BUSINESS SECTION ⚫ NEWS AROUND METRO FLINT

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BY CRYSTAL BLAIR

Michigan News Connection Staff Writer

LANSING (PNS)  — A new report shows Michigan workers would be better protected under a just cause employment standard instead of at-will rules.

Most workers in the state can be fired for almost any reason, or no reason at all, even as Michigan saw more than 213,000 job openings and 68,000 layoffs in October 2025 alone.

Kathy Lara, policy analyst at the Oregon Center for Public Policy and the report's author, said at-will employment can cause further problems.

"The research also shows that workers then tend to accept unhealthy and hazardous workplace conditions in order to not experience those unfair firings," Lara reported. "They might deal with management hostility because of it. They might accept wage theft because they don't wanna be unjustly fired."

Lara noted even with antidiscrimination laws on the books, the burden usually falls on workers to prove bias, which can be harder when employers do not have to give a reason for firing someone. The report argues a just cause law would require documented, legitimate reasons for termination, set clear guidelines for progressive discipline and include strong protections against retaliation.

Lara pointed out many union workers and most public sector employees already work under just cause standards, along with many CEOs and other high-level executives, who often have contracts guaranteeing notice and, in some cases, severance pay.

"These high-level employees understand that without a contract, their positions are precarious," Lara observed. "I think that same basic protection should apply to everyday workers too, whether that’s someone in retail, a bus driver, or a gas station attendant."

The report found sudden firings can force workers to drain savings, take on debt and struggle to afford basics like food and child care. Supporters have argued that a just cause standard would give Michigan workers more stability and clearer expectations on the job.

PHOTO CAPTION: About 74% of U.S. workers are considered at-will employees, meaning their employment can be ended at any time for almost any reason that isn’t illegal. — PNS PHOTO

FLINT(CCN) — Ashley Capital officials have announced a second tenant at its Flint Commerce Center industrial park at the old Buick City site. Bunzl Distribution Ink has leased 162,637 square feet of the 330,000 square feet available in the first building constructed by Ashley Capital. Victory Packaging occupies the rest of the space. Victory Packaging supports nearby General Motors plants while Bunzl is a London-based company with 8,000 employees across North America, working in distribution and outsourcing

BY GARY ANDERSON

CCN Staff Writer

MUNDY TWP. (CCN) — The LaFontaine Automotive Group celebrated the official grand opening Thursday (April 10, 2025) of its newly-opened location off Hill Road in Mundy Township, near U.S. 23. 

Mundy Township Supervisor Jennifer Arrand Stainton and other officials were on hand to enjoy music and food. 

LaFontaine Ford moved its Flushing location to Mundy Township after buying the old Delehanty family dealership in 2020. Delehanty had operated in Flushing for more than 70 years.

The Flushing location has been closed since last July when LaFontaine Ford moved. 

 LaFontaine Automotive Group remains a family-owned business as it was when starting with a single location in Highland more than 40 years ago. They now sell multiple brands at 41 other stores across the state.

Locations in the Metro Flint regional area include stores in Fenton, Birch Run and Grand Blanc.

Founded in 1980 by Michael LaFontaine Sr. and Maureen LaFontaine, the nationally-recognized LaFontaine Automotive Group now includes 54 retail franchises, 8 collision centers and 41 Michigan retail locations in Dearborn, Kalamazoo, Ann Arbor, Lansing, Troy, Livonia, Grand Rapids, Detroit, Commerce, Dexter, Plymouth, Walled Lake, St. Clair, Novi, Farmington Hills, Milford, Southfield and Ypsilanti, in addition to the 3 local stores in the Metro Flint regional area.

LaFontaine employs nearly 3,000 people. 

Township Supervisor Stainton praised the Grand Blanc Chamber of Commerce's ribbon cutting ceremony and noted that the musicians performing Thursday were "amazing" and said: "You could just feel the vibes."

Stainton added, "I would like to personally thank the Lafontaine Group and all the people and staff for a terrific event. I looked everywhere for the free car giveaway, instead they gave out hats, signs and socks. But the food was very nice and the bars were a classy touch. But then again we are talking about the Lincoln Dealership. Exquisite taste in the building structure and the office areas are very inviting. The state of the art service department was top notch. And most of all the Lafontaine family and staff were all great , happy people."

