A new Mickey-inspired beer, Frankenmuth fun and more mid-Michigan business news

SAGINAW, MI – From a microbrewery’s plans to release a new Mickey Mouse-inspired beer to a look back at the businesses that opened and closed across the region in 2023, here’s some recent mid-Michigan business news you might have missed:

What’s that? Millions in investments announced in Bay County

Three economic development projects totaling more than $17 million in investment have been announced throughout Bay County, rounding out what officials are calling “another banner year for private capital investment and capital formation.”

“We are honored and grateful to have worked with these companies to fulfill their needs for growth and expansion in our community. Without the coordinated support we demonstrate in Bay City and Bay County, these investments go elsewhere, these high-quality jobs go elsewhere, and these investment dollars go elsewhere,” Bay Future President and CEO Trevor Keyes said in a statement.

“These final three announcements round out the total number of 10 economic development projects generating more than $343 Million in new capital investment to our community in 2023.”

Read the full story here.

These businesses opened, closed in mid-Michigan in 2023

The mid-Michigan business landscape is always changing, and 2023 was no exception.

From restaurants to retailers, here’s a look back at some of the businesses that opened and closed this year.

See the list here.

Saginaw restaurant welcomes customers back after temporary closure

After a temporary closure, Valerie’s Downtown, a Washington Avenue eatery known for Mexican cuisine and sandwiches, is back in business.

The restaurant is located at 216 S. Washington Ave. in downtown Saginaw, formerly Wally’s. Restaurant owner Juliana Stricker opened the business in 2019.

Stricker announced the temporary closure via the restaurant’s Facebook page in December and told MLive/The Saginaw News she and the restaurant “remain committed to and love the community and will be back strong.”

Read the full story here.

This sweet small business has left the mall, but it’s not closed

A locally-owned bakery has closed up shop in the Fashion Square Mall food court, but it’s not saying goodbye to customers.

Cierra Crudup, owner of Saginaw-based Delicious Sweets Bakeshop and Krav’n Cookies, recently announced via the Delicious Sweets Bakeshop Facebook page that her bakery would be leaving the Saginaw County mall after several years in business there.

“For the past 5 years I’ve ran 2 locations, added a 3rd and a cookie shop. I am so grateful to God that He blessed and graced me to do all that I’ve done. It’s time for a change. It’s time for balance! It’s time for something new!” the post reads in part. “Although I will miss the Fashion Square location I am super excited for what’s to come!”

Read the full story here.

What’s that? Frankenmuth lodge now offering ‘Unicorn Magic’ sundaes, dragon laser tag

A popular tourist attraction in Michigan’s “Little Bavaria” recently announced new offerings, including an ice cream shop with eye-catching sundaes and dragon-themed laser tag.

It’s the beginning of an $80 million multiphase expansion underway at Frankenmuth’s Bavarian Inn Lodge, 1 Covered Bridge Lane, expected to culminate this fall with the opening of Bavarian Blast, described as “Michigan’s biggest indoor water park and family fun center.”

“We have a lot happening, and this is the first wave of openings with our water park expansion,” said Martha Zehnder Kaczynski, vice president and fourth-generation owner.

Read the full story here.

Michigan brewery making Mickey-inspired beer as Disney icon’s copyright expires

A mid-Michigan brewery is launching a new Mickey Mouse-inspired beer this February, and it doesn’t need Disney’s permission.

That’s because the copyright for an early version of the iconic character, Steamboat Willie, expired at the beginning of the year, putting the black-and-white cartoon mouse into the public domain.

Midland Brewing Co.’s new Steamboat Willie Beer will be available to customers next month, company officials announced on the brewery’s Facebook page.

“What better way to jump on an expiring copyright of an Iconic California cartoon character, than brewing California Common Steam Beer that also has a captivating character. Embark on a flavor adventure with this amber-hued steam beer boasting a 5.4% ABV and 30 IBU – a perfect balance of tradition and modern flair,” the post reads.

Read the full story here.

Trying ‘Dry January?’ This mid-Michigan wine, beer and liquor store has you covered

Oppermann’s Cork ‘N’ Ale is known for having a wide selection of fine wines, exclusive liquors and craft beer, but its nonalcoholic drinks are growing in popularity.

A few days into 2024, with New Year’s resolutions still fresh on people’s minds and some choosing to abstain from alcohol during what has been dubbed “Dry January,” Cork ‘N’ Ale officials posted on Facebook about the many nonalcoholic options shoppers can find on the stores’ shelves.

“If you are participating in dry January, we’ve got you covered! We have many excellent non alcoholic options to choose from!,” read the post on the Oppermann’s Cork ‘N’ Ale Facebook page, which included photos of some of the products. “We even have ingredients to make your own ‘mocktails!’”

Read the full story here.

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