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Neighborhood Shop

Thursday, January 19, 2012

Farmington Has Given Mentobe Cafe a 'Friendly Reception'

Owners of the downtown Farmington coffee shop say their location was meant to be.

Call it karma or coincidence, Kim Chapman, co-owner of Mentobe Cafe, says when she and her friends decided to open their business in June 2011, it was all meant to be.  Chapman and long-time friends Jackie Mulvihill and Dave Epps were looking for the right opportunity. When they saw the newly renovated McNutt building in downtown Farmington, next to the Farmington Civic Theater, they immediately knew it was the perfect location for their dream café. “We’ve had a friendly reception from the people in Farmington,” Chapman said. “They have been good and very welcoming.” Cozy and welcoming aptly describes the coffee shop. Furnished with large comfortable chairs against contemporary, calming hues, the location is the perfect place to meet up …

Tuesday, January 10, 2012

Neighborhood Shop: Farmington Hills Dog Care Business Has College Theme

Owners keep an eye on Canine College 'students' through webcams.

Visit Canine College’s website, and you might think you were about to enroll your pooch into a four-year university. Complete with a list of "faculty and staff", admission guidelines and enrollment forms, this dog care facility is a place where “It’s Cool to Drool.” Founded by Deb Watkins in 2006 as a dog daycare, boarding, training and grooming facility, the 16,300-square-foot facility is staffed by Certified Pet Care Technicians. "Students" have 5,000 square feet of outdoor play space and five play fields to accommodate dogs of varying temperaments and sizes. With all of this, prospective dogs must be accepted into the school by completing the orientation program and "pledging", or passing a temperament test. The dog is introduced to the…

Sunday, January 8, 2012

Neighborhood Shop: Annette and Company Shares the Love of Dance

The Farmington Hills business celebrates 32 years of teaching young dancers.

Annette and Company School of Dance in Farmington Hills has been nurturing the love of dance for 32 years. Founded by Annette Bergasse, a professional dancer and actor, the school offers classes in a variety of dance mediums and for all levels. From hip hop to jazz, ballet and tap, students will learn the art of dance in a contemporary, fun and “very cool” atmosphere. “She (Bergasse) wanted to continue her love for dancing and instill it in children,” said Annette Morgan, a dance instructor at the school. What makes Annette and Company different from other studios is its relaxed atmosphere that allows students to learn and practice dancing while still enjoying their other curricular activities, Morgan said. In addition to the regular …

Friday, January 6, 2012

Neighborhood Shop: Find Your Favorite Custom Sandwiches at Dagwood's Deli

The downtown Farmington landmark stresses attention to detail and fast, friendly service.

Dagwood’s Deli & Catering, which first opened its doors in 1984, is one of downtown Farmington’s landmarks for good food and family-like atmosphere. Owned by Jerry Burger, it features an array of sandwiches, salads, soups and specialty items to please every palate. “We feature good and fast, friendly service with attention to details,” said Dagwood’s manager, Chris Burger. Some of the deli’s specialty items include the corned beef and turkey sandwiches with names inspired by the "Dagwood" comic strip and the community, such as "Mr. B." (Hot corned beef, Swiss cheese, cole slaw and Russian dressing on marble rye) or "Grand River" (half pound of roast beef, colby cheese, cole slaw and Russian dressing on marble rye). The best part about the …

Ara Topouzian

8:57 am on Friday, January 6, 2012

Jerry has had a great business for years -- good food, good people = success!   more ›

Monday, January 2, 2012

Neighborhood Shop: Carousel Travel Offers 30+ Years of Experience

Avid traveler Joan Fries uses her experience to help clients find the perfect getaway.

Looking for a family-friendly place to take your family on vacation in 2012? Or, are you in search of an exotic locale for some New Year adventure? Whatever your travel desires may be Joan Fries of Carousel Travel can make them a reality. An avid traveler herself, Fries toured all 48 states by the time she was 9 years old and has visited all five continents. She caught the travel bug from her parents and the rest, as they say, is passport history. Located on 39281 Grand River Avenue in Farmington Hills, Carousel Travel is a full-service agency founded in 1978. “You definitely have the advantage of experience when you come here,” said Fries, who prides herself on being a travel connoisseur who can help customers get the best deals for fun, …

Sunday, January 1, 2012

Neighborhood Shop: Triad Health & Fitness Offers Incentives in January

The Farmington Hills gym can help you stick to your New Year's resolutions.