CEO Ryan LaFontaine, said, "We are extremely passionate and pour into our customers, local communities and employees. Our entire LaFontaine team takes great pride in delivering a best-in-class personalized customer experience, and that commitment has fueled our growth and the life-long relationships we’ve cultivated over the decades of doing business."

Vice President Kelley LaFontaine said, "We encourage our employees to become involved in their community, volunteering and working with organizations striving to make a positive impact. Being a strong community supporter and partner has been a cornerstone of LaFontaine Automotive Group and something my mom, Maureen LaFontaine instilled in us all. The combination of both the mission and core values provides the basic foundation of our promise … to treat every customer like they are members of our family. From sales, to service, body shop, to parts, LaFontaine Automotive Group is able to meet any customer’s specific needs."

PHOTO CAPTION: Pictured above this story is a photo of performers at LaFontaine Lincoln at its grand opening celebration in Mundy Township.

BY MIKE KILLBREATH

CCN Executive Editor

LANSING (CCN) — Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed bills into law Friday (Feb. 21, 2025) to preserve tipped wages of restaurant serves as is for the rest of 2025 while raising minimum wage for everybody else and implementing a new law for sick leave pay.

The Michigan Senate put the finished touches to a bi-partisan compromise on Thursday. The Republican-led House of Representatives voted a day earlier to approve a measure to scale back an increase in the state’s minimum wage for tipped workers that’s set to take effect on Friday.

The bill passed 69-40 with 11 Democrats joining all 58 Republicans to approve a measure passed Feb. 12 in similar bi-partisan fashion by the Michigan Senate.

The bill returned to the Michigan Senate with the House revisions, before Whitmer signed it into law.

She said, “Michigan workers deserve fair wages and benefits so they can pay the bills and take care of their family, and small businesses needs our support to keep creating good jobs in Michigan. I’m proud to sign these two bi-partisan bills into law that will raise wages, ensure workers can take time off to care for themselves or their loved ones, and continue growing our economy,. This common sense compromise was made possible by the Republicans and Democrats who worked together to forge a fair, bi-partisan deal. I hope we can build on this momentum to keep passing common sense, bi-partisan legislation that makes a real difference in people’s lives. I’ll keep working with anyone to protect working families and make sure our economy is competitive."

She had called on lawmakers last week to reach a bi-partisan deal on the minimum wage debate and paid sick leave debate before court-ordered changes on both policies would have taken effect on Friday. The Governor suggested the possibility of extending negotiations, but lawmakers instead had continued to scramble to reach agreements on each issue ahead of the Friday deadline. 

While a bi-partisan deal in each chamber was reached on the minimum wage issue, changes to a paid sick leave bill had to still be negotiated between House Republican leaders and Senate Democrat leaders.

Democrats have a 39-to-38 advantage in the Michigan Senate with one open seat that was vacated by Democrat Kristen McDonald-Rivette when she won a seat in the U.S. Congress in November. Republicans won control of the State House in November. They now have 58 seats, compared to 52 by Democrats.

The Michigan Chamber of Commerce issued a statement as follows: "The countdown is on to Feb. 21, the date the Michigan Supreme Court’s monumental decision on earned sick time and minimum wage will take effect, and the Michigan Chamber has been working hard to help members understand their compliance obligations and lawmakers understand the negative implications the decision could have on employers and workers alike — urging a bipartisan solution.

 Michigan's new paid sick leave law, known as the Earned Sick Time Act (ESTA), applies to all employers in Michigan, regardless of size.

The new policy would allow employees to earn one hour of sick leave for every 30 hours worked, employers with 10 or more employees must provide 72 hours of paid sick leave per year, employers with fewer than 10 employees must provide 40 hours of paid sick leave per year plus 32 hours of unpaid sick leave, new employees may have to wait 90 days before using accrued sick leave and re-employed employees within six months would be considered to have continuous employment. 

A Michigan Supreme Court ruling last summer set the current minimum pay requirement for tipped workers at 38% of the standard minimum hourly wage and was to jump to 100% of the standard in 2030. The new bill will move the threshold to a cap of 50% in 2031, if signed by Governor Whitmer.

