t waste time getting the business off the ground (or grounds).

After the initial discussion at the class reunion, Kneffel, who lives in Auburn Hills, met up with Joe Mercieca.

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He admitted that he had wanted to start his own coffee company but didn’t know the ins and outs of getting an operation going.

“I said, ‘Maybe I can help you,’ ” said Kneffel, who operates his own advertising agency, 2XL Company.

The two brought in Paul Mercieca, of Lansing, and Clark, of Westland.

“When the four of us got together, no one could think of a reason why we shouldn’t do it,” said Kneffel.

Each partner handles a portion of the work. Joe Mercieca oversees the roasting, now done by a commercial roaster in Wixom. He also creates the various coffee flavors.

Joe, who lives in Livonia, is energized knowing that his coffee blends are being sold under a “real brand name,” his partners said.

“I know how to roast coffee,” said Joe. “You (three) are in charge of everything else,” he told them.

Paul Mercieca works in administration and Ryan Clark manages product distribution.

Kneffel can be credited with the coffee name, Blair Hall.

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“I went to Olivet College (located between Battle Creek and Lansing) and they had a Blair Hall dorm there,” said Kneffel.

Many colleges, he learned, also have a Blair Hall. Kneffel suggested the name and the partners approved.

Blair Hall’s partners choose beans from around the world. “We’re very picky on where they come from. But it’s what you do with them once you get them (that matters),” Kneffel said.

Currently, the coffees can only be purchased online (at www.blairhallcoffee.com).

Kneffel has approached a national grocery chain. “If we get into that, we are automatically on Amazon,” he said.

“We’re learning as we go but so far it has all worked out,” Kneffel said.

Kneffel grew up drinking coffee, even when he was in grade school.

“I love it,” he said.

Kneffel, a friendly bear of a man, is spending time promoting the coffee, providing samples on his travels.

 

“Coffee is a social drink,” he said. “It’s always been that way.”

New flavors and blends will introduced every three to four months. A few of the flavors in the works include Hazelnut Crème/Frangelico, Michigan Maple and Café Caramel.

Blair Hall is also able to supply its coffee in larger quantities for businesses.

The Blair Hall Coffee crew’s hope and dream, Kneffel said, is to one day have a coffee shop (or shops) that will welcome customers.

“We believe there is an opening in the market for really good coffee at a competitive price,” said Kneffel. “And that’s what we’re trying to do.”

For samples or questions, contact Mike Kneffel at Mike@blairhallcoffee.com
248-800-6565

www.blairhallcoffee.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Grape Leaves Troy: New Construction, Same Delicious Cuisine

Grape Leaves Troy: New Construction, Same Delicious Cuisine

by | Nov 29, 2019 | Grape Leaves, LBN Community Series, Troy

Grape Leaves Troy: New Construction, Same Delicious Cuisine

29
NOVEMBER 2019
BY HONEY MURRAY
LBN Community Series
Troy
Shawn London, a long-time Troy resident and a devotee of Middle Eastern food, never complained during the many months that the Troy strip mall in which the Grape Leaves restaurant was under now-completed construction.

“My whole family loves the food at Grape Leaves. My husband, daughter and I often meet up for dinner there after work,” London said. “And, when my schedule changed and I started working several evenings until 7 p.m., picking up chicken ghallaba for my husband — and crushed lentil soup for me — was a guilt-free and economical way to have a quick, easy, delicious, healthy dinner. How can you beat that?”

MIKE CHALHOUB

OWNER, GRAPE LEAVES RESTAURANT – TROY
“Yes,” London added: “I was willing to fight my way into construction entrances and through maze-like pathways to get that good food.”

So were lots of other Grape Leaves customers.

“The construction took so long,” said Grape Leaves owner Mike Chalhoub. “It was ongoing for almost two years. Unfortunately, some customers thought we were closed. They would call to see if we were open. It was really tough.”

“Thankfully,” Chalhoub continued, “so many of our regular customers continued to come by to eat here or to pick up carryout orders.

“We appreciate every customer and the loyalty they showed. They are great people, and we can’t thank them enough!”

Clawson resident Linda Smith works in Troy and often picks up lunch for herself and her coworkers, and she is thrilled that construction is now completed.

“Several of us in the office order lunch from Grape Leaves at least once a week,” she said. “It’s great to be able to pick it up so easily now. There is lots of easy parking.

“But if we can’t come to get it, they will deliver our group’s order. We all love being able to have such fresh and healthy sandwiches that are so affordable — like under five dollars. And I cannot live without their garlic spread!”

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Chalhoub explained that the rich, fluffy, flavorful garlic spread is deceptively light and carbohydrate-free.

“Our recipe is fantastic. We do not use any starches, like some places, but only the pure ingredients of lemon juice, salt, fresh garlic, and olive and vegetable oils. And it keeps fresh for ten days.”

Peter Mulhaney, who works out at neighboring Planet Fitness, is thrilled to be able to maintain his health regimen by picking up freshly squeezed juices and salads with chicken breast.

“To be able to walk from the gym to Grape Leaves and grab a juice that is half the price of a juice shop item — and just as delicious — is a true bonus to being at Planet Fitness,” he said.

Mike’s brother and the Grape Leaves general manager, Brian Chalhoub, says his staff enjoys making fresh juices for carry-out and dine-in customers.

“We use California carrots, local apples, produce that we carefully choose each day from our suppliers. We can add ginger — whatever the customer would like,” he said.

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“And every day, no matter what the weather,” he added, “people love our crushed-ice lemonade, which has a touch of orange juice. It is a healthy treat and really quenches the thirst.”

One of the staff members who might be making the juices, serving platters of kibbe or kabob dinners or arranging the individual loaves of freshly made bread (a customer favorite) is Mike’s son, 24-year-old Youssef, who is also a college business student.

“I’ve been working with my dad since I was 14 and, of course, it’s great to be able to eat anything I want during the day, because it’s all delicious,” he said.

“My other son, Mahdi, is nineteen. He studies business, also, and software engineering. I make him do the paperwork,” Mike Chalhoub said. “I hope I can give the business to them some day in the future. It will be nice that they can say, ‘Grape Leaves: Our family’s restaurant since 2004.’ ”

Customers, too, love the authentic Lebanese entrees and the rich aroma of baking bread, spice blends, grilled vegetables, roasted meats, simmering soups.

“When they enter,” Chalhoub said, “our guests always say how delicious it smells in here. And that hasn’t changed since we opened, or since the construction,” he said.

“They are also so happy that they can easily get to us again, from Maple or Coolidge Roads. Everyone loves the sleek, updated facades and the plentiful, convenient parking spaces,” Chalhoub said. “We like the new property owner, A.F. Jonna Development Co.”

 

“But mostly,” he said, “we like to be here for our loyal customers. It is a pleasure to serve them, always.”

“Yes,” his brother added. “It’s our pleasure to see them come hungry — and leave happy.”

Grape Leaves in Troy is open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays and from noon to 9 p.m. Sundays. There is also another Grape Leaves location in Southfield.

2850 W. Maple Road
Troy, MI 48084
248.816.2000

grapeleavesrestaurant.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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