From expanding the transformational Brownfield Plan program and significantly increasing Michigan’s match for the federal Earned Income Tax Credit to helping lower property taxes for small businesses and update business improvement zones, our senators are committed to fostering a vibrant economic landscape that supports small businesses across the state.
This Small Business Saturday, let’s celebrate the passion, resilience, and dedication of small business owners by choosing to shop local. Whether it’s grabbing a cup of coffee at your favorite neighborhood café, picking up unique finds at a local clothing store, or indulging in treats from a family-owned candy shop, every dollar spent at a small business strengthens our communities. Together, we can ensure small businesses can continue to thrive in Michigan for generations to come.
Want to see how your Senators are celebrating Small Business Saturday and shopping local this year? Find out below!
Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks
The Bitter End Coffee House opened in 2000 and has been serving coffee to the Grand Rapids community twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week ever since.
“It’s such a cool vibe! It is in a 120-year-old bank building on the original Western boundary of the city of Grand Rapids: high tin ceilings, porcelain tile floors, dark oak woodwork…And a great latte.” — Leader Brinks
Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks at the Bitter End Coffeehouse, located at 752 Fulton St. W., Grand Rapids, MI 49504.
Sen. Sarah Anthony
Fabiano’s Candies has been serving sweets to Michigan for 100 years and has become a fixture in Michigan’s capital city. Now owned and operated by founder Michael Fabiano’s daughter, Madeline Fabiano Blair, and grandson Steven Blair, Fabiano’s Candies has an enduring tradition of quality and service.
“One of the things I love about Fabiano’s Candies is that they are a fifth-generation, 100-year-old small business. It’s been family owned and operated for that entire time!” — Sen. Anthony
Sen. Sarah Anthony shops sweets at Fabiano’s Candies, located at 1427 E. Michigan Ave., Lansing, MI 48912.
Sen. Darrin Camilleri
Chelsea Menswear, a family-owned and independent men’s clothing store, has been a cornerstone of Wyandotte, Michigan, since 1943.
“A longtime staple of Downtown Wyandotte, Chelsea has been the premier destination in Downriver for quality men’s clothing for generations. Whether it be a new suit, pair of shoes, or even just a tie, I know I can count on their great customer service and options to get what I need.” — Sen. Camilleri
Sen. Darrin Camilleri celebrates the 10th anniversary of Chelsea Menswear, located at 2944 Biddle Ave., Wyandotte, MI 48192.
Sen. Stephanie Chang
JP Makes and Bakes had its grand opening in Detroit on November 7, 2024, brining Filipino flavors to Detroit as the first Filipino eatery in the city.
“JP’s, Detroit’s sole Filipino bakery, is the creation of Jonathan Peregrino, a first-generation Filipino-American. Peregrino’s vision is to introduce Detroiters to the rich tapestry of Filipino flavors and culture while showcasing his unique culinary creations.” — Sen. Chang
JP Makes and Bakes, located at 6529 Woodward Ave., Suite B, Detroit, MI 48202. Photo from JP Makes and Bakes website.
Sen. Dayna Polehanki
Owned and operated by a lifelong disc jockey, Vinyl People Records boasts a wide variety of genres on vinyl and is a must-visit destination for music lovers and vinyl enthusiasts.
“Small businesses like Vinyl People Records are the heart and soul of our community here in District 5. Their dedication to providing unique and high-quality music experiences not only enriches our local culture but also supports our economy. On this Small Business Saturday, let’s show our appreciation for Vinyl People Records and all the small businesses that make our community vibrant and strong.” — Sen. Polehanki
Vinyl People Records, located at 34785 Ford Rd., Westland, Michigan 48185.
Sen. Jeff Irwin
Housed in the historic former site of the Michigan Bell Telephone Company’s Ypsilanti exchange, Bellflower opened its doors in August 2020. Since then, it has been proudly serving the Ypsilanti community thoughtfully crafted lunches, dinners, wines and cocktails.
“Bellflower is one of my favorite businesses in District 15. They not only offer delicious sandwiches, cocktails, and wine, but they have been a leader in lifting up their staff by making livable wages part of their business model.” — Sen. Irwin
Bellflower Restaurant, located at 209 Pearl St., Ypsilanti, Michigan 48197.
Sen. Sylvia Santana
Fusion Flare Kitchen and Cocktails opened its doors in 2018, bringing a fresh take on American and Soul Food cuisine to Detroit. Owned and operated by Mashelle and June Sykes, Fusion Flare welcomes family, friends and newcomers for any occasion.
“The atmosphere is safe and welcoming, kind of like the Cheers vibe where everyone knows your name; especially when the Bar Tender Kat greets you with her big smile!!” — Sen. Santana
Sen. Santana with founder Mashelle Sykes at Fusion Flare Kitchen & Cocktails, located at 16801 Plymouth Rd., Detroit, MI 48227.
Sen. Kristen McDonald Rivet
Founded by Tony and Suzanne Sutorik, Mi Element Grains and Grounds, a bakery, microbrewery, and coffee shop, has been serving as a neighborhood hangout in Midland, Michigan since 2020.
“This bakery, microbrewery, and coffee shop is as unique as the quirky names that Tony gives his beers. Paintings from Suzanne and local artists add to the creative vibe. Together, they come up with amazing baked goods made with recovered grains from the beer they brew in-house. Huge supporters of community, they host local live music Thursdays-Sundays. Check them out!” — Sen. McDonald Rivet
Sen. McDonald Rivet visits Mi Element Grains & Grounds, located at 3124 Jefferson Ave. in Midland, behind the Ashman Circle.
Read more from the Michigan Senate Democrats at SenateDems.com/press.