One of Birmingham's biggest vacancies on Woodward Avenue is on its way to being filled, after the city passed along plans for a sandwich restaurant and barber shop during last week's Planning Board meeting.
Floyd's 99 Barbershop, a national chain that tags itself as "the original rock and roll barbershop," is already moving into the brick 'Highway Collision' building at 33779 Woodward, just south of Neighborhood Hardware.
Meanwhile, Jersey Mike's Subs has plans to move into a newly-developed building that might soon replace the former Bordine's on Woodward greenhouse next door.
Both the greenhouse and brick building were part of Bordine's on Woodward, which closed at the end of the 2011.
Developers first approached the city in mid-2012, looking to redevelop the site as a Dunkin Donuts and Baskin Robbins, but pulled out later that fall.
Now, developers are planning to build a one-story retail building at 33757 Woodward Ave., with Jersey Mike's being the first tenant tentatively on board.
The Planning Board — down two members with Janelle Boyce and Chairman Robin Boyle absent — unanimously approved the plans Wednesday.
"Most of this is, in principal, as good or better than what we had before," member Carroll DeWeese said.
Originally founded in downtown Denver in 2001, Floyd's 99 Barbershop has plans to open in Birmingham by May, and they're already hiring stylists.
"We've brought back old school service with today's newest styles in a fun, energetic environment with great music, high volume and creative freedom," Floyd 99's job posting on Craigslist reads.
There are currently more than 60 Floyd's 99 Barbershops across the country and Birmingham's would be the first in Michigan.
"Floyd's 99 approach is to keep services simple, focusing on traditional hair cuts, styling and color services for both men and women," the company's website reads.
Meanwhile, Jersey Mike's Subs was founded in 1956 in Point Pleasant, NJ, serving hot and cold sub sandwiches, wraps and more. There are currently three restaurants in Michigan, the closest of which is located in Rochester Hills.
Floyd's 99 Barbershop and Jersey Mike's will have company — and competition — on Woodward. Fred's Barber Shop is located just the down the road while Jimmy John's is located on the other side of Woodward a few blocks south.
What do you think of the new businesses coming to Birmingham?
