Troy Escape

Troy Escape

by | Sep 28, 2023 | LBN Food, Troy

Local Business News caught up with Troy Escape and its house restaurant, Eats and Crafts. Rebecca Bullock, corporate events and marketing manager, gave us the rundown on the entertainment center’s attractions, like bowling, laser tag and an arcade, as well as the company’s catered events and unique menu. Far from your typical bowling alley food, Eats and Crafts’ repertoire includes stuffed mushrooms, coconut shrimp and a full bar, including beer towers (the eatery’s answer to typical bowling alley beer pitchers). Whether you’re there for the attractions or the food, Troy Escape wants you to have a fun escape from ordinary life when you’re there.

Buddy’s Pizza

Buddy’s Pizza

by | Sep 21, 2023 | Auburn Hills, LBN Food, Troy

Wes Pikula, a Buddy’s veteran and now the chief branding officer, talked with Local Business News about the company’s original Detroit-style pizza. With 22 locations and one more opening soon, Buddy’s is a hometown favorite that’s been around for more than 75 years. Stop in and enjoy your favorite pizza, some salad and maybe a Buddy’s brew or Old Fashioned from the full bar. If pizza’s not your jam, sample Buddy’s sandwiches, chicken tenders and pasta dishes.

Achatz Handmade Pie Co.

Achatz Handmade Pie Co.

by | Sep 7, 2023 | LBN Food, Troy

Zach Achatz of Achatz Handmade Pie Company told Local Business News about the family business’s eight pie shops, including one in Troy, along with pies available fresh or frozen at retail stores like Busch’s. One thing we learned is that Achatz provides beautifully wrapped individual pies for weddings and other events. Look for fall seasonal flavors coming soon!

Building Trust Helps Keep Repair Shop Going Strong at 30

Building Trust Helps Keep Repair Shop Going Strong at 30

by | Dec 18, 2019 | LBN Community Series, Midas, Troy

Building Trust Helps Keep Repair Shop Going Strong at 30

18

DECEMBER 2019

BY LEANNE ROGERS

LBN Community Series

Troy

As his business hits the 30-year mark, Troy Midas Automotive Service Center owner Gil Harris has developed a pretty straightforward philosophy.

“This is my life. It’s my family’s life. One thing we absolutely demand is integrity,” said Harris. “If I would find an employee screwed someone (regarding service), they’re gone. That’s how I built the business.”

GIL HARRIS

OWNER, MIDAS AUTOMOTIVE SERVICE CENTER – TROY

With his wife of 54 years, Patricia, and son Chris, Harris owns and operates the Midas store on East Big Beaver at Dequindre in Troy, along with a second location in Clinton Township. His first Midas franchise was in Detroit on Van Dyke just south of Eight Mile.

“I put everything in the world on the line to buy that store — my house, my life insurance. If it didn’t succeed, I’d go bankrupt,” said Harris.

But Harris did succeed and at one time owned four Midas stores — the Detroit location, the two current locations and an additional store in Waterford. The Detroit and Waterford locations were subsequently sold.

“Our philosophy is that we want to be as honest as humanly possible and give the customers options,” he said. “We don’t shove anything down anyone’s throat. If something needs to be done, we will tell them why and show them what needs to be done. They get the estimate upfront. Even if it was a verbal estimate, they won’t find it is $300 higher when they come in.”

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Folks of a certain age will remember when the automotive repair chain was known as Midas Muffler. The days of vehicles that need to have mufflers replaced is largely gone.

“Exhaust systems are steel now. It’s not stainless steel but it’s more like stainless steel,” said Harris. “Today, cars can go to the graveyard with the original muffler. If I had to live off exhaust system business, I’d be dead.”

Today, Midas offers the kind of full automotive service offered at dealerships as well as tires. In most cases, Harris said, the repairs are finished the same day unless he’s waiting on a part.

Today, Midas offers the kind of full automotive service offered at dealerships as well as tires. In most cases, Harris said, the repairs are finished the same day unless he’s waiting on a part.

“We are in a position as a dealership alternative. I’m not the lowest-priced guy in town and I’m not the highest-priced guy in town,” said Harris, who dislikes offering low-cost oil changes but admits those will get people in the door.

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Many of Harris’ employees have been with his business for many years, and keeping those workers is part of a successful operation.

“Have you tried to hire an auto mechanic? It’s virtually impossible after … Washington (D.C.) killed all the technical schools and told everyone they needed to go to college,” said Harris. “A quality mechanic is an asset beyond words.”

 

One of those assets is Jason Morgan, the manager at the Troy location. “Jason is the finest diagnostician I have ever known. If no one else can find the problem, which is rare, Jason can find it,” said Harris.

Morgan was a mechanic at Midas when he was seriously injured when his vehicle was hit head-on in December 2017.

“I have three artificial discs in my neck and they had to redo my left shoulder. It was a mess,” said Morgan, who has worked at the Troy Midas for three and a half years.

After Morgan recuperated, he tried to come back to his old job but he wasn’t physically able to work as a mechanic. Morgan said he and Harris had always worked well together, including when Morgan took calls seeking advice while he was on medical leave.

“Jason has certain physical limitations now. We really try to benefit from using his brain, not brawn,” said Harris. “Jason is also highly personable. He is able to give customers an explanation of a problem. He has the patience to educate them. A lot of mechanics understand the dollars and cents but not how to build customer loyalty.”

While he misses working on vehicles himself, Morgan has settled into his new role well.

“Auto repair has been my passion but I know that I’m stuck at the counter,” said Morgan, originally from Cass City. “God does things for a reason. I’m thankful that I am still able to be in this business.”