If you’re like the millions of people out there, you’ve probably already resolved to lose weight in 2012. Unfortunately, once the clock strikes midnight, most resolutions fade away and old habits kick in. If you are serious about your health in the New Year, then you might want to check out Triad Health and Fitness, at 24168 Haggerty Road in Farmington Hills. Owned by Kirk Vickers, former Detroit Red Wings trainer, Triad Health opened its doors 20 years ago. While their primary focus is on injury prevention, sport performance and strength training for athletes, the gym is also a place for those serious about getting in shape. It features a 3,000-square-foot turf area and plenty of specialty equipment. “We’re not a franchise—we like to …

Sunday, December 25, 2011

Neighborhood Shop: Sunny Day Care Founded by Working Moms

The downtown Farmington child care facility celebrates its 20th anniversary in 2012.

Tucked away from the hustle and bustle of downtown Farmington is a haven for families looking for a safe and nurturing place to entrust their child’s care while they go to work. Sue Casey and a childhood friend, both working moms, first opened Sunny Day Care and Montessori in 1992, so they could care for their own children full-time. Initially located on Folsom Rd. and Nine Mile Rd., the child care facility served families with children up to the age of three. In 1999, Sunny Day Care moved to its current location on 33200 Slocum Rd., one block east of Farmington Rd. and two blocks south of Grand River, to expand into caring for children as young as six weeks to kindergarten. “We treat the children the same way we want our children to be …

Friday, December 23, 2011

Neighborhood Shop: Café Cortina Offers Memorable Dining Experiences

The Farmington Hills restaurant offers authentic Italian cuisine.

There are places in each person’s heart that bring back fond memories of special milestones and happy times. Café Cortina in Farmington Hills strives to be such a place, with the philosophy of “creating moments of happiness in people’s lives.” The restaurant has been a destination for lovers of authentic Italian food since 1976. “We’re preserving the true Italian hospitality and food,” said owner Adrian Tonon, a third generation restaurateur. “We offer old world, with a cutting edge style.” Some of the popular items on the menu include branzino al forno erbate (Italian style Sea Bass) and brasato stracotto in amarone (Braised beef in Amarone wine sauce). The restaurant specializes in artisan pasta that is hand-made on site, as well as veal…

Sunday, December 18, 2011

Neighborhood Shop: Salon Legato Aims to Pamper Customers

Stop in for services at this Aveda concept salon, and you will leave relaxed.

If you feel like the hustle and bustle of the holidays is taking a toll on your appearance, then perhaps you’re due for a stop at Salon Legato in downtown Farmington for a revitalizing boost. Owned by Diane Cassidy, who purchased the business in 2005, the Aveda concept salon is located in the heart of downtown Farmington adjacent to the Farmington Civic Theater. “An opportunity was presented to purchase the salon, and I decided it was right for me,” said Cassidy, who previously owned the Village Clippers, also in downtown Farmington. Nine stylists, two nail technicians, two massage therapists, and three body treatment rooms provide services to women, ranging from hair and nail care, to makeup and massage treatments, all in a warm and …

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

Neighborhood Shop: The Print House Offers a One-Stop Shop for Businesses

The Farmington Hills-based company has operated in the community since 1975.

As the name implies, The Print House is a one-stop shop for all your printing needs—large and small. Owned by Ken Manko and Barry Melamed, the shop has been a part of the Farmington Hills community since 1975. From stationery and business cards to newsletters and full-color brochures, the Print House is a place for those looking to enhance their business image, or create a new identity altogether. “Our entire operation is geared to making your business look professional through quality printed materials and through creative expertise,” Melamed said. The duo opened the Print House after working for newspapers as advertising department managers. “We wanted to use our advertising and marketing skills for businesses that didn’t need the …

S

12:58 pm on Wednesday, December 14, 2011

Barry and his staff are amazing. He has been doing my printing for years. There is never a compromise on quality and it is always done in a timely manner. Plus, I can't beat their prices. Keep your printing local...The Print House is the best!   more ›

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