From the grand opening of a long-awaited brewery to the bittersweet closing of a downtown staple, 2024 was marked by significant milestones that shaped Shiawassee County's economy and culture.
New companies brought new flavors and ideas to the region, while others redefined themselves in response to changing needs.
Whether through innovation, resilience or reinvention, local entrepreneurs have continued to demonstrate the spirit that keeps our community going.
Here's a look back at some of the most notable business stories the Argus-Press covered over the past year (in chronological order).
Drizzle Cakes and Bakes opens retail store
OWOSSO – At the start of the new year, Jill Davis, owner of Drizzle Cakes and Bakes, expanded her business into a brick-and-mortar location at 110 E. Exchange St. in Owosso, taking over the former Sosumi Sushi location.
Davis founded Drizzle Cakes and Bakes in 2019, initially making custom orders from her home kitchen. At the time, she described herself as a “small fish” in a city full of established bakeries.
However, in 2022, Davis shed that reputation when she was selected as a contestant on the eighth season of Food Network's “Halloween Baking Championship.” The exposure the show brought helped raise awareness of her brand, give her local exposure and give her the confidence to open a brick-and-mortar store in the heart of Owosso.
New café brings Latin American flair to La Coruña
CORUNNA – The flavors of Spain and Cuba found their way to Coruña with the opening of Latin Flavor Restaurant & Catering. The company, 328 N. Shiawassee St., is co-owned and operated by mother-daughter duo Celia and Melany Montes. The grand opening took place on February 1st.
The non-specific “Latin flavor” referred to in the cafe's name is a nod to the fact that, despite Montes' Cuban origins, the restaurant does not limit itself to purely Cuban cuisine.
“Many of our dishes, for example the paella, are actually Spanish dishes,” said Celia Montes. “A lot of Cubans have ancestry from Spain, so we put Spanish and Cuban together, so I thought, 'This can't be Cuban because we have a lot of other dishes that aren't specifically from Cuba.' Then I thought, ‘What about Latin?’ That will generally sum up what kind of restaurant we are.”
Springrove Variety is closing its doors
OWOSSO – Springrove Variety, downtown Owosso's main convenience store, closed its doors in March, with a liquidation sale beginning Feb. 1.
Springrove opened its doors at 200 N. Washington St. in 1998. It replaced a GC Murphy five-and-dime that had filled a similar retail niche for four decades.
Longtime manager Tim Herrman said it has become significantly more difficult to remain competitive because the store is losing companies it buys from – particularly gift companies and clothing companies.
“I will miss the customers who cater to their needs and complete the ordering of goods. “It was very satisfying work,” Herrman said. “We actually do a lot of special orders – we often hear from people that they can’t find something and can find it here. They really appreciate it and it made me feel good to meet the need.”
OWOSSO – In early 2024, Apple Tree Lane, 207 N. Washington St., was renamed the MI Favorite Store. The store sells vintage candy and handmade goods, all made in Michigan.
“It gives everyone a better understanding that everything is made in Michigan and the things we sell come from small businesses,” said owner Tori Hall.
The shop also has a nice touch of history inside.
Fellow Owosso business Murtle's Handmade Chocolates preserved the decades-old exhibit displaying the candy at the Owosso Springrove location when the business closed its doors. But Hall didn't want to give up on finding an authentic Springrove exhibit.
“We had to go to the Marysville location to get it,” she said, pointing to the wooden display filled with different types of sweet treats. “So this is real, it’s about 50 to 80 years old.”
Barrister Brewing Co. opens its doors in Westown
OWOSSO – Shiawassee County's only craft brewery, Barrister Brewing Co., opened its doors at 902 W. Main St. on May 6.
Converting the roughly 140-year-old building into a brewery was a collaborative effort between a group of friends — couples Dan and Barb Nees and Don and Melissa Hall — and former Shiawassee County District Attorney Deana Finnegan.
Dan Nees, the restaurant’s brewmaster, is also a lawyer, hence the name “Barrister.”
All craft beers are brewed on site. The brewery also sells wine, and beer and wine flights of four or five are on the menu for customers who want to try a range of flavors. For guests who have a favorite craft drink, Barrister sells growlers. Or customers can bring their own growlers to fill.
Ed Rehmann & Sons Clothing is celebrating its 105th anniversary
CHESANING — Ed Rehmann & Sons Clothing, 151 W. Broad St., celebrated its 105th anniversary with a block party on June 8.
The company was founded in 1919 by married couple Ed and Eva Rehmann. It is now in the hands of the third generation of the Rehmann family – brothers Ric and Rob Rehmann and Rob's wife Nancy.
The festivities wrapped up the block of South Saginaw Street between Broad and Pearl streets and began at 9 a.m. with a pancake breakfast.
Mijo's (Mexican Cuisine) and Jimmy Franks Hot Dogs sold food at the event, and ice cream was provided by local businesses Frosty's and The Malt Shoppe. Saginaw folk band The Rupple Brothers & Company also performed at the shindig.
“We’re just happy to be moving forward,” said co-owner Nancy Rehmann. “And in another five years we will do it again.”
Former Welcome Inn demolished
CALEDONIA TWP – Several vacant, dilapidated and fire-damaged buildings along one of Shiawassee County's busiest roads, including the former Welcome Inn, were demolished last summer.
Randy Woodworth, owner of Owosso-based real estate development company Woodworth Commercial, purchased the property last year.
He said two parcels of land just over an acre near M-21 (west of Arby's) would be used for fast food restaurants. A long driveway from M-21 will lead people to the rear of the property, where there is about 50,000 square feet of land that will house a “larger facility,” he said, likely some type of retail store.
The Perry grocery store changes ownership
PERRY — Perry's only grocery store at 520 N. Main St. is now under new ownership.
The company, formerly known as Carl's Supermarket, was purchased by Michael Hami of Oakland County in July and renamed Village Fresh Marketplace.
Hami said he is proud to provide a place where the community can shop for everyday needs at lower prices.
“The customers are really happy,” said Hami. “We have significantly reduced prices because we prefer to keep the customer happy.”
After a decade of absence, a Laingsburg-area couple is reopening a restaurant
LAINGSBURG – The location of 2 Dog Tavern, 205 E. Grand River Rd, holds special meaning for husband and wife team Rich and Dee Hafner.
From 2007 to 2014, they owned and operated Cinder's Grill in this exact location until Dee's medical issues brought things to a halt.
Never in a million years did they think they would be back a decade later, Dee Hafner said.
“We thought the ship had sailed, but God had other plans and you just follow where you’re led,” Dee Hafner said.
The Hafners opened 2 Dog Tavern in late October after the building had sat vacant for several years.
OWOSSO – To mark the one-year anniversary of the MI Turning Point facility in Durand – a free store and food bank founded by Steve and Kim Watson – the couple cut the ribbon and opened the MI Turning Point Thrift Store in Durand on Dec. 18 Owosso.
The Watsons decided to open the thrift store to both raise funds for the Durand facility and to create employment opportunities for disabled veterans and domestic violence survivors.
“It’s not just a thrift store; it’s community-oriented,” Kim Watson said. “We help the people here locally.”
Their long-term vision includes creating a community space within the store for activities such as game nights, craft sessions and mentoring programs.