Business Briefs: New Gym, Boxing Facility Moving to Birmingham

Here's a snapshot of what's going on in Birmingham's business community:

Art of Strength to move into Webster Avenue in late May

Birmingham will have another gym to add to its roster of places to stay in shape this summer, as West Bloomfield's Art of Strength plans to move into a 5,000 square-foot facility at 1025 Webster Ave.

The center is led by personal trainer Mike Knight and co-owner Scott George. The Birmingham center will feature many of the same equipment and training classes as the West Bloomfield location, in addition to a boxing facility.

"We thought Birmingham would suit us best," said George. "It's within 10 miles of the original location, but we are still hitting a completely new demographic. We're really excited about working, not only with Birmingham residents, but with people from Troy, Royal and Bloomfield Township."

Chen Chow marks May with celebrity sushi roll

Jay Towers, weekend anchor at Fox 2 News and morning host at Fresh 100.3, is the latest local celebrity to join 's celebrity sushi program. Since it's inaugrual roll in November 2011, Chen Chow has partnered with local, regional or national figures each month, featuring a signature sushi roll in support of their charity of choice.

Throughout the month of May, a portion of the proceeds from Towers' Jay's Spicy Angel Roll will be donated to the Macomb-based nonprofit, Angels of Hope.

"Ironically, I only recently tried sushi so I'm no connoisseur, but I think the program is a great opportunity for people to give back and have fun while doing so," said Towers. "I'm really excited to participate and, more importantly, for the chance to raise awareness of Angels of Hope and the amazing work it does."

Angels of Hope is a volunteer-led organization committed to making a difference in the lives of children battling cancer. Jay's Spicy Angel Roll features tempura tiger shrimp, avocado and cream cheese rolled in soy paper. It's then topped with spicy crab mix, spicy mayo and a dot of Sriracha.

Mills Pharmacy to celebrate 66 years with open houses

, a Birmingham favorite on West Maple Road, will be celebrating its recent re-design at next weeken to help mark its 66th year in business.

The open houses will take place from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, May 19 and 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday, May 20. Attendees will enjoy fresh grilled fare courtesy of Holiday Market, tastings, various demonstrations and samplings from more than 15 of Mills Pharmacy's vendors.

"We want to carry on the tradition of the neighborhood pharmacy, where customer service is the most important aspect," said Pierre Boutros, who purchased the pharmacy two years ago with his brother Hany. "We pride ourselves on knowing our customers by name, and truly caring about the health and wellbeing of each and every person who comes into our store."

The Boutros brother , adding sleek design elements, modern concrete floors and brushed steel shelves. The brothers also opened Epicure, a gourmet convenience market attached to the main pharmacy that offers unique food items and beverages.

PSD supports Main Street Fairness Act

At it's monthly meeting on May 3, Birmingham's voted to support a pending piece of legislation called the Main Street Fairness Act, the Birmingham Eccentric reports.

The bill would add Michigan's 6 percent sales tax to items purchased from an out-of-state online retailer and shipping to Michigan residents. Already, the sales tax is added to the purchase price when shoppers purchase something online from a Michigan retailer. However, when an item is purchased from an out-of-state retailer, it's up to the shopper to report the purchase.

According to the Michigan Retailers Association, 16 states have alrady passed similar legislation while five more are considering their own bills.

Openings, Closings: Touch of India, Releve'

The following businesses have recently opened in Birmingham:

• Touch of India: This traditional Indian restaurant has opened at 297 E. Maple Rd. in the spot formerly occupied by La Feast.
• Heavy Weight Enterprises: This trucking company at 261 E. Maple Rd. was originally founded by Troy resident Amer Batel. The company provides drivers with a program to operate a company truck for a national carrier.
• Releve': This barre core fitness studio has opened at 160 Elm St. According to owner and Birmingham resident Donna Gross, barre core fitness is loosely based on ballet techniques. The studio will host classes for adults and teens, as well as "ballerina parties" for children.
• Try It Raw: This raw food restaurant is scheduled to move into 213 E. Maple Rd. in June. According to owner Michael Severance, everything will be gluten-free, vegan and uncooked.

Upcoming Events:

• ribbon-cutting: 4-5 p.m. May 10, 2129 Cole St.
• ribbon-cutting: 4-5 p.m. May 16, 420 E. Frank St.
• ribbon-cutting: 4-5 p.m. May 22, 1744 W. Maple Rd.
• ribbon-cutting: 4-5 p.m. May 30, 528 N. Old Woodward Ave.
• OCN Mixer: 5:30-7:30 p.m. May 23,
• Member coffee: 8-9 a.m. May 31, Giarmarco, Mullins & Horton, PC (114 Willits St.)
• Member Golf Outing: July 16, Plum Hollow Country Club