Brighton All the New Downtown PDF

DEC 2023

//BRIGHTON

Special Edition

All the New Downtown!

// Page 05

//ARCH JANUARY 20XX Above // Mill Pond Holiday Glow Photo by Susan Pominville

Contributions Editor In Chief

Photography

Denise Murray

Darius Smith with Syndicate Productions

All That’s New//03

What’s next?//

Twelve new businesses to call our own in Downtown Brighton! See an overview of all that’s new!

A new brewery is coming downtown called the Grand River Brewery.

Scout Guide Susan Pominville Denise Murray

Expansions and Relocations//14 Three businesses expanded or relocated in 2023.

120 West

120 W Main Street Denise Murray //

Bottom picture // Briana and Ray Kurmas with their new son Cayson Photos by Darius Smith

Ray and Briana Kurmas are the owners of Sidecar Slider Bar and 120 West. “I had always planned to have the rooftop separate from Sidecar.

“The vision for 120 W. was meant to be a more extensive tequila, bourbon and vodka selections, with fun summertime craft cocktails. We featured a different menu for the adults to come have a sophisticated night out and watch the sunset over the Millpond. It was a play off the shift cocktail bar that the other sidecars have. Over the next five years, we are going to continue

bloody Mary bar on the weekends.”

It took nearly three years to get the restaurant fully open but the results have been impressive.

“We will start having an amazing happy hour at 120 W. And all this is starting spring 2024. We will also be open all year round.

Reservations are encouraged. You can book for private events. Call (810) 588-4855 and select 120 W. Reservations. Or just ask for Bri or Ray.

and grow. We will feature weekly live entertainment, brunch, and a mimosa /

3

A Gathered Collection

113 W Main St. Denise Murray //

Barb Teubert is our newest retailer in Downtown Brighton. She opened just prior to the Holiday Glow. She is the final piece of the puzzle to the four retailers that replaced the Rolison’s Hardware Store.

(The other retailers include Hush Intimate Apparel, Dawn Angelic Photography with Aura Chic Boutique.)

Teubert’s prior location was known as The Barn in Northville. It is an antique shop featuring an eclectic collection of whimsical wears that put the pixie dust on Christmas.

It is nostalgia at its core.

Whether you are decorating your home or searching for a unique gift, come visit Teubert and she will be happy to assist you in your hunt!

A Gathered Collection // Photos by Darius Smith 4

Below: Michelle Letendre // Photo by Darius Smith

Coast on Main 322 W Main St.

Men, Women, Home and Accessories She could have turned down the opportunity to

By Denise Murray Some people are averse to challenges. They like to know when to go to work, what time to show up, and how much they will get paid.

Those are not the people that become entrepreneurs.

chaperone at the school or participate in the planning of a fashion show. But she didn’t.

It should be no surprise that when she learned of the opportunity to take over a second storefront adjacent to her space that she leapt at the opportunity. Now she is filling in a much-needed gap in downtown retail offerings by including a men’s line of clothing. It’s beachy quality clothing

Michelle Letendre built her business from scratch.

that should meet a certain need in this lake

Launched a brick-and-mortar business under the

blessed land we call Livingston County.

uncertain cloak of COVID and managed a staff, a storefront and took on extra challenges every time we turned around.

Brighton just got a little cooler because some of us don’t know when to quit.

5

Dawn Angelic Photography

119 W Main St Denise Murray //

Left picture // The Photo Studio by Darius Smith Bottom picture // Dawn Flowers, Owner by Darius Smith

A new photo studio situated in the iconic

reputations, and so much more. And when it

Rolison’s Building called Dawn Angelic

reaches the level of involving the Attorney

Photography launched this year. Owner

General, well, let’s just say that being a

Dawn Flowers started out on a journey that

small business owner can take on far more

has taken some surprising twists.

than paying rent and collecting payment.

While the story can be read in full detail in

Flowers has persevered. Let’s continue to

the Daily Press & Argus, she has been very

support those that need supporting and

quick to learn the importance of who you do

know that the creative class is what sets

business with.

each town apart.

Photography is about creativity, vision,

Visit her website at

passion and talent. It’s story telling. It’s joy.

https://www.dawnangelicphotography.com/

But on the other side of the coin, it is a business, which may entail lawyers, clients, 6

Aura Chic Boutique

119 W Main St Denise Murray

Meet Laura Spranger, Owner of Aura Chic Boutique!

