By Craig Manning | Aug. 7, 2026

In the wake of last week’s bombshell report revealing dozens of historical sexual misconduct cases at Interlochen Center for the Arts, Grand Traverse County Prosecutor Noelle Moeggenberg says her office is putting together a gameplan for how to pursue justice for as many of the victims as possible.

The Interlochen report identified approximately 70 sexual misconduct allegations at the institution’s arts camp and arts academy over the past 75 years, involving a total of 47 accused perpetrators. Allegations include “a range of behavior by adults affiliated with Interlochen, some of which included grooming, flirting, comments of a sexual nature, touching of a sexual nature, vaginal intercourse, anal intercourse, oral intercourse, and engaging in long-term ‘relationships.’”

The report did not identify any of the victims, and mostly did not name names of alleged perpetrators. Instead, Interlochen indicated it had handed those details over to the Grand Traverse Sheriff’s Office and Grand Traverse County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office for further review and investigation.

Moeggenberg confirms to The Ticker that her office received the additional information, and says her team has spent the past week combing through cases and figuring out which ones can feasibly be pursued from a criminal prosecution perspective.

“I have gone through the report and flagged 10-15 cases I believe are still viable – where we are not outside the statute of limitations – and I've asked for additional information on those,” Moeggenberg says. “The report was pretty vague. It would just say [a misconduct case occurred] ‘in the ‘90s,’ So, we need to find out what type of assault it was, when in the ‘90s it occurred, and whether or not the respondent left the state of Michigan. There are a bunch of different things that factor into the statute of limitations, so I've asked for more information to help me figure that out for those cases.”

In Michigan, there is no criminal statute of limitations for first-degree criminal sexual conduct (CSC). That category includes any case involving sexual penetration with force or coercion, or involving a minor who is under 13 years of age. Such crimes can be prosecuted no matter how many years have passed since the alleged misconduct.

In cases of second, third, or fourth-degree CSC, statutes of limitations vary depending on factors like the victim’s age at the time of the misconduct, whether there is DNA evidence, and more.

Statutes of limitations are also subject to change. Under state legislation signed into law just last year, second or third-degree CSC cases can generally be filed “within 15 years after the offense is committed or by the alleged victim’s 42 birthday, whichever is later.” Fourth-degree CSC charges can be brought within 10 years or until the victim’s 21st birthday – again, whichever is later.

Moeggenberg has referred her requests for additional case facts to the Sanghavi Law Office, the Massachusetts law firm Interlochen hired to conduct the investigation. She says the firm has been “great to work with so far,” and anticipates no issues getting the necessary information. Once the firm provides the missing details, Moeggenberg anticipates the matter will become “a completely law enforcement investigation,” with Sanghavi bowing out and the Grand Traverse County Sheriff’s Office getting involved.

“At that point, I would send everything over to [the sheriff’s office] saying, ‘These are the cases that need to be investigated for possible prosecution,” she says.

Reached for comment Wednesday afternoon, Grand Traverse County Sheriff Michael Shea said he would “defer to Noelle” to answer questions on the Interlochen investigations for now.

Asked whether she’d consider referring the case to Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel – something requested by a local citizen petition launched this week – Moeggenberg says it will depend on how many cases prove to be viable.

“If I end up with five cases, we can handle that,” Moeggenberg says. “If I end up with 15, chances are we may need some help.”

Similarly, she says the sheriff’s office could seek assistance from the Michigan State Police if the workload proves too big to handle locally.

The size of that workload could also depend on whether additional victims come forward. One former Interlochen Arts Camp student told ClickOnDetroit earlier this week that his Interlochen experience – which involved alleged abuse from his cabin counselor back in 1997 – was not represented in last week’s report.

“This [report] is 70 people – recorded, documented. I was never reached out to,” the anonymous victim said. “This could lead to hundreds of us.”

Interlochen has said survivors can still submit claims to elizabeth@sanghavilawoffice.com until October of this year. Moeggenberg says she plans to talk with Shea about “putting something else out there” to encourage additional victims to come forward.

As criminal investigations take shape, civil action could also be brewing against Interlochen. Matthew Curtis, a downstate attorney, says he represents “several survivors who attended the academy from the 1970s through the early 2000s.” Most of those cases, he notes, are currently not viable in Michigan because of statutes of limitations – which are different for civil litigation than for criminal prosecution. Curtis says a bill passed by the Michigan Senate but dormant in the House would change the game “by opening a two-year revival window for people up to age 52 to bring a claim.”

“That bill has been sitting in the House for over a year without a single hearing,” Curtis says. “This [Interlochen report] is a perfect opportunity for the House to act, and I'd urge every member to read it and understand what these survivors went through.”