Recently, customer Jason Bradford was in the store having his vehicle repaired. He came all the way from Redford Township to Troy to have his truck serviced.

“It’s because of this guy right here,” Bradford said, pointing at Morgan. “He’s why I came so far. He has kept my truck running in peak condition.”

At 78, Harris said he doesn’t have any plans to retire — life is already good.

“I have a phenomenal life. I can come and go as I like. I have complete confidence in the staff. My son handles the finances for the business,” he said. “I just came back from Tennessee last week.”

 

His wife alternately asks him either why he hasn’t retired or why he doesn’t go do something at the shop, Harris said.

“I tell her to make up her mind. We have a great life, we are absolutely blessed,’” he added.

The Midas Automotive Service Center on East Big Beaver in Troy is open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday. Closed Sunday.

2995 E. Big Beaver
Troy, MI 48083
248.524.2090

Website

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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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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Sonic Alert in Troy: Keeping You Safe, Entertained, Aware – and Awakened!

Sonic Alert in Troy: Keeping You Safe, Entertained, Aware – and Awakened!

by | Jul 10, 2019 | LBN Community Series, Sonic Alert, Troy

Sonic Alert in Troy: Keeping You Safe, Entertained, Aware – and Awakened

 

10
JULY 2019
BY HONEY MURRAY
LBN Community Series
Troy

Lois Leoni of Sterling Heights had been looking forward to spending a girls’ getaway weekend this summer with her grown daughter at their family’s favorite vacation spot on Lake Huron.

“But I was worried about my husband, Jim, being home without me,” Leoni said. “Even with hearing aids, when a cold or allergy flares up, he can’t hear the dog barking, the doorbell, the phone, or even the smoke detector.”

THOMAS ZIMMER

SALES & MARKETING COORDINATOR, SONIC ALERT

“Luckily, a friend of mine had read about Sonic Alert in Troy, and how they donated special, super-strong alarm clocks (with bed shakers!) to high school kids who had a hard time waking up,” she added. “When we contacted Sonic Alert, we learned about lots of awesome products they had for us and our home.”

“Needless to say,” Leoni laughed, “my daughter was happy to get Jim a Sonic Boom alarm clock for Father’s Day, and I am purchasing a HomeAware unit for our house and for up north.”

Thomas Zimmer, Sonic Alert’s sales and marketing coordinator, explained some of HomeAware’s many uses and functions during a demonstration at their office in Troy.

“This system has become so popular with all age groups,” Zimmer said. “Even though it is a multi-tier alerting system, it is simple to set up and operate. HomeAware is the first complete home system to use transmitters and receivers to alert you to baby cries, the doorbell, home alarms, phone calls, carbon monoxide and smoke detector alarms, weather radio announcements, clock alarms, kitchen timers, cellphone notifications and texts – and more.

“They can, virtually, all be linked, and the system’s flashing lights, its alarm (up to 105 decibels), the bed shaker and the scrolling digital word display (which can also show phone caller identification), alert within 1000 feet,” he added.

A mobile phone app provides even more uses and features.

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“We offer well-made, really unique specimens in terms of products,” said Zimmer, “that truly help people in their daily lives. That’s what I enjoy about being here.”

Sonic Alert was founded by Adam Kollin, who tried to help his grandmother, in her Pontiac home, be aware of visitors at the door and other safety issues.

“In an age of rotary phones,” Zimmer explained, “Adam used his knowledge as a ham radio operator to create, with wires run throughout the floor, a flashing pattern built on Morse code as an alerting system.”

“And now, over 40 years later, we have so many products, sold all over the world, assisting and alerting  everyone — from those who are physically challenged and those who want to know their home and children are protected, to those who just want to see their wake-up time displayed on their bedroom ceiling, hear a personalized alarm, listen to their favorite music app, or hear white noise while falling asleep.”

“One of the products I use a lot,” shared Zimmer, “is the TV Listener. I can wear it working around here, and listen to a TV show that’s on in another room. Our products are great for so many uses. Like the ‘Transformers’ in the movies, they’re ‘more than meets the eye.’

“It’s very meaningful to work with products that are so cutting-edge, for people that are older or young,” Thomas said

Maryland resident Joan Langan said she “loves” her Sonic Alert alarm clocks.

“I started with the smaller one and liked it so well I got the big one,” Langan said. “My grandson was having trouble waking up for high school, so I gave him my small one.  He turns it to its loudest sound and he has no trouble now waking up and being to school on time. The super shaker that you put under your pillow connecting to the clock is fun, too.”

“The clock is stunning-looking,” Langan added, “a beautiful silver with large, two-inch numbers that you can make brighter.  You can easily read them from very far away or in a dark room. How could anyone love an alarm clock? I do. It brings great comfort to know I will always wake up on time.”

“It’s easy to understand why, when our president, Bryan Bartneck, goes to graduation or family parties,” Zimmer said, smiling, “he is swarmed by starry-eyed young people who say, ‘You’re the Sonic Bomb alarm clock guy.’”

Zimmer, who grew up with a family of engineers and innovators, pointed out the company is “continually expanding ideas” and is “extremely conscious of making sure our customers have lifelines to the products and services they need.”

”’What is the customer looking for?’ our founder always asks,” Zimmer said. “We have new and exciting developments, a depth of knowledge and history, and a commitment to changing the lives of people, communities and families. It’s an incredible journey.”

850 Stephenson Highway,
Suite 323
Troy, MI 48084
248-577-5400

sonicalert.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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