I am not able to turn my head very quickly these days, but I have noticed a few changes on Grand River as I’ve driven through Downtown Farmington the past few days.
At long last, work has begun on the former Books Abound building, next door to the Civic Theatre. Now owned by city council member JoAnne McShane, the property is being redone in the same manner as the Exchange Bank building renovation completed by Diane and Rob Cassidy. The end product: A two-story brick facade that will fit well between the Civic and John Cowley & Sons pub. Kudos to the work crew, the site looks as neat and clean as is possible for a project of this magnitude.
The community also welcomed a new “body art” studio, located on the southside of Grand River, adjacent to the Village Mall. In days past, I might have worried about having a tattoo parlor in our business district, but these days, body art isn’t just for bikers. Some of the most conservative women I know have and enjoy tattoos. And my daughter has three. I didn’t catch the name of the business as I drove past, but I do intend to stop in and say hello.
But the best news of all – the long-awaited news – is that Happy’s Pizza opens tomorrow. We stopped in this evening, because the place looked ready for customers, but the owner, a Farmington High graduate, said the big day is Friday. Naturally, I already have plans. So would someone please have dinner at Happy’s tomorrow and report back?
–Joni Hubred-Golden
Publisher, The Enterprise
I had an unexpected opportunity to sample Happy’s fare at lunch today. Despite a few glitches in service (opening week bugs to shake out), the subs we ordered were delicious. The bread tasted fresh, as did all the toppings, and the chicken I ordered was cooked to perfection, mildly seasoned.
Good stuff.
Saturday night, Gala’s dining room and bar area were packed, even late in the evening. Under Dan Nichols’ new management, the food remained superb, the service much improved, the extensive wine selection much more affordably priced, and a Commander Cody-esque band was pumping out upbeat music. Next door, the Civic was letting out its typically older crowd, but all ages were present. Up the street, Cowley’s upstairs was crammed to the gills with 20- and 3o- something dancers and a general party atmosphere aided by a rock band doing its best. Downstairs, it was more sedate, but also busy. In between, the McShane building renovation looked promising, while across the street, the large “Body Art” sign hinted at a changing, younger clientele. All in all, a little slice of downtown Royal Oak with a family ambience.
Mark, it’s good to hear the new manager at Gala is working out well. We’ll have to check it out again, haven’t been there in a while.
It’ll be interesting to see what ends up going into McShane’s building. I have trouble imagining anything in there but stacks and stacks of books!