In the meantime, Curtis is calling on Interlochen “to do right by these survivors on its own and not wait to be forced into it by a courtroom or a change in the law.”

“That means financial compensation, not just a statement of regret or a list of new policies,” Curtis says. “An apology doesn't undo what happened to these survivors, most of whom were minors at the time of the abuse and whose futures were heavily affected by what happened to them, and it doesn't help them now. Interlochen has an opportunity to lead here, instead of waiting to be led.”

By Beth Milligan | Aug. 6, 2026

Three of Garfield Township’s shopping centers – Logan’s Landing, the Grand Traverse Mall, and Cherryland Center – have changes underway. The Ticker has the latest, including more details on the new Mill District development on Boardman Lake.

Shopping Center Growth
A new outdoor gear consignment and retail shop is coming to Logan’s Landing this fall next to Vince’s Jewelry and the planned Short’s Brewing Company taproom.

Second Third First Hand (aka 231 Hand), founded by outdoor enthusiast Cari Lick, is “built around the idea that the best equipment already exists – it just needs the right second, or third, home,” she says. The store will offer “a curated mix of quality used outdoor gear accepted on consignment alongside a thoughtfully selected inventory of new products from small cottage and eco-conscious brands.”

Every aspect of the business will be “guided by a commitment to sustainability and community,” Lick says. Unsold items can be donated to support local outdoor-focused nonprofits. 231 Hand will focus on “affordable, reliable equipment that minimizes environmental impact” and “encourages outdoor exploration and connection,” Lick says.

Further up South Airport Road at the Grand Traverse Mall, Zhending Hu – whose family owns a massage parlor there – is opening a food court restaurant to be closer to his family. Hu is partnering with Jazmine Scott to launch Cluckery TC, with the duo targeting a mid-August opening. The restaurant will specialize in fried chicken sandwiches – classic and spicy – along with hand-battered chicken strips, fries, and sides. An industry vet at restaurants like Panda Express, Hu says he took six months to develop his own recipes after not being able to find a local fried chicken spot to his liking.

While acknowledging the mall’s decline, Hu feels optimistic about both its nostalgic appeal and potential revitalization with major new tenants coming on board. “I think the mall is part of a lot of people’s memories,” he says. “One thing it seemed like we could do for the community is create more memories and bring people back.”

Several changes are underway at the Cherryland Center. Michigan-based Mediterranean chain Pita Way just opened its first Traverse City location in an outlot building next to Starbucks. The restaurant specializes in a “build-your-own” bowl concept along with options like curry and lentil soups. Posted hours are Monday-Saturday 10:30am-9pm and Sunday 11am-8pm.

K1 Speed, which said it was “temporarily closing” in early June but has yet to reopen, could soon be back in business. “We are currently in the midst of finalizing a new agreement, making the Traverse City location a corporate-owned center,” K1 Speed Public Relations Director Tom Abbott tells The Ticker. “We plan to have the Traverse City amusement center operating within the next couple of weeks and look forward to welcoming the community back onto the racetrack.”

Altitude Trampoline Park recently appeared before Garfield Township planning commissioners seeking a waiver on a mandate to install new sidewalk along South Airport Road. The sidewalk was a condition of their approval, though Altitude has since argued it shouldn’t be responsible as the tenant and it should fall to property owner Cherryland Center LLC. Planning commissioners denied the waiver. Garfield is now working with the property and business owners to get the sidewalk built, says Township Manager Chris Barsheff, with Altitude operating under a temporary certificate of occupancy until then.

Meanwhile, Two Brothers – a new dog park and café at the Cherryland Center – is still under construction and targeting a fall opening, the owners recently posted.

Mill District
Construction has started on the new Mill District project off Woodmere Avenue on Boardman Lake (pictured bottom right, rendering). While the listing is not live yet, condo sales are already underway, according to the project team. New details are also emerging on planned tenants, including a coffee shop called The Loop set to open in spring 2027. As previously announced, Brick Wheels will also move its new headquarters to the property from Eighth Street.

Brick Wheels owner Andy Weir recently received approval from city commissioners for a liquor license that will encompass the property, including a new restaurant. According to the application, it will provide “full food service with approximately 100-150 seats and will include both indoor and outdoor on a deck overlooking the surrounding site and trail corridor.” The beverage program “will emphasize Michigan-produced beers, wines, and spirits, highlighting regional producers and complementing the restaurant's food offerings.” Outdoor recreation retail sales and rentals are also planned.

More updates from across the region…
A new consignment furniture store has opened on US-31 next to Red Lobster. Curated Classics offers “quality furniture at reasonable prices” in a 5,000-square-foot gallery along with decorative accessories. Posted hours are Tuesday-Friday 10am-5pm and Saturday 10am-3pm.