The Michigan Senate reached a bi-partisan deal on Thursday night (Feb. 13, 2025) to preserve wages as is for tipped restaurant servers, and the House decided likewise to keep wages as is for servers who depend on tips.

Linden's Mike Mueller and Davison's David Martin had been leading the fight in the State House to stop the higher wages from taking effect on Friday (Feb. 21, 2025).

They voted Wednesday to pass the bill approved by the State Senate last week.

Also voting with them from the Metro Flint regional area were Phil Green of Millington, Matt Bierlein of Frankenmuth and Brian DeGole of Antrim Township.

Voting no were Democrats Cynthia Neeley of Flint and Jasper Martus of Flushing.

More than 1,000 servers marched on the State Capitol last month to protest the changes from taking effect on Feb. 21 but their wishes were ignored when lawmakers recessed in their final session before the end of the year.

The situation arose when Republicans acted to circumvent a statewide vote by residents in 2018, according to a State Supreme Court ruling.

Senator Curtis Hertel, a Detroit Democrat, tried to get an alternate version passed to phase in higher minimum wages to waiters and waitresses but several of his fellow Democrats joined with Republicans to oppose his idea before last week's compromise.

The Michigan Senate's bi-partisan deal pushed by Republicans won with eight votes from Democrats joining 12 Republicans in a bill negotiated with House Republican leaders to keep the tipped minimum wage at 38% for the rest of 2025. The minimum wage would then rise to 40% in 2026, an additional 2% at the beginning of each new year until reaching a cap of 50% on Jan. 1, 2031.

The Michigan Restaurant Association (MRA) had warned that letting the higher hike take effect would lead to hundreds of restaurants closing across the state, impacting thousands of jobs.

A statement by the MRA said: "The impact of losing the tip credit on the industry would be immediate and catastrophic. Data shows that one in six restaurants would close their doors forever and 40,000 (to) 60,000 restaurant jobs would be eliminated if the tip credit was not saved. The MRLA is continually fighting for a common-sense solution to preserve the tip credit — and Michigan's hospitality industry." 

Many Democrats supporting the higher wages said it would allow residents to stop paying tips on their meals at restaurants.

Restaurant servers suggested, however, that tips for many at upscale restaurants lead to wages between $25 per hour and $30 per hour.  Currently minimum wage is guaranteed by forcing employers to make up the difference if tips fall short of the minimum wage of $10.56.

The Michigan Chamber of Commerce issued a statement earlier in the day on Thursday last week that said, "While the issues being negotiated are complex and politically charged, we continue to advocate on behalf of our members for meaningful amendments to the new law and believe a deal can be struck. The list is long but not unworkable through good faith negotiations. Key provisions that must be addressed include advanced notice, allowing more flexibility for employers wishing to keep one paid time off (PTO) bank, carryover caps, frontloading, eliminating the rebuttable presumption and private right of action, and more. We also continue to call for exemptions for small businesses and certain classifications of workers (part-time, seasonal, etc.), but those exemptions are controversial in the Senate."

The bill passed last week in the Senate and approved Wednesday in the State House would impose a $2,500 fine for any restaurant owner who fails to ensure that tipped workers get paid at least minimum wage if tips don't equal the new higher minimum amount that takes effect on Friday for all other Michigan employees. 

The regular minimum wage will rise to $15 per hour by Jan. 1, 2027 and then be adjusted annually, based on the consumer price index for the Midwest region.

The current minimum wage of $10.56 per hour will now move up to $12.48 on Friday for all other employees while the tipped minimum will remain at $4.01 until the end of 2025.

BY MIKE KILLBREATH

CCN Executive Editor

FLINT TWP. (CCN) — CCN has been unable to confirm rumors that the Genesee Valley Center in Flint Township has been sold. 

Calls to the mall office during daytime hours go directly to a security guard. 

A security guard on duty Tuesday referred all questions to the corporate office and would not confirm nor deny rumors of a sale.

Attempts to reach someone at the corporate headquarters of Namdar in New York were unsuccessful. Namdar owns 374 properties in 37 states with more than 77 million square footage of rental space.

