La Pecora Nera – Farmington

La Pecora Nera – Farmington

Kal Jaafar is the owner/operator of La Pecora Nera in downtown Farmington, which debuted in August 2023. La Pecora Nera opened in Detroit in 2017 as an Italian deli featuring quality meats and cheeses, fresh vegetables, handcrafted dressings and fresh bread. The Farmington location has been well-received, with many patrons enjoying the eatery’s breakfast sandwiches, including the famous Detroiter. This fall, Jaafar looks forward to partnering with local businesses, enjoying the nearby pocket park and serving delicious soups, handmade by his business partner’s mother. Stop in for a sandwich like the popular Italiano, or just enjoy a coffee overlooking downtown Farmington.

Clementine’s Pastries

Clementine’s Pastries

Melissa Lavender, owner of Clementine’s in downtown Mount Clemens, which is named for her grandmother, is happy to be celebrating her second year in business this December. The small-batch bakery is known for its cinnamon rolls, along with muffins, tarts, croissants and more. You can even get a savory croissant, just in case sweets aren’t aren’t your thing. You can also order mini pastries like bar bites, cream puffs and cannoli for special events. Right now, Clementine’s is offering an array of pumpkin treats for fall, plus a cranberry bar with white chocolate and cream cheese.

Orleans Sports Cafe

Orleans Sports Cafe

Jennifer Hawk, general manager of Orleans Sports Cafe in downtown Mount Clemens, spoke to us about the long-running business, which includes a full menu, plus pool tables, shuffleboard tables, dart boards and plenty of big-screen televisions for watching games. Stop in for the eatery’s famous pizza, plus salads, sandwiches and more, not to mention a full bar. Sunday football brunches start at noon, where you can enjoy a mimosa bucket or game day bloody Mary. There’s also plenty of room to host parties and events with up to 100 guests.

Never Forgotten Bakery

Never Forgotten Bakery

Local Business News caught up with Never Forgotten Bakery, which is carrying on the legacy of the longtime Sunflour Bakhaus in downtown Farmington. Located just a couple miles from the former Sunflour Bakhaus, Never Forgotten carries old world bread and German soft pretzels, based on Sunflour’s recipes, as well as cakes, cookies, cupcakes and more. Owner Michelle Neal made the leap to bakery ownership from the healthcare industry, opening Never Forgotten in January 2023. She hopes you’ll stop by soon, or look for her on Saturdays at the Farmington Farmers Market at the Dolcetto table.

Delightful Donuts and Cupcakes

Delightful Donuts and Cupcakes

Russell Hilgendorf, owner of Delightful Donuts in downtown Mount Clemens, was happy to talk to Local Business News about his fairly new business. His shop features a variety of donuts, including what he calls “everyday normal” donuts like Boston cream and glazed, but his bread and butter is out-of-the-ordinary finds like cherry and pumpkin cheesecake. His filled donuts, he explained, are not what you might expect. Instead of a round donut, he makes a donut shape and fills the entire ring, so you get filling in every bite. Stop by Wednesday through Sunday or call ahead for special orders Monday and Tuesday.

Papa’s Kitchen

Papa’s Kitchen

Christina Kalfaian, owner of Troy-based Papa’s Kitchen, relayed the legacy of her father, Jimmy Papadopoulo, who immigrated from Greece and worked in the restaurant industry for many years. His Pink Greek Dressing was a favorite among customers, and Papa’s Kitchen offers that original-recipe dressing, along with three more made-from-scratch options. Not a salad lover? No problem! Check out the website for recipes incorporating meat, seafood and more. Find Papa’s dressings at local stores like Busch’s, Hollywood Market, Joe’s Produce and many more.