After a year of extensive reviews, Acme Township has approved a new Taco Bell location at the northeast corner of M-72 and US-31. The franchise will go in across three parcels that include a former bank drive-thru. Township approval emphasized that Taco Bell will be subject to enforcement if its drive-thru lines queue up past the site’s boundaries. The franchise appears to be moving quickly toward construction, as the company pulled a land use permit last week.

Traverse City Golf Performance Center has acquired Swing Theory, the four-bay indoor golf simulator facility at the corner of Four Mile/US-31. In addition to the existing TrackMan experience, TCGPC plans to offer 24/7 member access, PGA instruction, club fitting and demo opportunities, and a “curated retail experience” at the site.

Finally, several updates around downtown TC: The Pub has launched a new 2,000-square-foot private event space at Cass/Front called the Pub Annex. The space can seat more than 50 guests and is designed for private parties and rentals, plus overflow space for busy bar times. 

Lee Studio, home to the artwork and books of local owner Leslie Lee, has opened at 400 Cass Street in Old Town. The gallery offers “framed original plein air watercolor paintings, framed and unframed fine art reproductions, greeting cards, collectible stickers, coasters, micro puzzles, maps, and more.” Hours are Tuesday-Saturday 10am-5pm.

On the real estate front, Nicolet National Bank is preparing to close on the purchase of three parcels on East Front Street next to the former Burger King site. The city recently approved rezoning the parcels, though Nicolet will still need to go through a new city special land use permit (SLUP) review for drive-thru properties. Realtor Scott Hardy says Nicolet plans to eventually consolidate its Traverse City locations at the property, a growing trend in banking.

On the other end of Front Street, demolition started last week on the former J&S Hamburg property, the site of a planned new mixed-use development called Bella Vita @302. Listings show condos ranging from nearly $2.2 million to almost $3.4 million. The first floor is planned to host a wine bar and retail shop.

By Beth Milligan | July 14, 2026

Grand Traverse County road commissioners approved contracts at a special meeting Monday for two major upcoming projects: the Beitner Road bridge replacement and the reconstruction of Hammond Road. Road commissioners also had a tense discussion – their second in a row – about Chair Alan Leman and potential conflicts of interest in his role.

Road Projects
Road commissioners approved a cost participation agreement with the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) Monday for the Beitner Bridge replacement.

MDOT opened bids for the project Friday, with four received. Anlaan Corporation was the low bidder at $3,738,880.47. Federal funds will cover 80 percent of the project, with the Grand Traverse County Road Commission (GTCRC) responsible for the rest. GTCRC also recently paid a $100,000 contract with Molon to remove the old bridge and will pursue FEMA reimbursement since the bridge collapsed in the April floods (pictured). The board also approved a $384,500 contract with OHM Monday for engineering oversight for the new bridge.

Once MDOT finalizes the Anlaan contract, GTCRC can begin coordinating on the construction schedule, says GTCRC Manager Dan Watkins. The hope is to get the new bridge complete before the end of the year. Team Elmer’s is a subcontractor on the project and “anxious to get going,” Watkins says.

Team Elmer’s will be involved in another major project. Road commissioners approved a $3.2 million contract Monday for the reconstruction of Hammond Road between Carlisle and Townline roads. In addition to new road, the project will extend Hammond’s two eastbound lanes through the Three Mile light and reconstruct that light. The signal work will come in a separate bid and likely total $400,000-$500,000, staff said. Elmer’s hopes to begin before the end of July and is contractually obligated to finish work through at least the intersection before school starts, Watkins says. Any remaining work at that point would be west of the intersection.

Chair Role
For the second meeting in a row, road commissioners had a tense discussion Monday over concerns Chair Alan Leman is acting outside his duties as a road commissioner.

The issue first arose at the board’s June 25 meeting during review of a memo from GTCRC’s legal counsel. The memo states that road commissioners cannot conduct business outside of public meetings or have a direct or indirect financial interest in GTCRC contracts (with narrow exceptions). Road commission duties are limited to policy formulation and approvals, with day-to-day operations entrusted to staff. If a board member transacts business or makes GTCRC decisions outside of meetings and without board approval, that likely violates the Open Meetings Act, the memo states.

The memo was prepared by Henn Lesperance after multiple employees complained about Leman to road commissioners. Concerns ranged from Leman personally going out and measuring driveways or negotiating with property owners on easements to hand-delivering bids for companies he’s affiliated with to suggesting staff not pay contracts because he believed materials weren’t up to spec.

Several of those concerns related to a sand order road commissioners approved this spring. When the order first appeared on a February agenda, Crystal Aggregate Materials was the lowest of five bidders. Leman – who also owns a materials company called All Aggregates – told the board the price was too high. He convinced the board to rebid the order, saying more competitive bids might come in if it was better advertised with clearer specs. Doing so complicated what is normally a sealed-bid process, as any bidders would now know the prices previously submitted and could outbid them.