Many sources at the local mall say any change in ownership would be a positive since the Flint Township mall has declined significantly since Namdar bought the property. The most mentioned name as a buyer has been the operator of the Great Lakes Crossing Outlets in Auburn Hills owned by Taubman Centers which was acquired in 2020 by an Indianapolis-based group known as Simon Property Group. Simon paid $3.6 billion to buy Taubman Centers which also operated Twelve Oaks Mall in Novi in addition to Great Lakes Crossing Outlets and numerous other real estate holdings across Michigan.

Simon also owns the Birch Run Outlet Malls in our area.

Genesee County Commissioner Beverly Brown told the Flint Township Economic Development Committee last year that she expected Genesee Valley Center to be sold to a buyer who would convert the property into apartments.

Flint Township Supervisor Karyn Miller admitted hearing rumors but said she had no information yet about any change in ownership.

BY GARY ANDERSON

CCN Staff Writer

(CCN) — Joanne Fabrics, the national retailer reorganizing under its Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing last year, is closing 500 of its 800 remaining stores across the country. The move was approved earlier today by the bankruptcy judge overseeing the reorganization.

Stores on Court Street in Burton at Courtland Center and in Flint Township on Miller Road are among 33 Michigan stores slated to close.

Joanne's fabric and craft stores are known for selling crafting supplies, including fabrics and sewing. The most recent filing in bankruptcy court last month asked to sell its assets or to find a buyer for the business, according to a company news release. In addition to buildings owned by the company and business goodwill from its trade name, more than 538 million dollars worth of assets are listed inside the stores.

Joanne Fabrics began with a single location in 1943 and eventually grew to 850 stores in 49 states.

BY GARY ANDERSON

CCN Staff Writer

BURTON (CCN) — The Burton bar with the iconic wall mural of dancing sandwiches has been sold.

New owners will take over on Wednesday (Feb. 19, 2025), according to Tim and Linda Jackson who bought the bar at the corner of Belsay Road and Lapper Road nearly nine years ago.

One of their first touches on the place was to re-paint the long-time the building, including a n mural on the side of the building with a new version of dancing sandwiches.

 Myles Nakamura of MPC — My Paint Company give the building a few fresh coats of paint and Kevin Burdick painted the mural on the side of the bar, according to Burton Banner archives.

The long-time owners announced the sale via social media with a post as follows: "Hello Everyone, it is with bitter sweet sadness that we have decided to sell the bar. Today will be our last day we will be running it. Tomorrow the new owners will be taking over. We have made a family with all of our staff and appreciate them so much. The people that we have met along the way have been awesome and became great friends. THANK YOU All for your patronage. I’m sure we will be seeing you in the future."

Identity of the new owners was not yet announced.

BY MIKE KILLBREATH

CCN Executive Editor

MT. MORIS TWP. (CCN) — Flushing chamber of Commerce officials conducted a ribbon cutting on Tuesday (Dec. 3, 2024) to welcome a new Pizza Hut to the neighborhood.

The Pizza Hut manager is Jasmine Higgs.

The Pizza Hut take-out restaurant is located next door to Jimmy John's restaurant in the new strip mall plaza on Pierson Road in Mt. Morris Township, just down from the Elms Road border line on the border with Flushing Township.

It's the third Pizza Hut now in Genesee County after another location recently opened in the City of Grand Blanc at 12793 S Saginaw Street. Fenton also has a location on Owen Road but the Davison location closed a few years ago along with 500 other Pizza Huts across the USA that have shut down since 2020, including 300 alone in the summer of 2023 when the Davison location was among the stores shuttered by the   Yum! Brands  chain that also owns Taco Bells and Kentucky Fried Chickens.

Pizza Hut had locations for many years on Davison Road on the east side of Flint, Grand Blanc Township at the corner of Hill Road and Fenton Road and on Miller Road in Flint Township.

They were long known for their all-you-can-eat buffets during lunch hours.

Pizza Huts took a hit, according to Wall Street analysts, because of a shift towards delivery and take-out leading to underperforming dine-in locations. There were also legal disputes with franchisees like EYM Group, and the need to focus on more profitable locations; resulting in closures of many larger, dine-in Pizza Hut restaurants that were not generating enough revenue compared, to delivery-focused outlets.

