"The Corktown Farmers Market is coming in 2015," the Detroit Institute of Bagels announces at its Facebook page with this concept sketch of plans for a mini-park alongside its year-old Michigan Avenue shop.
The greenspace at the neighborhood's eastern gateway is envisioned as an area for patrons, a site for local produce vendors' tents and for other community gatherings.
The bagel shop is among six businesses getting $40,000 grants from the Detroit Lions as part of the yearly Hatch Awards program. Winners and runners-up who were among each year's 10 semi-finalists can apply for "grants to improve their business or get closer to opening their brick and mortar storefront," Hatch says in a media release.
The three Corktown bagel moguls -- brothers Ben and Dan Newman and Alex Howbert -- express gratitude n their social media post: "Thanks so much to Hatch Detroit and the Detroit Lions for giving us the opportunity to continue pursuing our vision!"
In Hatch's announcement Wednesday, Lions president Tom Lewand is quoted as saying: "As Detroit continues its transformation and growth, development of small businesses will be an integral part of its economic revitalization. We are excited to play a role in supporting local entrepreneurs."
These other five Hatch "alumni" also get grants:
- La Feria, the 2012 winner, will add an outdoor patio at its Cass Avenue tapas cafe to expand seating by 50 percent.
- Detroit Vegan Soul, a year-old West Village restaurant, will add a walk-in freezer.
- Busted Bra Shop, a 2013 semi-finalist, will buy furniture and fixtures to enhance the lingerie boutique’s antique style. The owner plans a Penobscot building branch soon.
- Alley Wine, still in development, will finance an outdoor patio and green space.
- Bumbo’s Restaurant & Bar, which plans to open in Hamtramck, will apply grant revenue toward its kitchen build-out.
-- Alan Stamm