When the second round of bids was reviewed in April, the number of bidders had dropped from five to four. Only one was a new bidder, Fischer Corporation. Leman’s company, All Aggregates, crushes materials for Fischer. When Fischer faxed in its bid and was told GTCRC doesn’t accept faxed bids, Leman hand-delivered the bid to staff. Road commissioners roundly condemned that move in June, with Commissioner Alisa Korn saying it “put the staff in a bad position” and Commissioner Joe Underwood adding that kind of personal involvement should “not ever, ever, ever, ever happen.”

Fischer came in lower than all first-round bids. However, Crystal also lowered its bid for the second round and ultimately won the contract. During that meeting, Leman did not disclose a conflict of interest nor mention his business ties to Fischer. He later told The Ticker he would’ve disclosed that if Fischer was the winning bidder, pointing out he too voted for Crystal.

Leman later criticized the quality of Crystal’s materials and told staff they shouldn’t pay the company’s invoice – a suggestion staff felt compelled to follow. The unpaid invoice prompted a second round of debate Monday. Watkins cited numerous staff and industry experts who said Crystal’s material was of a better quality and lower price than what GTCRC previously produced in-house. While road commissioners acknowledged the bid language was confusing – stating in one place materials should meet state minimums and in another higher GTCRC standards – most said they accepted staff’s assessment of the quality and should pay Crystal’s bill.

“We signed a contract for this sand, and we have an individual on this board who actually has an interest in sand product stopping us paying a contract that we approved,” said Underwood. “That is a problem. And it’s probably a violation of the new county ethics code…I mean what is going on here?” Road commissioners voted 4-1 to authorize staff to pay Crystal’s contract, with Leman opposed.

Leman defended his actions at both the meeting and in an interview with The Ticker, saying he asks tough questions and gets personally involved in GTCRC issues because his industry experience makes him a knowledgeable advocate for taxpayers. He pointed out that rebidding the sand order saved GTCRC tens of thousands of dollars. He said it was important to ensure GTCRC gets what it pays for with materials, adding that staff have “zero” experience with materials while he produces them for a living.

Leman – who also provides materials for Elmer’s, though for projects outside of the GTCRC area, he said – affirmed he wouldn’t get personally involved in a bid process again. He also told board members he’d bring issues to them for consideration rather than acting on his own. But he bristled at suggestions he’s run afoul of the law, calling the Henn Lesperance memo “vague and incomplete” and asking the board to respect his process of doing research, making site visits, and talking to people to gather information. “Please don’t try to control how I feel necessary to do my job,” he read from a prepared letter Monday.

Watkins also read a letter to the board. He said he had a “professional obligation” to raise concerns and seek clarification when receiving direction that may conflict with laws, board policies, or organizational standards. “Doing so is not an act of resistance,” he read. “It is an essential part of responsible leadership and good governance.” Multiple road commissioners assured staff they were free to bring concerns forward and should not fear retribution, emphasizing they are protected by law from retaliation.

By Craig Manning | June 30, 2026

The 100th annual National Cherry Festival kicks off this coming Saturday, July 4, and one of the premiere events on tap for the weekend is the Cherry Festival’s beloved air show. Here’s what to expect from this year’s show, from the aircraft involved to the scheduling details.

The planes: As previously reported, this year won’t see the return of the United States Navy Blue Angels, who are obligated elsewhere for the 250th anniversary of American independence. Instead, this year’s air show will be headlined by the U.S. Air Force Viper F16 Demo Team, a cadre of appropriately-festive red, white, and blue fighter jets (pictured).

Also winging their way to Traverse City for the air show are the West Coast Rhino Demo team, a U.S. Navy demonstration squad, as well as representation from the Coast Guard Air Station Traverse City, the Michigan Army National Guard, and more. A full rundown of military aircraft can be found here, while details about civilian air show acts is here.

The schedule: While some people love the roaring sound of fighter jets blasting through the skies, others prefer to plan ahead for the noise, whether for the sake of their work schedules, for parenting reasons, or for sensitive pets or family members. To lend a hand, The Ticker asked Cherry Festival Communications Director Mandy DePuy what this week will bring in terms of pre-weekend practice sessions.

“Planes should start arriving on Thursday, but no formal practice is slated for that day,” DePuy shares. “They may do a circle and arrival upon landing, but that should be it for Thursday. Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, the practice and air show times are 1-4pm.”

The Thursday practice session is described on the Cherry Festival website as “a dress rehearsal for the main event” that gives “the participating aircrew a chance to familiarize themselves with the aerobatic box and fine-tune their performances for the Saturday and Sunday shows.”