Like the Grand Blanc location, the new Pierson Road location will focus on take-out and delivery.

The Pizza Hut chain now has 6,775 locations across America and more than 10,000 more around the world.

Representing the Flushing Area Chamber of Commerce at the ribbon cutting ceremony in front of the new store Tuesday was Tobi Williams, Flushing's 2024 Citizen of the Year as owner of Gym for Her in Downtown Flushing.

Williams said, "We're so excited to have Pizza Hut back. They disappeared for a while."

On hand from the Pizza Hut chain to watch Higgs cut the ceremonial grand opening ribbon was John Ruiz who was introduced by Williams as the "Area Coach for Michigan Pizza Huts."

The latest Pizza Hut on Pierson Road marks the 137th now in Michigan.

Ruiz said Pierson Road Manager Higgs helped with recent grand openings to get stores going in Mount Pleasant about a year ago and during the last several months in Bay City and Lansing before taking the Manager role at the new Pierson Road store.

"She's been kind of all over Michigan and done a fantastic job for us," he added.

When asked by Williams why Pizza Hut chose Pierson Road, he said: "I can definitely say it's the people, that's for sure. A few short months ago, we put out some social media posts, asking about locations. This area was overwhelmingly responsive. And as you can see since we opened the doors, everybody here loves Pizza Hut."

PHOTO CAPTION: Pictured above this story at a ceremonial grand opening ribbon cutting ceremony by the Flushing Area Chamber of Commerce is Jasminie Higgs who is Manager of the new Pizza Hut location at Pierson Road and John Ruiz who is Area Coach for Michigan Pizza Huts.

BY GARY ANDERSON

CCN Staff Writer

GRAND BLANC (CCN) — A former Grand Blanc Township board Trustee and the long-time owner of Tomas Appliance has passed away.

Ken Thomas was 57. His death was announced via social media by his sister making a post on Facebook to deliver the sad news.

Thomas suffered a strong earlier this month.

Thomas was voted out of office in 2020 when financial troubles plagued his business on Saginaw Stree in Grand Blanc Township. It was the oldest appliance store in America and an original charter member of both the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the Flint Area Chamber of Commerce.

The store eventually closed and Thomas was sentenced to 30 days in jail in 2023 when many customers didn't get appliances or refunds.

Thomas blamed the troubles on what he described as a theft of more than $100,000 by an employee. He said insurance didn't cover the sum.

Thomas also served on the Board of Directors for the Flint Area Chamber of Commerce as well as many other non-profit organizations.

He was known as one of the top contributors to many charitable causes over the years through Thomas Appliance. 

His father's original store was in Downtown Flint until moving to the Grand Blanc location. He also added a Miller Road location in Flint Township that operated for many years.

Ken and brother Don ran the stores after their father passed away until Don's death in 2010 at age 54. Both were very active for many years in leadership roles with  Boy Scouts. Both men were also Eagle Scouts when they were younger.

PHOTO CAPTION: Pictured above this story is Ken Thomas who passed away at age 57.

BY MELISSA MARTIN

CCN Staff Writer

FLINT (CCN) — Chris Poulous, long-time former operator of White Horse Tavern in Downtown Flint, has passed away.

Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced.

Former long-time Genesee County Sheriff Joe Wilson said in a social media post on Facebook that he knew Poulous most of his life and said: "He was a great human being and a great person so sorry to hear of us passing Flint lost an institution with his passing."

Poulous and brother Steve operated their popular establishment until selling it last spring to end a 50-year run for their family as owners.

The White Horse Tavern is located at the corner of Ann Arbor Street and Court Street.

The Poulus brothers opened White Horse Tavern in 1972 and announced the sale via social media from a Facebook post, saying, “Chris and Steve would like to thank the entire Flint community for their patronage, loyalty and friendship over the past five decades. They’re proud to have served you.”

They were open for breakfast and lunch as well as serving dinners.

They sold their business to Tony Nuculaj and his nephew Giovanni Juncaj.

PHOTO CAPTION: Pictured above this story is Chris Poulous who owned White Horse Tavern for man years with brother Steve Poulous.