Online, turned pop-up turned brick and mortar here in Brighton… Spranger embraces the new supply channel that meets every shopper’s desire for access to quality and style.

“I have always loved shopping and I knew my strong passion could become something so much bigger. I feel every girl deserves chic, quality pieces without breaking the bank, with the goal to be effortlessly chic. I have poured my heart and soul into creating Aura Chic Boutique and I hope you love it just as much as I did making it come to life!

Laura Spranger // Photos by Daruis Smith 7

DogWatch 112 E Main St

Gizicki explained, “I moved to downtown Brighton because I knew Brighton was a dog friendly community. I have lived in Brighton for the past 15 years. Downtown Brighton has always been a great place to spend time. We wanted to be a community where we could belong. Being a part of Downtown Brighton allows us the added opportunity to

Above: Corrie Gizicki (owner) and Taylor Atherton // Darius Smith Right: Pam McConeghy and GBACC staff //

Initially we opened in Farmington Hills (2020) with an office and small store front.”

participate in community events which is one

“We thought (Brighton) was a perfect place

of our favorite things to do.

to open up a dog boutique store too. This

Gizicki is an RN and also worked in the pet industry. “I did my homework to see how I

Denise Murray

could continue to be a part of an industry I

http://www.Dogwatch.com

loved the people and the products and knew

came to love. I discovered DogWatch. I it was a great fit.

July we opened Mazie Mooz, a boutique for dogs and humans, inside our DogWatch office. In the next 5 years we plan to open another location for DogWatch and Mazie Mooz in (our region). As for Downtown Brighton, we plan to be here for many years

What impressed me the most about

to come. We have no intentions on moving

DogWatch is that they have such a caring

this store.

spirit for (what else) dogs!

.

Yes, they do hidden fences. But that just scratches the surface of what this business is all about. The product selection in their Mazie Mooz Boutique is very impressive.

Picture Caption Above // Denise Murray Picture Caption Right // Darius Smith here”

8

EverBowl

323 W Main St

Opening Day Delight // Denise Murray Chris Triplett and Michael Foguth // Photos by Darius Smith

Wouldn’t you like a bowl of healthful deliciousness crafted to order? It’s fast, it beautiful and its delicious.

According to their website, “they specialize in power-packed bowls and smoothies to help boost immunity from all types of modern-day diseases. Trust us, our founder is a hypochondriac.”

It’s the first EverBowl in Michigan and it is centrally located at Hyne St and Main Street. Good for breakfast, a fast snack, or anytime you just want that little something to get you through the day that you can feel good about.

It’s superfoods for super people.

9

Jacki Wolverton (below) // Photos by Darius Smith

Forest & Fillies

420 W Main St. Denise Murray

"In the face of adversity, if you have ceaseless faith in yourself and if you are ready to play the role of the hero-warrior at every moment of your life, behind all shadows of adversity there is prosperity." - Sri Chinmoy1.”

While she had outstanding healthcare, working for a Fortune 500 automotive company, many people she observed did not have the needed access to care.

Wolverton launched Coddiewomple. The sole mission of this fund is to provide vital financial assistance to those who need mental health therapy but face financial constraints.

Jacki Wolverton is our hero-warrior ready to take on all that is wrong with the world as she sees it. While faced with

It’s a part of her beautiful boutique and it’s growing

personal challenges of anxiety and post partum depression,

popularity and vision. It’s a worthwhile endeavor and a

she observed what could not be ignored.

great addition to Downtown Brighton.

10

Four Circles Brewery

709 W Grand River Denise Murray //

Nicholas and Colleen Miller work day jobs.

so engrossed on making the project work,

And they craft beer. Really good beer. And

there is no time to focus on anything that

they work. And they play. And they raise their

could have made it fall apart.

children and open their doors for scavenger hunts, trivia nights, painting parties and more.

They built out their dream of owning a brewery. They cleared some space and built

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a patio to face the beautiful Mill Pond. They designed, and created, and brought it all to fruition.

I am sure they can tell you some stories of how they may have messed up somewhere

So please stop in and welcome the Millers to the neighborhood.