Additionally, DePuy notes that Saturday evening’s Fourth of July “firework night extravaganza” will involve “two smaller planes flying with pyrotechnics during the firework and drone show.”

The meet-and-greet: As usual, the Coast Guard Air Station Traverse City will host a free “open ramp” event this year, to provide a chance for people to meet the pilots behind the air show and see the aircraft up close. This year’s open ramp is scheduled for Friday, July 3 from 5-8pm.

 

By Beth Milligan | June 25, 2026

Food trucks can now operate in Garfield Township after trustees Tuesday approved a zoning update allowing them, including a new licensing process. Trustees also approved contracts for the construction of a new universally accessible trail loop at the Grand Traverse Commons Natural Area and design/engineering for a planned new $11 million water tank on McRae Hill Road. Trustees also heard about a proposed small-scale data center on Cass Road.

Food Truck Ordinance
After discussing the concept since last fall, Garfield Township has approved zoning changes that will allow food trucks to operate in the township.

Garfield Township was one of the few local jurisdictions that had a blanket ban on food trucks in all locations. Bryan Roth of Atomic Marketplace – the development on Cass Road that houses Nocturnal Bloom Brewing and Seismoto Coffee Bar – advocated for a change that would allow food trucks to operate on his site. The updated ordinance now allows food trucks as an “accessory” use to a main business in commercial zoning districts, parked on a designated hard-surface location approved by Metro Fire. Units are subject to inspection and cannot have a drive-through.

The change was supported by the planning commission, which found that a food truck “enhances social connectivity and supports local economic development while supporting businesses that desire to provide food service. Collectively, this activity supports the master plan goal of economic development and the vision of the township to create a vibrant and thriving community.” Township Planning Director John Sych noted that each food truck will be required to obtain an annual license – listed at $300 – and receive zoning approval to operate.

Contracts
Trustees Tuesday approved a $998,187.75 contract with Walton Contracting for a new universally accessible trail loop on the northern portion of the Grand Traverse Commons Natural Area. The trail will be accessible from the North Long Lake Road trailhead and tie into an existing trail that connects to parking on Red Drive. After trustees last month discussed how bids came in over double the project budget – largely due to unexpected state requirements related to water crossings – the township worked with bidders to identify potential cost savings.

Reducing the planned boardwalk width from 10 feet to 8 feet and changing a planned bridge from steel to wood material shaved almost $170,000 off the project cost, said Township Supervisor Joe McManus. Township reps said the new Walton price tag is the maximum cost for the new trail, with plans to continue working on reducing that. Part of the trail project will be offset by $300,000 in DNR grant funding. The trail is only for walking, not biking, though staff noted they are actively working with the Northern Mountain Bike Association on bike trail upgrades elsewhere in the park.

Trustees also approved a nearly $1.2 million contract with Gourdie-Fraser for design and engineering services for a planned new township water tank on McRae Hill Road. The new 2.25-million-gallon tank will be built next to an existing tank, bringing the township’s total capacity to approximately 5 million gallons and providing redundancy by allowing maintenance to be conducted on one tank while the other is in use.

Jennifer Graham of Gourdie-Fraser said the township was “seeing a lot of growth” and demand for water usage that will be served by the new tank, such as the Oleson Foundation’s plans to develop nearly 171 acres up the hill on US-31. That site will include the new headquarters of Cherryland Electric Cooperative, which is holding a groundbreaking in July. A recent water agreement between Garfield Township and the City of Traverse City requires the new tank to be built within 18 months. Graham said the township is on track to meet that deadline, with the project expected to go out to bid this winter and construction planned for 2027. The tank is expected to cost over $11 million and will be paid for through the township’s enterprise fund.

Data Center
Illinois-based developer Tom Cervenka of Cervenka Development Partners spoke during public comment Tuesday about what he described in a memo as a “low-intensity, environmentally conscious data center” being eyed in Garfield Township. Township officials have discussed a possible temporary moratorium on data centers while updating zoning rules for them and have a July 8 public hearing scheduled on a general zoning amendment to allow such moratoriums. If approved, the township would still need to go through a process to specifically approve a moratorium on data centers.

Cervenka encouraged trustees to make a distinction between “large hyperscale campuses and smaller adaptive reuse projects,” with the latter being what his company is proposing. He said the project would use a closed-loop system that does not rely on constant water for cooling and would not require any “large-scale land clearing,” instead repurposing an existing industrial site. That site is located next to a Traverse City Light & Power substation, he said, adding that Cervenka confirmed with TCLP that there’s 20 megawatts of existing capacity available. That is sufficient for the project and would not affect any other TCLP customers, according to Cervenka, adding it would be a revenue generator for the utility.

