restaurants

The business community in Washtenaw County is central to the health of the local economy. WEMU has teamed with the Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti Regional Chamber to take a closer look at local businesses and the people that make them run. On the 2nd Friday of every month, we’ll bring you "Washtenaw Business Lens" and explore the perspectives on how local, state and national news impacts our business community, and ultimately you. The chamber’s Andy LaBarre will be here each month and bring with him a special guest. In this inaugural edition of "Washtenaw Business Lens," Andy and WEMU's David Fair look at federal immigration policy and its impact on the business community. Their guest is Phillis Engelbert. She owns three vegan establishments in Ann Arbor, those being: Detroit Street Filling Station, The Lunch Room Bakery & Café, and North Star Lounge.

What constitutes fine dining can be a matter of taste and personal preference. Perhaps a Michelin star restaurant meets your definition. But more and more, food critics are following the lead of the masses and flocking to food trucks. They’ve become quite popular in Washtenaw County, and over the weekend, food truck operators brought their best in the second annual Food Truck Warz in Ypsilanti Township. WEMU’s John Stockwell was there and provides a tasty report.

Ann Arbor health food restaurant and wholesaler Juicy Kitchen is temporarily closed due to a fire that broke out at the establishment. WEMU’s Ana Longoria reports.

A former EMU football player, who now owns a restaurant in Saline, will be featured in a national food show. “America’s Best Restaurants Roadshow” spotlights local, independently owned restaurants across the country. On Friday, August 29th, they will be taping an episode at Oscar’s Sports & Grill on S. State Road in Saline. WEMU’s Caroline MacGregor chats with owner James Scalzi about how Oscar's came to be chosen as a restaurant that stands apart.

As spring approaches, we all look forward to the sense of renewal the season brings. In Ypsilanti, a renewal of a different sort is already underway. As we hear from WEMU’s John Stockwell, it comes in the form of an historically popular eatery.

The Michigan Supreme Court has refused to hear a case filed by a business group that wants the state to compensate its members for losses due to state-ordered COVID-19 restrictions early in the pandemic. Rick Pluta reports.

Governor Gretchen Whitmer pardoned the third turkey of her time in office Thursday ahead of Thanksgiving. Colin Jackson has more.

Plans are coming into focus for what could be one of the biggest housing developments in Ann Arbor history. WEMU’s Kevin Meerschaert has this report.

Workers at Bobcat Bonnie’s and Keystone Bar in downtown Ypsilanti have organized a union, causing the bar chain to close both locations for the foreseeable future. Ana Longoria reports.

Minimum wage workers in Michigan get an automatic pay raise in 2024. Rick Pluta explains.