BY MIKE KILLBREATH

CCN Executive Editor

BURTON (CCN) — A long-time local businessman and city councilman has passed away in Burton. Tom Martinbianco, 72, owned and operated Martin's Hardware for many years and his more than 30 years of public service on the Burton City Council included several stints as President.

Martinbianco was also a member of he Greater Flint Sports Hall of Fame for leading the old Holy Redemer High School to a state championship in basketball during the 1970 season.

Funeral services will be held on Monday (Nov. 4, 2024) at Swartz Funeral Home on Hill Road in Mundy Township. Visitation will be at 11 am until the time of service at 1 pm.

An obituary for Martinbianco said his "love and respect for this community was unwavering, and spanned three decades, where he worked diligently to make Burton a welcoming and thriving place to live and raise a family."

He was elected to the Burton City Council in 1984 and served until 2023.

Martinbianco is survived by his mother, eight siblings, two children and eight grandchildren.

His hardware store was located at the corner of Belsay Road and Atherton Road in Burton until he retired and closed it a few years ago.

His brother still owns and operates another Martin's Hardware store on Genesee Road in Genesee Township.

Martinbianco's obituary also noted that he "could be seen running the spotlight for the singing Knights at their Cabaret. This inspired him to become an active member of the Knights of Columbus, 3rd Degree, and a singing Knight himself. He is also famous for his rendition of 

'New York, New York'. Lucky are those that can hear his voice when that song plays! His genuine mustached smile, his love for his family and his laughter will never be forgotten."

Martinbianco attended Blessed Sacrament School before graduating from Holy Redeemer in 1970.

 After high school, he worked diligently for the family business (Martin’s Hardware) while attending the University of Michigan-Flint to pursue a degree in business administration. He became a brother of the Phi Delta Tau fraternity in the 1971 spring pledge class.

He later took over the hardware store at the corner of Belsay Road and Atherton Road where his customers knew him as one always willing to lend a helpng hand.

 He married Joy Lewis and was blessed with two children — Karli and Matthew.

Martinbianco's grandchildren are Nick Mitchell, Nolan Mitchell, Ethan Martinbianco, Maddison Bourbeau, Lexi Ashley, Annastin Bourbeau, Sophia Ashley and Livi Ashley. He is also survived by mother Shirley Martinbianco, son-in-aw Bill Ashley, daugher-in-law Wendy Martinbianco and siblings, Mary Waugh (Bill), Joe Martinbianco, Patricia Stapish (Jack), Carol Newland (Mike), Ralph Martinbianco (Suzie), Gina Heffner (Steve), Dino Martinbianco (Julie) and Tina Whitney (Ted).

He was preceded in death by his father Harry Martinbianco and his brother Christopher Martinbianco.

PHOTO CAPTION: Pictured above this story is Tom Martinbianco who passed away at age 72.

FLINT TWP. (CCN) — Flint Township has lost another Miller Road Restaurant. BD's Mongolian Grill has closed.

It's the third loss this year for township officials who have already seen Logan's Steakhouse and Telly's Restaurant close their doors after many years as popular spots on Miller Road, near Genesee Valley Mall, for customers all over the Metro Flint regional area to visit.

A number of restaurants have also closed at the Genesee Valley Mall as well as at the old Valley Restaurant at the corner of Miller Road and Miller Road moving to another location in Clayton Township before shutting its doors for good.

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 BD's Mongolian Grill in Dearborn closed earlier this year, too, after many decades in business there. Only two Michigan locations (Sterling Heights and Canton) remain open for the national chain that has two dozens restaurants in the USA.

 Initially established in 1992 as BD's Mongolian Barbecue and Grill, Billy Downs launched the chain in Michigan with his first location in Ferndale.

 In 2017, BD’s Mongolian Grill became a part of Dallas-based Mongolian Concepts with sister brands Genghis Grill and Flat Top Grill. 

Gregg Majewski, former CEO of Jimmy John’s, became the CEO of BD’s Mongolian Grill in 2021 and immediately began to expand BD’s offerings to include exclusive Chef-crafted Signature Stir-Fry bowls, improving the quality of fresh ingredients and even introducing new and unique flavors and sauces into the lineup. 