Cervenka did not return a request for comment on the project location and proposed construction timeline. TCLP Executive Director Brandie Ekren said the project is located next to TCLP’s Cass Road substation and confirmed the utility has spoken with Cervenka as a “speculative customer.”  She confirmed TCLP has enough energy to support the project as proposed, though noted the utility would have a “customized agreement” with Cervenka to ensure that’s the case if the project proceeds. Township Manager Chris Barsheff told The Ticker that while township staff have spoken with Cervenka about the project, no formal application has been submitted yet.

By Beth Milligan | June 17, 2026

Fans of Dojo Sushi – which closed its doors Saturday on North Long Lake Road – won’t have to wait long to get their next sushi fix. Owner Brent Shafer will have a sushi bar within Bonobo Winery’s new wine bar on Franklin Street, which is targeting a July grand opening. The Ticker has the latest details on that and numerous other restaurant and retail updates from across the region.

Dojo/Bonobo
As first reported by The Ticker last August, Bonobo Winery is expanding into downtown Traverse City with a new sushi bar and tasting room at 115 Franklin Street – a two-story Victorian home that previously housed a music school and overlooks Grand Traverse Bay (pictured).

Todd Oosterhouse of Bonobo says the new location – name still pending – will have an “upscale but relaxed atmosphere” featuring an intimate indoor space with 25-30 seats and an outdoor seating area. The tasting room will feature a selection of Bonobo red, white, and sparkling wines, as well as a select cocktail menu. Brent Shafer of Dojo Sushi will oversee a sushi bar with a handful of seats where patrons can watch him at work up close. Other guests can order sushi at the bar to enjoy with a glass of wine at the indoor or outdoor tables.

Oosterhouse says the goal is to provide wine and sushi offerings that pair well together. The wine bar will also offer bottles of wine to go, so customers can swing by and pick up sushi and a bottle of wine for takeout. Oosterhouse calls the new venture a chance for Bonobo to “branch out” from Old Mission Peninsula and have a presence downtown – something Shafer was exploring at the same time, he says. “This was an opportunity for both of us to come together and bring our respective crafts downtown and give consumers a different option,” he says.

While the wine bar could potentially have a soft opening by the end of the month, Oosterhouse says the goal is to be fully up and running by “mid-July.”

More restaurant and retail news…
Also on the sushi front, Eric Kolden – previously of White on Rice – has launched Streamline Sushi in the East Side Social District on Eighth Street. Operated out of a retrofitted 1966 Streamline trailer, the venture offers fresh rolls, edamame, and miso soup and will soon be adding Japanese katsu curry and sushi burritos. Hours are Wednesday-Thursday 11am-3pm and 5pm-8pm, Friday-Saturday 11am-3pm and 5pm-10pm, and Sunday 12pm-6pm. Further down Eighth Street, Colibri Wine Bar – overseen by La Bécasse owner Guillaume Hazaël-Massieux and partner Bastien Le Guen – officially opened its doors Thursday inside the Commongrounds Cooperative building. Featuring a full bar, extensive wine list, and selection of small plates, the wine bar is open Monday-Saturday 2pm-10pm.

Thirsty Fish Sports Grille on East State Street is launching a new partnership this week with Taqueria T.C. Latino to offer “the best of their dishes and our most popular” food items on the Thirsty Fish menu, says co-owner Christina Thompson. “It’s a great mix of American and Mexican cuisine. We are so excited for this collaboration, as it pairs with the great drinks, entertainment, and atmosphere for locals and tourists alike.” The Taqueria T.C. Latino staff will be based in Thirsty Fish’s kitchen, she says.

At 430 East Front Street, Umbo owners Sarah Welch and Cameron Rolka have obtained their liquor license and are preparing to expand from lunch into dinner service starting July 3. Dinner will be served Friday-Monday (with the possible addition of Thursday mid-summer) from 4:30pm-9:30pm, with reservations accepted now by phone or text only at 231-944-2797. The restaurant has also begun offering alcohol service with lunch.

Further down East Front Street, a combined Dunkin’ and Baskin-Robbins store in the former Taco Bell space is set to open June 29. Construction delays pushed back that date, but the team is now on track to launch just in time for the National Cherry Festival. Company representative Sathya “Sam” Yalamuri says a grand opening celebration is planned for July 15 that will include giving away free coffee for a year to the first 100 guests.

Downtown on Front, the group behind The Red Piano – the new live music venue going into the former Mackinaw Brewing Company space – experienced some engineering delays but are now in full construction mode, says co-owner Jason Jones. “We're currently targeting a mid-July to early August opening,” he says. “As with any renovation in a historic downtown building, there are still a few moving pieces, so we're being careful not to commit to an exact date just yet.”

