A local hops company will soon be doubling its acreage, a popular downtown Traverse City restaurant is adding a liquor license, a long-time Hallmark store is closing and more businesses are on the move in The Ticker’s latest look at local openings, closings and expansions. 

Michigan Hop Alliance Expanding
Commercial hops producer Michigan Hop Alliance is purchasing two Leelanau Peninsula farms – a move that could eventually double the company’s acreage to almost 100 acres.

Founder Brian Tennis – who runs the company with his wife, Amy – says the couple has closed already on one farm in Northport close to Michigan Hop Alliance’s Omena operations (pictured). The duo are set to close on another nearby farm next week. “We are still actively looking for more acreage to purchase including existing farms and/or hopyards in the area, primarily on the Leelanau Peninsula or the Old Mission Peninsula,” says Tennis. “This really is our homebase, and we would like to expand where we have the best soil and growing conditions in Michigan.”

In addition to producing more than 20 hop varieties – several of which are being grown for the first time on a commercial scale in North America – Michigan Hop Alliance’s expansion will allow the company to move into other agricultural categories. “We will also be growing grapes (on the property) for a future winery/cidery/brewery in the area,” Tennis teases.

Alcohol Coming To The Dish?
Long-time downtown Traverse City restaurant The Dish Café could soon be adding alcoholic beverages to its menu.

Traverse City commissioners Monday will consider approving a liquor license application for The Dish owners Randy Waclawski and Patricia Ann Hickman. The redevelopment project area license would bestow Class C privileges on the 108 South Union Street café, meaning beer, liquor and mixed drinks could be served on the premises.

Waclawski declined to comment on the café’s plans, saying the company was “not ready just yet” to discuss planned menu or operation changes. If approved, the liquor license requires The Dish to stop serving alcohol by midnight, as well as to close the restaurant by midnight at least five days a week.

Kim’s Hallmark Korner Closing
After 34 years in business in Traverse City, Kim’s Hallmark Korner is closing its doors at 722 Munson Avenue effective January 31.

“Rising costs and changing shopping habits have made staying in business a challenge,” owner Kim Kierczynski posted in a letter on Facebook to customers. “More recently our rent has been doubled, leaving us no other option but to say good-bye and thank you.”

Kim’s Hallmark Korner is offering 65 percent off storewide – including on products and fixtures – as part of its closing sale.

Gallery 50 Reopened As Sanctuary
After twelve years in business, owner Christie Minervini of Gallery Fifty in The Village at Grand Traverse Commons is taking the business “in a new direction.” After closing the gallery for renovations, Minervini reopened the space this month as a new store called Sanctuary.

The 1,800 square-foot space will serve as a lifestyle boutique and handcrafted goods and jewelry store. “Our products are a unique reflection of the natural world and mix well in most any setting,” says Minervini, who calls the store an “escape from the ordinary.” In addition to local and national artists, Sanctuary will also now feature imported goods, an expansion that will allow the store “to show unique and affordable gifts, jewelry, decorative accessories and entertaining accents,” according to Minervini.

Knitology Expanding
On the heels of celebrating its one-year anniversary, full-service yarn shop Knitology is expanding into bigger digs at its location at 300 US-31 South near Chums Corner. Partners Michael Paggeot and Randy Kelley are moving the business into the southernmost building on the property, a larger space that will allow for an expanded knitting lounge, bigger classroom and expanded class offerings, a new consignment area for knitters to sell their products, and improved parking access. Remodeling on the new building is currently underway, with Knitology targeting a February move-in date.

Old Mission Multigrain Bakery and Café Moving
Old Mission Multigrain Bakery & Café owners Pearl and Peter Brown are turning to the community for support as they look to move from their location at 545 East Eight Street.

“Between unexpected repairs, financial setbacks, and just plain bad luck we are facing a move that has us worried about our ability to keep doing what we love and our ability to keep serving all of our wonderful customers and their families,” the Browns wrote in an open letter to customers. The company has launched a GoFundMe campaign to help cover costs to be able to “move within the 90 days we were given in a quick and efficient manner.”

Old Mission Multigrain has already “located a new possible spot,” according to Peter Brown. The location has not yet been disclosed pending inspections.

Evergreen Market Closed
Finally, local foods market Evergreen Market has closed its doors at 8066 US 31 N in Williamsburg. Owners Alex and Paul Pineau wrote in a Facebook post to customers that they hope to eventually reopen the store in a new location. “We are doing a feasibility study on a couple locations,” the owners wrote. “We have options and we are excited…we will let everyone know where (we’ll be) when we choose a new location.”

Photo credit: Michigan Hop Alliance