You are welcome to bring in food from the amazing restaurants that surround them, or have it delivered to their store.

They just want to share their newest creations, enjoy some good conversation and be a part of the community that they love.

along the way. But I doubt it. They have been Nicholas and Colleen Miller // Photo by Darius Smith

11

Jackie’s Custard Denise Murray //

Andrea Cartier had a dream since she was young to own an ice cream shop. Many years, careers and events led her to this moment.

“What it truly means to us is dreams really do come true and we're here to let people know to always have dreams no matter how long it takes. I hope that we inspire people to never give up and always live your dreams!”

Now, Cartier has a staff of young people, and they learn from one another. “It a joy to work with kids and see how talented and creative they are. We learn something new from them everyday. We hope they will develop a good work ethic and strong sense of self. We are so proud to be able to be part of the kids’ creativity and growth. We hope they will take that with them as they grow into adulthood.

What’s on the horizon? Cartier says, “we hope to have more Jackie's Custard Co. and be in stores so everyone can have a Jackie's Custard.”

Above Jackie’s Custard Co. // Darius Smith Left Turtle Heaven // Denise Murray

12

The Reserve dining room // Photo by Darius Smith

The Reserve Steakhouse

The Reserve Steakhouse is an exceptional

Enjoy a Sea Glass bottle of wine at the bar,

restaurant with details that can satisfy the

hang out with your friends, and forget what

pickiest of eaters.

day of the week it is.

It’s an experience to be savored. Nice and

It’s transformative.

slow and undoubtably for the finest of occasions.

It’s memorable.

It’s a place you can impress your clients,

It’s happening.

propose to your girlfriend, and gather during the most important landmarks of your

It’s tomahawks and chateaubriand.

life.

It’s delightful

The food is memorable. The staff are

And it’s right in the heart of Downtown

sophisticated and well trained. The flaming

Brighton.

bread pudding is impressive.

Michael Foguth and Brandon Davis // Photo by Darius Smith

13

Foguth Financial Group relocated from North Street to Hyne St and Main St. I can’t speak to much about the merits of one financial group over another. My personal experience and professional endeavors has focused on the retail and restaurant sector.

But what I can tell you is that they have invested substantially in our downtown. They have an impressive team and they care

Foguth Financial Group

By Denise Murray //

about their community.

The FFG has leant out staff, including Darius Smith who shot most of the images in this publication.

Michael Foguth covered the Historic Deck of Cards with Jim Vichich to support downtown during the Streetscape renovation.

They have been willing partners in the creative endeavors we took to support impacted streetscape merchants and restaurants.

They haven’t quit.

And it’s worth noting.

Thank you Foguth Financial. Keep being the community stewards that you are. You are needed and appreciated.

Right Picture // Michael Foguth

And welcome to Main Street.

Photo by Scout Guide 14

“Come into Hush

Hush Intimate Apparel

111 W Main Street

as a stranger and leave as a friend.”

Denise Murray // Left picture // Hush Intimate Apparel new interior Bottom picture // Lisa Nelson, Owner Photos by Darius Smith

Hush Intimate Apparel has been in Brighton

says, “Owning a business has definitely

for many years located below the Brighton

given me the opportunity to have a flexible

Ballet School. The owner, Lisa Nelson, had

schedule and have more work-life balance.”

the opportunity to relocate into the historic Rolson’s Building.

As a seasoned business owner going through

“The new location enabled me to lay out the

businesses is this: “Make sure you have

store in a more shoppable layout, as well a

adequate funding and savings in the bank

more space for additional product. We are

to get you through the first 3 years. Even

loving the open space and bigger dressing

the most well vetted business plan can go

rooms.,” Nelson says.

differently than you hoped.”

Knowing Nelson means you know that she

Be sure to stop in for the largest selection of

puts her family first. So how does owning a

intimate apparel in the county.

expansion, Nelson’s advice to other

business help her achieve those goals? She 15

Not covered in this issue but worth noting: Coral Sash 203 W Main Street Brighton Ballet School Expansion 431 W. Main Street

About this title // Don’t be shy! Let them know how great you are. This is the back cover of your booklet, so it’s one of the first and last things the recipient sees.

It’s a great place for your ‘elevator pitch.’ If you only had a few seconds to pitch your products or services to someone, what would you say?

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