Toast Birmingham Launches Art Garden Project

The first panels featuring Detroit-inspired graffiti art from local expressionists are installed and ready to view.

  Patrons of Toast Birmingham will no longer have to look at the ongoing construction on Pierce Street while they enjoy their meals or libations now that the first Art Garden panels are installed. The artwork, displayed in the window of the Blue Room during a special event Thursday, features the talents of Kobie Solomon, a.k.a. Rift. And it is among several Detroit-themed pieces that business owners hope will help customers forget about the cranes, construction signs and torn up gravel now adorning downtown. “We thought that this would be a nice distraction for our customers,” said Paul Fradeneck, a manager at Toast and Art Garden organizer. “We already have had a great response to and support for the idea from our diners, other businesses…

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Investors Find Lots of Value in Birmingham

Real estate brokers and developers say the city's tony reputation has helped drive strong property values and interest in new commercial developments.

On the Storefront

Business Briefs: Schakolad Opens New Location, Plans to Partner With Nonprofits

Royal Oak therapist moves to Birmingham while businesses schedule ribbon cuttings and other events.

Here's the snapshot of activity in Birmingham's business community this week: With a new year, comes a new location and new initiatives for Schakolad Birmingham Chocolate, which recently reopened at a new location at 1728 W. Maple Rd. The chocolate shop will be partnering with a different nonprofit organization every month in 2012, as well as creating a signature chocolate to match that organization. Every month, then, proceeds from the sale of the chocolate will go back toward the nonprofit. The initiative begins in February with The Community House. Also new at Schakolad's new location, the shop will now serve Chazzano coffee and Great Lakes Tea & Spice teas. More than 30 people turned out to the Jan. 10 grand reopening celebration of …

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Buy Michigan Initiative Sparks State’s Economy

More than 30 local businesses and non-profits showcase their Michigan made chops at the Great Lakes Showcase Monday.

Say "bye-bye" to foreign products and buy Michigan! That’s what the owners of more than 30 Michigan-based companies and non-profits are hoping customers will do. They featured their products at the Great Lakes Showcase at the Southfield Westin Hotel on Monday. “If Michigan people buy Michigan stuff, the economy will improve for everyone. It’s really simple and basic—but true,” said Rejeana Heinrich of Standish, MI, a self-proclaimed sisterprenuer, who in conjunction with her two sisters launched Michigan-Made.com, a website dedicated to selling only Michigan-made products. The Buy Michigan campaign, which is supported by Gov. Rick Snyder, has paid off for Michigan-Made.com, which has seen a 400 percent sales growth in the past year. In …

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Ed Primeau

9:10 am on Saturday, January 21, 2012

I believe Michigan is on the come back. Our business has been growing over 75% each year since we moved to Rochester Hills. Back to the original question, I still love Vernors Ginger Ale even if they did leave Michigan. Riddley's on Rochester and Wattles is one of my favorite local businesses.   more ›

Business Briefs: Jewelry Store Co-Owner to be Honored at Chamber of Commerce Event

We've got your weekly update of what's going in Birmingham's business community.

Here's a snapshot of activity in Birmingham's business community this week: Richard Astrein, co-owner of Astrein's Creative Jewelry, will receive the Birmingham Bloomfield Chamber of Commerce's 2011 Business Person of the Year Award at the chamber's annual meeting at 8 a.m. Dec. 1 at The Community House. Astrein has been in downtown Birmingham with Astrein's Creative Jewelry for 35 years. According to a blog post on the chamber's website, Astrein is also a founding board member of the Principal Shopping District and regularly gives to various area charities, including Beaumont Children's Hospital, the Alzheimer's Association, Common Ground and the Birmingham Bloomfield Community Coalition. "(Astrein) truly loves this community, and has …

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Frugal Family

Frugal Family: Find Deals This Week on Christmas Cards, Gym Memberships

We've got the sales you want and the deals you need this week in Birmingham.

This week, Frugal Family scoured local sources to come up with great deals and found bargains on everything from Christmas stationary to 24-packs of Pepsi. Remember to check with the merchants for additional conditions:

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On the Storefront

Business Briefs: Junior League Hosts Shopping Event

We've got your weekly update of what's going in Birmingham's business community.

Here's a snapshot of activity in Birmingham's business community this week: The Junior League of Birmingham will host an exclusive fall shopping event from 6-9 p.m. Thursday at the Somerset Collection. Shoppers may purchase a $20 shopping pass and enjoy cocktails and appetizers at participating stores all evening long. Those with a pass will also receive discounts and a gift with purchase and will be entered to win one of many drawing prizes. Will Tuttle, author of The World Peace Diet: Eating for Spiritual Health and Social Harmony, will speak at the Center for Yoga in Birmingham at 2 p.m. Oct. 8. Tuttle and his wife, Madeleine, regularly speak across the United States on healing, music and art. Thinking of shopping in neighboring …

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Frugal Family

Frugal Family: Find Deals on Fall Clothes, Spa Services

We've got the deals you need and the sales you want this week in Birmingham.

This week, Frugal Family scoured local sources to come up with great deals and found bargains on everything from yoga classes to cozy sweaters. Remember to check with the merchants for additional conditions:

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On the Storefront

Business Briefs: Restyle Child to Raise Funds for FAR Conservatory

Here's a weekly update of what's going in Birmingham's business community.

Here's a snapshot of activity in Birmingham's business community this week: Beginning Oct. 1, Restyle Child, the children's consignment shop in Birmingham's Rail District, will launch a three-month fundraising campaign for the FAR Conservatory of Therapeutic and Performing Arts, a nonprofit organization that provides creative arts therapy and other services for children and adults with physical, mental or emotional disabilities. Diane Crawford, owner of Restyle Child, said she was inspired to raise funds for FAR after her 8-year-old son, Billy — who has Asperger's syndrome and ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) — attended FAR's summer camp. From Oct. 1-Dec. 31, Restyle will sell hand-cut flower barrettes and brooches made by …

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Frugal Family

Frugal Family: Foursquare Deals Around Birmingham

Looking for deals this week — or any week, really? In Birmingham, you need not look any further than your smartphone.

Foursquare is no longer just a playground game from your childhood. If you haven't heard of it, Foursquare is a smartphone application/website that lets you "check in" to venues while you're out on the town. By then connecting with other social media programs, such as Twitter or Facebook, you can instantly broadcast your current location to your followers and friends, along with a short message. Check in enough times, and you may even be crowned "mayor" of your favorite coffee shop, coney restaurant or even busy intersection. Businesses can also tap into Foursquare to provide special deals for those who check in often or for the first time. So if you're looking to save money this week, tap into what your smartphone has to offer and check …

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