Also delayed is Pangea’s Pizza, which closed last fall on Front Street for renovations and has yet to reopen. The company said in a statement that what started as a “light refresh” expanded into a large project as “we realized we had the opportunity to create something we’re really excited about. Rather than rushing to reopen this summer, we’ve decided to take the time to do it right.” Pangea’s will reopen this fall as a “one-floor operation” before bringing the rooftop back online in summer 2027, the company said.

After first launching as a pop-up store on Front Street, The NeedlePoints North has moved into a larger, permanent location at 739 Woodmere Avenue. The new shop “offers the expansive room needed to house a massive, meticulously curated inventory of canvases, threads, tools, and accessories as well as a dedicated class space,” according to owners Becki Barnwell and Susie Wipperman. June hours are Tuesday-Saturday 10am-4pm, with classes and events planned through the summer. Also on the crafts front, Long Lake Artisans – a gallery featuring Michigan-made arts and gifts on North Long Lake Road – has been sold by Nancy Crummel to new owner Hannah Richards, who has introduced new offerings like fresh flowers and plants.

Panther Coffee has opened a new coffee shop at 3211 North Garfield Road. Currently in a soft opening phase – with a grand opening celebration planned later this summer – the shop will serve as the company’s Midwest headquarters and operate daily from 7am to 5pm. Panther Coffee offers “espresso drinks, brewed coffee, pour-overs, cold brew, as well as signature beverages, our directly sourced matcha, teas, chai, pastries, and retail coffee beans,” says co-founder Leticia Pollock.

In other regional news, Elderberry Farm Estates has expanded its café offerings to add pizza and bar service at its M-72/East Traverse Highway location, including a signature cocktail menu and wines from Aurora Cellars. On Old Mission Peninsula, the new Mission Bay Café inside the Old Mission Inn is open to the public and serving breakfast daily 8am-11pm, dinner Wednesday/Friday/Saturday/Sunday 3pm-8pm, and cocktails with beer/wine from local vendors. In Williamsburg, the Hydro 45 gardening and hydroponics store has announced it will close its doors as of July 1.

Finally, a few updates on businesses previously covered in The Ticker: Bay Bread Company officially opened its new second location on Lake Avenue in the former Hagerty Cavallino Café space Monday. Hours at that store will be Monday-Friday 8am-3pm. In Chums Corner, new locations of Hungry Howie’s Pizza and Jersey Mike’s both officially recently opened their doors on US-31. And after suffering a fire in April that forced its closure, Rare Bird Brewpub is getting ready to welcome customers back. Co-owner Tina Schuett says the brewpub is on track to reopen by the “end of June.”

By Beth Milligan | May 14, 2026

Several downtown Traverse City businesses are on the move – including swapping locations, preparing for summer relaunches, or getting ready to open their doors for the first time. The Ticker has the latest on those and other restaurant and retail updates from across the region.

Downtown Moves
The recent sale of the building at 122 Cass Street to a new owner means popular downtown retail store My Secret Stash is on the move after 12 years. Owner Karen Roofe is planning to relocate the store to 124 South Union Street, a space she holds the lease to and formerly had her store I'm Planty AF within before consolidating it with My Secret Stash on Cass.

Roofe says she's planning a “rolling transition” starting in the first week of June to move My Secret Stash over to Union, which should be up and running by mid-June featuring the “top sellers, original favorites, and a few newbies.” The Cass store will remain open during the transition with “rolling discounts on overstocks, one-off items, odds and ends, and fixture sales," Roofe says, staying in operation through July 4 for final sales. I'm Planty AF “will be taking a mini pause with an edited selection for the summer due to space constraints,” Roofe says.

My Secret Stash’s move to Union Street is made possible by intimi owner Carolyn Greenman volunteering to move her intimate wear boutique – which is currently located in that space – to a new location inside Warehouse MRKT on Hall Street. The store’s last day on Union will likely be May 30, after which Greenman will close for a few days before reopening intimi in the Evil Queen candle shop space in Warehouse MRKT. Greenman says she’s friends with many of the entrepreneurs in the building and is excited to be in a “community hub” that has both public restrooms and ample surrounding parking.

“There’s a lot of potential there, and I’m very motivated to help make sure there’s continual growth in the foot traffic,” she says. Evil Queen, meanwhile, will have its last day in Warehouse MRKT on May 24 before moving to a new home at 322 East Front Street (formerly Queen Bee Limited). Evil Queen will have a grand reopening party on May 29 with a photo booth and walk-in candle-making classes.

“We’re excited to be on Front Street for more exposure and foot traffic and to be in the heart of downtown during summer especially,” says owner Ida-Sofia Koivuniemi. “Our new store space has some extra room, and the space is going to be the perfect layout for our candle-making experience. We’re going to be taking more walk-ins at our new location.”