FLINT (CCN) — Ashley Capital has announced its first potential tenant at the old Buick City site in Flint. The Flint City Council gave Ashley Capital millions in cash financing and tax breaks to develop the former site of a General Motors manufacturing campus.

 WJRT ABC TV 12 revealed the news, according to a statement by Kevin Hegg who is Vice President of Ashley Capital. He said a contract is expected to be signed soon with a packaging supply business that supports GM plants in the regional area.

"Victory Packaging specializes in very specific high-end design, including engineering for specialized packaging and for this particular case, auto parts that would service the GM plants in and around Flint," Hegg told ABC TV 12 in its report, saying he believes October is when operations will begin at the old Buick City site.

 "It's not your typical box-manufactured facility," Hegg added. "This is specialized; It will have design teams on site, as well as other light manufacturing operations and employees."

Hegg said Victory Packaging is expected to enter into a five-year contract in a building Ashley has had completed for six months. Victory Packaging is an affiliate of a larger company called West Rock.

Hegg told ABC TV 12 that he expects more announcements are coming, saying, "We've had a good level of activity. We continue to talk with other prospects, and we continue to plan for other buildings." He said companies specializing in possible Green Energy initiatives may be next. 

MUNDY TWP. (CCN) — Since the late May announcement by Mundy Township Manager Chad Young, excitement has been building about a potential Cotsco store coming to Hill Road, near the U.S. 23 Expressway. Signs went up this past weekend to signal that the idea is happening.

MLive / The Flint Journal was unable to confirm anything from Cotsco after news broke in public about the potential development in late May at a meeting of the Mundy Township Board of Trustees.

Young said at the time: “I think the single cliche phrase you can use is ‘excitement’ but from the township perspective and the county as a whole, the bigger picture here is it represents really a lot of hard work and planning that’s gone into years of staff and board dedication from the township to see Hill Road flourish,. We are the definition of a mixed-use community. We’re approximately 35 square miles, and our historic legacy is agricultural and residential. Hill Road is our commercial heart. It’s our commercial corridor. It’s where we want to really see the bulk of our commercial investment to provide the amenities for our residents, but also keep them concentrated and protect those other uses. So, being able to have what is the definition of a business community partner like Costco that’s a nationally recognized brand for all the right reasons come to and anchor that Hill Road corridor from a commercial perspective really ensures that we’re benefiting from the best of all worlds.”

Young announced then also that an  application for a planned development project between Costco and LaFontaine Auto Group was received by the township officials in late March to facilitate the construction of a future wholesale store location with two proposed dealerships. Cotsco's wholesale store was proposed for a 30-acre to 35-acre portion of property owned by LaFontaine on a 120-acre site. Ford and Lincoln dealerships would serve as the face of the property nearest to Hill Road on the north side. Costco would be positioned on U.S. 23 frontage as part of a business park that will eventually include other projects, according to LaFontaine's application.

Cotsco is a world-wide company. There are 591 wholesale stores across the USA with 134 warehouses in California. Canada has 107 more stores while there are 40 in Mexico and 121 more in 11 other countries. 

The chain of membership-only warehouse clubs sells a wide variety of brand-name products at lower prices than traditional retailers. Costco is known for selling products in bulk packaging with larger quantities 

PHOTO CAPTION: Pictured above this story is a sign that went up this past weekend to signal a Cotso wholesale store is coming to Mundy Township on Hill Road near U.S. 23.

MT. MORRIS TWP. (CCN) — Enzo's Pizzeria has added its fourth Genesee County location on Pierson Road, near the Flushing Township border line at Elms Road.

The Mt. Morris Township location will join Enzo's stores in Grand Blanc, Davison and Fenton.

A statement on a web site for Enzo's proclaims: "Whether you're going out to lunch after church or planning a family movie night, Enzo's Pizzeria would love to be part of your special day... (Our restaurants offer) classic menu items like cheese pizza, breadsticks and cream cheese dip. Plus, with curbside pick-up, you can grab a slice in a way that's most convenient for you."

The Mt. Morris locations went into a space in a strip mall formerly occupied by Marco's Pizza which closed last month.

