JACKSON COUNTY, MI – A new music venue is coming to Jackson County and a nonprofit has taken over the former Anna’s Gifts & Home Décor building.

Here are those stories and some recent Jackson-area business news you might have missed.

The hearty California Chicken Salad sandwich is a hit at Lakeside Cafe

When Sandbar Café moved to Addison in July, Diann and Al Muck knew they had to continue offering food, coffee and a hangout spot in Manitou Beach.

They opened Lakeview Cafe on Memorial Day weekend, along with their daughter and general manager Kelly Stickel.

The Mucks partner with local businesses to create a hearty menu. Lakeside Cafe’s coffee comes from Zingerman’s in Ann Arbor, the baked goods are from Bliss Bakeshop in Brooklyn and the bagels come from Doughnation Bakery in Jackson, she said.

Diann and Al also make a lot of their dishes from scratch, including the California Chicken Salad Sandwich, made with chicken in a special sauce, green and purple grapes, pecans, lettuce and tomato on a croissant.

Read the full story here.

Nonprofit bringing café to former Anna’s Gifts & Home Decor building

Since it began six years ago, Jackson nonprofit SOAR Café and Farms has strived to heal and house women who experienced trafficking, incarceration, addiction or abuse.

SOAR, which stands for “She Overcomes And Rises,” will look to fulfill that mission in a new home, with plans to transform the former Anna’s Gifts & Décor building, 401 N. Mechanic St., into a café, CEO and Founder Michelle Cochran said.

“It’s going to be a mentoring café because we’re going to be coaching ladies through employment of the café and helping them gain more freedom and get back to sustainability,” Cochran said.

SOAR has operated out of the former Woman’s City club building at 300 S. Brown St., to house some women in need of services since 2019. Moving into a new facility will allow SOAR to support these women in other ways, such as employment and mentorship.

Read the full story here.

What’s that? A new summer music venue is coming to Jackson County

Country Boots & Bands has found a new location to help its dream of creating a summer music venue in Jackson County come true.

In January, County Boots & Bands proposed building an outdoor venue at Clark Lake. However, this was shot down by the Columbia Township Board of Trustees after some residents stated they were against it, officials previously said.

Related: Proposed summer music venue near Clark Lake shot down by township board

The entertainment provider halted its search for a new site, until the right one popped up at an empty commercial property at 2400 W. Michigan Ave. in Blackman Township.

Read the full story here.

Martini Spa & Lounge is more than just a place to get a pedicure

Some people may drive by Jackon’s Martini Spa & Lounge think it’s only a place they can get a pedicure, a facial or their hair done.

But owners Darryl and Annie Martins, along with bartender Riley Swartzmiller, want people to know an appointment is not needed to come in and enjoy the lounge. There, people can find a full-service bar that features craft cocktails and a small – but tasty and fulfilling – food menu.

“We make anything from a Moscow Mule to a Bahama Mama, to something obscure you saw on the internet,” Swartzmiller said. “As long as I have a recipe, I can make it.”

Light appetizers and snacks also “fit the luxurious vibes of Martini Spa & Lounge,” Swartzmiller said, adding meat and cheese filled charcuterie boards are one of the options.

Read the full story here.

5 great places to shop local for the holidays in downtown Jackson

Jackson residents will soon be filled with thoughts of turkeys, hearty dishes and eventually holiday shopping.

Some Jackson residents are already planning their gift shopping routes for the upcoming holiday season. Whether you are looking to get a gift for a friend, significant other or a family member, there are plenty of places to check out in downtown Jackson.

Here are five local downtown Jackson businesses to visit for gift ideas.

Read the full story here.

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