Also in Warehouse MRKT, new bookstore Artemis Books & Goods is planning a grand opening on May 30 after a soft launch in February. The store has gradually been building out its inventory and layout, with the owners inviting the public to come “check out our new shelves, new books, and new goods, share your hopes for the store's future, and enjoy everything your new local bookstore has to offer.”

Across the street from Warehouse MRKT, Hotel Indigo is planning to kick off its summer season by reopening the H&L Social rooftop bar this Friday at 3pm. “Your favorite bartenders are back behind the bar, the cocktails are flowing, the fire tables are glowing, and the views over West Bay are as incredible as ever,” the hotel posted this week. The Delamar will also soon open its waterfront patio bar, with the East Front Street hotel listing a targeted launch date of May 22.

Just down the street, new restaurant Umbo is planning to open its doors this weekend at 430 East Front Street. Detroit restaurant veterans Cameron Rolka and Sarah Welch (a Top Chef finalist) relocated to northern Michigan and have been preparing for the last year to open the space, making extensive renovations and hosting a series of local pop-ups. Umbo is still waiting on its liquor license from the state, so the owners are holding off on launching dinner service until their beverage program is ready to go. In the meantime, Umbo will open for lunch service – starting this Saturday and Sunday and then operating Friday-Monday 11am-3pm beginning May 22.

“You can expect the usual cast of characters on the menu (oysters, tinned fish, lobster roll) plus a lunch pre-fixe AND a couple daily specials if Cameron Rolka is feeling frisky,” the owners posted. “We are taking our Michigan wine excitement and funneling the same energy into a really playful non-alcoholic beverage program at lunch. Think tepache, amaro spritzes, a roster of cool bubbly stuff, and iced coffee.” Umbo will have indoor bar seating only (no tables), with plans to expand into outdoor patio service by July 1. To-go orders will be available on a case-by-case basis. Umbo is accepting phone-only reservations now at 231-944-2797. Fifty percent of seats will be held back for walk-in business with an in-person waitlist available.

Nearby at 441 East Front Street Suite #2 (next to Peace, Love, and Little Donuts), new retail boutique Obscura Jewelry and Curiosities is opening May 30. The store from Ansel and Caitlin Bowden – who also own Sanctuary Goods and Underground Toys in the Mercato at The Village at Grand Traverse Commons – will offer “uncommon gifts, distinctive home décor, handcrafted jewelry, and other artisan-made items.” While a few customer favorites from Sanctuary Goods will appear at Obscura, most of the inventory will be unique to the new store, according to the Bowdens.

Finally, at 516 East Front Suite B, private gym Uki Gym has been building a following as “Traverse City’s first gym on Front Street.” The business specializes in sessions with 1-4 clients at a time with a private trainer, as well as open gym sessions for visitors. “Uki is comprised of highly experienced trainers,” according to the company’s website. “Strength is the focus, with roots of yoga. Clients pay top dollar and receive top service. Results are maximized.” Uki Gym also highlights its unique workout setting featuring abundant plants and an “upscale Japanese punk rock” aesthetic.

Other local restaurant/retail news…
After initially planning a summer 2025 launch, new restaurant The Hammered Heifer is now planning to open this Friday at 15273 Honor Highway in the space formerly held by Rich’s Roadside Café and Paige’s Roadside Market & Pizza. Mogen McCallister – son of Hofbrau owner Brian McCallister and a Hofbrau employee for over a decade – is planning to serve up smash burgers, empanadas, and “many other sides and fried goodies” at the restaurant, which will have “a large patio and outdoor area with fire pits, lawn games, and other indoor games like pinball,” he says. Eventual planned hours are seven days a week from 11am to midnight, though the restaurant will close a little earlier in the near term until its liquor license comes through, according to McCallister.

Michigan furniture and mattress retailer Gardner White is planning a May 21 grand opening of its new Traverse City store at 1775 Oak Hollow Drive (formerly Value City Furniture). The company will offer both designer brands and budget-friendly options in the 63,400-square-foot space, according to a company release, and will provide same-day and nighttime delivery.

Cherry Country Café and Gift Shop has unveiled a newly renovated space inside Cherry Capital Airport. The café recently underwent major upgrades that will offer more room, better customer flow, new fixtures and amenities, and improved display cases for it’s a variety of Michigan products and souvenirs. The business posted that more offerings – like seating – are on the way, but the café is open and ready for the public in the meantime.

Finally, De Food Truck has reopened for the season – but this time in a new location due to the road construction in Interlochen. The popular food truck, which focuses on organic, 100 percent gluten-free ingredients, will be located at the Mesick roundabout at 4554 M-37. Chef Jake Elsenheimer, who purchased the truck last fall from original owner Toby Dunne, posted that he’ll be maintaining hours of Thursday-Monday 11am-8pm, staying open until 9pm on Friday and Saturday.