It’s time for The Ticker’s semi-regular roundup of new businesses opening and closing in and around Traverse City. 

Openings
Rick Potts has opened an offspring of his original Florida-based Jackpotts arcade in Grawn.

“They are a blast to play,” Potts says of the internet arcade games. “People almost become addicted.” He adds that the games “are recognized in Michigan as certified skill-based games.” He decided to open a Jackpotts II here after friends in the area convinced him it would do well.

Players play for points, not cash, and winnings are in the form of gift cards – Visa, MasterCard, Meijer, Walmart and others.

The arcade – located at 863 U.S. 31 South (in the Blair Plaza) – is open 10am to 10pm Monday through Saturday, and noon to 10pm on Sunday and offers free food and non-alcoholic beverages.

“It becomes almost a social club … where everyone knows your name,” Potts adds.

The Traverse City location is the second in Michigan (Jackpotts I) is in Waterford and Potts plans to open Jackpotts III in Owosso, as well as others.

“I hope to eventually have a dozen in Michigan,” he tells The Ticker.

Certified personal trainer, nutrition coach and former gymnast Whitney Sheets is opening Lux Body Fitness on December 1 above Seven Monks at 128 S. Union Street. The membership-based, private studio will offer a choice of 50 sessions a week – each a 30-minute high intensity circuit with a nationally certified personal trainer.

Kathy Hank is bringing 12 years of industry experience -- including several at Floor Covering Brokers -- to her first storefront, Rectangles, at 517 S. Union in TC’s Old Town (former location of Elixer Café).

Describing it as a “go-to rug resource,” Hank will offer both fine and fun rugs as well as design services. She will also have resources for rug repair, custom cutting and cleaning. She plans to open after the first of the year.

“Locally, rugs have historically been sold in flooring stores, but it’s more like choosing the painting for above your fireplace,” says Hank. “They are a strong design element and, sometimes, the focal point in a room.”

Red Ladder has opened at 122 S. Union (lower level) in Traverse City’s Old Town. The shop sells gifts and antiques, says Susan Gardiner. She and husband Mike owned the Red Ladder in Suttons Bay for 10 years before moving to Traverse City this past summer – and moving their shop with them. Hours are Monday-Saturday, 10am-4pm.

Centre Ice Fitness has opened at TC’s Centre Ice Arena, replacing Fit For You, which operated there for three years before closing its doors in late September.

Owners Tom and Lori Duggan previously owned a corporate wellness/fitness center and a hockey rink in the Seattle area, and Tom has developed and operated health and sports clubs for more than 25 years. Centre Ice Fitness is also the new location for BUKA Bike group cycling.

The Workshop Brewing Company in TC’s Warehouse District is opening The Remedy next month. The weekend breakfast spot will open down the hall from the brewery, in the former Xylo Bistro Café space. The space will also be available as a venue for private events.

The owners of Crow About It Coffee and Cakes on U.S. 31 North have sold the café to their neighbors, Einstein Cycles, who continue to operate it as a coffee house. Now called Einstein Cycle Coffee, it is open 8am-5pm through the winter.

Closings
Om Cafe on Lake Street in downtown Traverse City has shut down for the winter. The last day of business was Sat., Nov. 22.

"We are excited to reopen in the spring with a fresh new look and a continued commitment to tasty, healthy food made from scratch," says Jason Thibodeau, owner of the vegan and vegetarian-themed restaurant. The restaurant may host periodic winter food events, and some of its dishes will continue to be featured on the rotating menu next door at The Parlor.

Electronic cigarette retailer A Clean Cigarette has closed at 406 S. Union. It was the second TC location for the franchise. However, according to a recent Facebook posting, “due to a franchise issue, we can no longer operate in Traverse City.” Franchise owner Robert Richardson also operated a location in the Grand Traverse Mall.