Our roundup of the latest news from metro Detroit and Michigan businesses as well as announcements from government agencies. To share a business or nonprofit story, please send us a message.
Bombshell Treat Bar Takes Up Residence at Neiman Marcus Troy
Bombshell Treat Bar, a local start-up specializing in over-the-top frozen and chocolate-dipped treats, has begun a limited residency inside Neiman Marcus at Somerset Collection through Nov. 6.
Bombshell launched in 2020 with local delivery, and soon expanded its offerings to include public pop-ups, private events, and corporate gifting. With this new partnership at Neiman Marcus, customers can experience a rotating menu of dipped ice cream bars, layered ice cream pints, and premium chocolate bars every Thursday-Sunday during store hours.
Items include:
- Pumpkin Cheesecake Ice Cream Treat Bar
- Sundae Soiree Packed Pint
- Berry Decadent Packed Pint
“It’s a dream come true to be partnering with Neiman Marcus, a brand known for exceptional luxury, quality and service,” says co-founder Jill Kasle. “Bombshell Treat Bar is honored to be a small part of their customer experience and cannot wait to bring more smiles to their store.”
Bombshell Treat Bar is an “ice cream parlor on wheels” featuring small-batch ice cream, Belgian chocolate, premium drizzles, sweet and savory toppings, edible glitter, and more.
Supplier Hyundai Mobis Set to Expand in North American Market
Hyundai Mobis, the sixth largest global automotive supplier, Wednesday introduced its expansion strategy in the North American market during a press conference at the Detroit Auto Show.
According to Axel Maschka, executive vice president and head of Hyundai Mobis global OE sales, the two keywords of the company’s growth strategy are Plant Expansion and Value Expansion.
Hyundai Mobis first plans to expand its production facilities across the globe for prompt and timely supply to global automakers.
“Hyundai Mobis will construct more EV dedicated sites here in the region, and we will invest in EV components, and battery system assemblies to allow rapid and environmentally optimized local production,” Maschka says.
Currently, Hyundai Mobis operates 44 production bases, with North American facilities located in Alabama, Georgia, Ohio, and Michigan.
A new manufacturing site, combined with more than 10 years of expertise in producing high-quality electrification components, will allow Hyundai Mobis to see continued growth in the market.
Hyundai Mobis also revealed its value expansion plan to increase its sales orders in the North American market with its value-added technologies, optimized specifically for electric and autonomous vehicles.
It presented some of its future mobility technologies, including the electric Complete Chassis Platform Module (eCCPM) and next-generation AR HUD.
“Hyundai Mobis has a wide range of innovations in its portfolio, and is ready for the future of mobility,” Maschka says. “Our vision is to bring the future to the present and make it more valuable.”
In particular, Hyundai Mobis pointed to its mass-production of key electrification components, including the battery system for the e-GMP platform used in Hyundai and Kia electric vehicles, and the PE module, and showed its confidence in the paradigm shift for electric vehicle platforms. Together, value-added products including the eCCPM module, electrification platform, AR HUD, and lighting grilles are drawing attention from clients in North America for its versatility and innovation.
Tropical-themed Mai Tiki Bar Opens in Downtown Ferndale
The next stage in the evolution of tiki bars has started in Ferndale, as Mai Tiki bar (231 W. Nine Mile) opened Sept. 14, inside the recently opened Tigerlily restaurant.
Part speakeasy and full-on tiki themed, Mai Tiki is designed to take guests to a seaside paradise adorned with island relics and coastal views in every direction. Whether having a drink under the thatched canopy covering the bamboo, galley bar, or tasting an array of Polynesian-inspired plates at the tiki table, Mai Tiki promises to be a journey far from the mundane.
Focusing on craft quality, the tiki team has resurrected historic island cocktails of the 20th century and updated them with modern, high-quality ingredients for refreshing iterations of the drinks of old. Classics like the Run Rummer, the Zombie, Painkiller, and Mai Tai are heavily garnished with fresh fruits and served in decorative tiki vessels, which also are available for purchase.
Small plates, such as crab rangoon, robata-grilled pineapple, pork belly bao, and fish tacos were created by Tigerlily Chef Chris Vasquez, who designed the menu to offer guests fine-dining flavors at affordable appetizer prices.
Accessible through Tigerlily and the rear Troy Street entrance, Mai Tiki is open from 4 p.m.-midnight Sunday to Thursday and 4 p.m.-1 a.m. Friday and Saturday.
AECOM Opens New Midtown Office Space
AECOM, a Fortune 500 global infrastructure consulting firm, on Tuesday opened a new, 10,000-square-foot office in Midtown Detroit.
Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan and other officials were on hand for a ribbon cutting.
AECOM delivers professional services on projects spanning transportation, buildings, water, new energy, and the environment for public- and private-sector clients around the world. In its new Detroit office, the firm will have around 75 employees, several of whom are moving from its former office in Southfield.
Throughout the design process, AECOM focused on providing its employees, clients, and partners with comfortable, inspiring, and inclusive spaces that suit their varied needs. This includes a multitude of integrative areas, such as a library, collaboration lounges, focus rooms, and social spaces. A key feature of the office is a mural by local artist Torri Smith that creates a vibrant focal point capturing the design’s influence by the city’s diverse culture of artists, entrepreneurs, and activists.
