Here's what we know about restaurants that opened and closed in the Lansing area in February
For Adam and Katie Cronkite, it was one meal they had at a Firehouse Subs two years ago, not long after a fire destroyed their house, that convinced them to open their own franchise location off West Saginaw Highway.
"It was absolutely delicious," Adam Cronkite said. "I looked into it the next day, and it was about 18 months later I became a franchisee."
Meanwhile, Megan Shannon's woodworking school and retail space, Tiny Bit of Wood, which opened Friday in Lansing's Stadium District, was years in the making. The school and retail space is the next step for Shannon's business, which began at her home in Holt more than a decade ago.
"I've never worked so hard in my life, but it's really, really exciting," she said.
The Lansing area lost a few restaurants and longtime retailers that closed their doors in February, but it gained several, too. Here's a look at what opened and what closed around the area in the last month.
Openings
Beirut Kitchen
Where: Inside Lansing Shuffle, 325 Riverfront Drive, Lansing
The details: East Lansing couple Khadija Al-Kasti and Hussein Sawan opened Beirut Kitchen in early February. The small restaurant, one of seven that share space at Lansing Shuffle, features Mediterranean dishes, including chicken shawarma and kebabs, "musakaa stew" with ground beef, eggplants, chickpeas, onions, tomatoes and tomato sauce, and "Beirut tajeen" with grilled chicken served over red rice with cilantro sauce. Al-Kasti and Sawan's family also own and operate Bread Bites in Okemos. Learn more at www.bklansing.com .
Bobcat Bonnie's
Where: 637 E Michigan Ave., Lansing
The details: Bobcat Bonnie's opened on Feb. 1 in the newly renovated historic former Clara's Lansing Station. The restaurant, which now occupies half of the 120-year-old former train station with a Pullman car next door, offers a seasonal menu, but always includes a mix of burgers and sandwiches, soups, appetizers — including fried goat cheese and nachos — and dishes that include fish and chips, meatloaf and a spicy barbecue chicken bowl. Bobcat Bonnie's will eventually offer brunch, as well as dinner. Learn more and make reservations at www.bobcatbonnies.com.
Firehouse Subs
Where: 6334 W Saginaw Hwy., Suite G, Delta Township
The details: Adam and Katie Cronkite opened the new Delta Township location of Firehouse Subs in late January. It's the couple's first franchise location, but Adam Cronkite said they plan to open more in the Lansing area. The restaurant offers both cold and hot sub sandwich options, along with salads and desserts. Learn more at www.firehousesubs.com.
Tiny Bit of Wood
Where: 507 E. Shiawassee St., Lansing
The details: Tiny Bit of Wood, a first-generation woodworking school and retail store, opened its new space for classes on Friday. Owner Megan Shannon started the school in a pole barn on her Holt property in 2012 and has long dreamed of expanding the operation. The new storefront is double the size of what Shannon operated in Holt and will offer both classroom and storefront space, where Shannon will sell her own woodworking creations, including furniture and artwork, along with items from other area vendors. Shannon is planning a grand opening event in April, after which Tiny Bit of Wood will have public hours, as well as inclusive classes for everyone, with an emphasis on welcoming marginalized groups including women, LGBTQ+ and non-binary people. Learn more at www.tinybitofwood.com.
Closings
Archives Book Shop
Where: 519 W. Grand River Ave., East Lansing
The details: Owner Ray Walsh announced plans to close Archives Book Shop in early February. The store has been a mainstay in East Lansing since the 1980s, but Walsh said its customer base had been shrinking in recent years. It was home to rare books, signed copies or early editions or texts with fine bindings, in addition to postcards. It also sold large collections of Michigan history, children's books, craft books, military history, cookbooks, art books and mysteries. Walsh plans to close the store by the end of February.
Duke's Saloon
Where: 414 E. Michigan Ave., Lansing
The details: A "closed" sign was placed on the door of Duke's Saloon earlier this month. Owner Doug Johns Jr. opened it in May 2015 as a roadhouse or country-themed nightclub. The space had previously been home to the Harem nightclub. It is unclear if the nightclub has closed permanently or temporarily. A notice on its Google listing says the bar is "temporarily" closed.
Linn & Owen Jewelers
Where: 223 S. Washington Square, Lansing
The details: After 107 years in business, Linn & Owen Jewelers, a downtown mainstay, announced plans to close with a "Going out of business" sale sign on the building in late January. Owner Stewart Powell, 66, started working at the store when he was 15 and then bought it in 1993. The store's staff created custom jewelry and repaired clocks and watches. A final sale, with items up to 70% off, is ongoing, but the store will close completely by April.
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Contact Reporter Rachel Greco at rgreco@lsj.com. Follow her on X @GrecoatLSJ .
This article originally appeared on Lansing State Journal: Greater Lansing area restaurants that opened and closed in February 2024