DAVISON (CCN) — Senor Lucky's has closed its doors in Davison after 30 years as a favorite Mexican restaurant for many across the Metro Flint regional area.

A sign on the door of the location reads: “Thank you for 30 plus years of being a valued customer. As of June 30th, 2024 I’m retiring and our doors will be closed. I appreciate all of our valued customers over the years.”

Senor Lucky’s was at 840 S. State Road within Davison's city limits  — conveniently located near the I-69 Expressway exit.

BURTON (CCN) — A long-time fixture in the Burton business community is back open after a short absence.  Delta Tire & Auto Repair re-opened this week at G-3476 Saginaw Street.

MLive reported that the business filed for Chapter 11 re-organization in federal bankruptcy court on June 29 of last year and abruptly closed last month after the Chapter 11 was converted to a Chapter 7 liquidation of assets to pay off creditors.

 Court filings showed that Delta Tire had assets valued between $100,000 and $500,000 with liabilities between $500,000 to $1 million.

MLive had reported that the establishment was going out of business but Deta Tire re-opened this week just as abruptly as it had closed.

A social media post on Facebook by the business said: “WE ARE BACK OPEN!!!  If you need TIRES or AUTO REPAIR, we hope you choose our family and we hope to welcome you to the Delta Tire Auto Repair family. We do kindly ask that you do not park immediately at this corner.  It has been voiced that it makes it difficult to see oncoming traffic, so out of respect and safety for the locals, our family, please find alternative parking.  We have a large lot found directly behind the building.  We also own the house directly behind the building, so we would rather you park along the grass there if necessary than any hazard be created. We love and appreciate all of you. Our family cannot thank the community who rallied behind us.  We have been here for 50 years supporting the community and we don’t plan on stopping anytime soon.” 

GRAND BLANC (CCN) — Chicken Shack has announced a new location coming to Downtown Grand Blanc. It’s the first location outside the Metro Detroit area for the iconic chain and joins the Clarkston location on Sashabaw Road as the only ones in The Daily Gazette coverage area. 

A social media post by the Detroit-based corporation today (June 25, 2024) revealed: “Exciting news! We're thrilled to announce the opening of our 24th location next month in Grand Blanc at 11355 S. Saginaw Street! Stay tuned for the exact opening date.”

 The post added: “If you or anyone you know is interested in joining the newest Shack crew, send us a message!”  The e-mail address is: ChickenShackofGrandBlanc@gmail.com 

 You can contact the Grand Blanc location by calling (810) 603-7468.  You can visit Chicken Shack’s Web Site by clicking Here.  

The company web site says Chicken Shack is delivered fresh daily because “fresh food is better than fast food” and proclaims that their cooking process and proprietary recipes have been passed down through the generations.  Chicken Shack made its debut in the late 1950’s.

The first store was born shortly after John Sobeck first experienced a totally new process of preparing and cooking chicken. The second he tasted it, he knew he could make something with this new technology. On June 6, 1956, after only 41 days of construction, he and wife Iola opened their first Chicken Shack in Royal Oak.

Their customers craved the food so much that the Sobecks couldn’t keep up with demand and had to purchase more equipment just to handle their expanding business! 

Over 60 years later, and four generations strong, the Sobeck family is still working hard to serve to its fans the best tasting food in America and continue John and Iola’s legacy of bringing people together one plate at a time.

Besides two Royal Oak locations at 11 Mile Road and Woodward Avenue, other Chicken Shacks are on Mack Avenue in Detroit Schoenherr Road in Warren, 11 Mile Road in Warren, 23 Mike Road in New Baltimore, Mack Avenue in Grosse Pointe, Harper Road in St. Clair Shores, Dixie Hwy. in Lincoln Park, VanDyke in Sterling Heights, Warren Road in Westland, Romeo Plank Road in Macomb Township, University Drive in Rochester, 14 Mile Road in Clawson, Northwestern Hwy in Southfield, Seven Mile Road in Livonia, Fort St Riverview Road in Riverview, Garfield Road in Clinton Township, VanDyke Road in Shelby Township, Gilbraltor Road in Brownstown, Woodward Avenue in Bloomfield Township and Ellsworth Road in Ypsilanti.

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