“Our new Detroit office truly embodies the spirit of the city. It was extremely important that we expand our footprint as our local operations continue to grow, but we wanted to ensure we did so in a way that allows the soul of Detroit itself to be reflected in all aspects of the design,” says Denise Casalino, executive vice president and cities strategy lead with AECOM’s U.S. West region. “We’re thrilled to continue our longstanding relationship with the city in a space that reflects the diversity of our employees, clients, partners, and the community we serve.”
123NET Signs with Veridian Communities to Bring 10Gbps Fiber to Ann Arbor Development
Detroit-based internet provider 123NET continues to expand its residential internet service rollout by partnering with Veridian at County Farm to bring 10Gbps Home Fiber Internet to its community development in Ann Arbor.
Veridian at County Farm, a joint venture between THRIVE Collaborative and Avalon Housing, is situated on a 14-acre parcel in Ann Arbor that once served as the County Poor Farm and, later, as the Washtenaw County Juvenile Detention Center. It’s now being transformed into one of the nation’s first mixed-income net zero energy communities featuring 100 percent all-electric energy, powered by solar, with resilient energy storage and no gas lines or combustion appliances of any kind.
The community’s mission to accelerate the transformation to a truly sustainable human-built environment that’s nature rich and ecologically restorative meant the developers needed to scrutinize each on-site amenity. 123NET’s Home Fiber Internet was selected as the internet provider for all residents. As a result, Veridian residents will enjoy having one of fastest residential internet connections available anywhere on the plant.
“Residents of the Veridian, which will likely include employees of the University of Michigan, can expect robust and reliable connectivity service for their high-speed data and multimedia applications that will ensure a superior online experience,” says Stephen Sawyer, head of residential sales.
Veridian’s 10Gbps Internet as an Amenity service also helps to bridge the digital divide since all associated costs are carried by the HOA dues paid by market rate homeowners, although all residents, including those in affordable housing, will receive full internet benefits.
Construction is just starting on the residential units with an estimated completion date in 2023. To learn more about 123Net’s Internet as an Amenity solution, visit here.
Plug Zen Unveils In-vehicle Charging Concept at Detroit Auto Show
Plug Zen, a Black-owned EV charging startup headquartered in Detroit, announced that is has formed a manufacturing partnership with Detroit Manufacturing Systems and expects to begin production of its level-two charging station in early 2023.
Plug Zen founder and CEO Q Johnson followed those announcements with the unveiling of an in-vehicle charging concept designed to eliminate range anxiety. The company’s announcements and concept-reveal happened at the 2022 North American International Auto Show during a news conference.
“Less than a year ago, Plug Zen launched its bold plan for producing a less expensive, multi-vehicle EV charging platform and bringing manufacturing jobs to Detroit,” says Johnson. “Partnering with a Michigan Minority Business Enterprise to manufacture Plug Zen products at home has been our goal from the beginning. Working with Bruce Smith and his team will ensure high quality, timely delivery, and continued innovation. Plug Zen is well on its way to eliminating the barriers to universal EV adoption.”
The company’s EV EVerywhere charging concept is slated for production in late 2023 and will be the first to deliver an original-equipment, in-vehicle EV charger. Johnson says he’ll be working closely with the DMS team to fine-tune the product and evolve from concept to OE program in the next year.
“Detroit Manufacturing Systems is excited to partner with Plug Zen because, like them, we believe in a better way to do things,” says Bruce Smith, chairman and CEO of DMS. “That means using innovative technology and a committed workforce to build and deliver high quality Plug Zen EV charging solutions right here in Detroit where, together, we can accelerate positive change throughout Michigan and around the globe.”
Productions Plus Continues Tradition of Detroit Auto Show Support
Detroit-based Productions Plus will have a new generation of tech-savvy product specialists supporting the 2022 Detroit Auto Show.
For more than 40 years, Productions Plus has provided more than 700 highly trained product specialists for 17 global auto brands at nearly 70 annual auto shows.
“This is an exciting time for Detroit,” says Hedy Popson, CEO of Productions Plus. “This city was once the heartbeat of the entire automotive industry and this reimagined event show will showcase all that Detroit has to offer.
“With electrification and mobility as a core focus for many manufacturers, consumers are more excited than ever about the evolution of the modern vehicle. This years’ show is much more experiential, with both indoor and outdoor events.”
After a three-year hiatus, Popson says, consumers want to engage and experience live events and interact with knowledgeable people.
“Our company was instrumental in navigating away from the hiring of an auto show ‘model’ to a well-versed, highly trained product specialist,” Popson says. “This new generation of automotive talent must engage live audiences and be fully conversant on the innovative automotive technology, including topics like electrification and mobility.”
Close to 100 Productions Plus product specialists are supporting this year’s edition of the Detroit Auto Show.
For more information, visit here.
Andiamo Warren to Host ‘Midnight at the Masquerade’ Murder Mystery Nov. 9
Tickets are on sale now for “Midnight at the Masquerade,” a murder mystery dinner event at Andiamo Warren Nov. 9.
Guests are invited to wear their best evening gown, tux, Venetian mask, and get ready to unmask this murderer to save the party. The evening includes a three-course dinner and a complimentary glass of wine upon arrival.
Visit here to purchase tickets. For more information, visit here.
Komen Breast Cancer Organization to Host Race for the Cure at Belle Isle Oct. 2
The Susan G. Komen breast cancer organization will host the Komen Detroit Race for the Cure from 7-11:30 a.m. Oct. 2 on Belle Isle in Detroit.
Proceeds from the race will advance Komen’s mission, fund groundbreaking research and provide direct support to people facing breast cancer now.
The annual fundraising event will include a 5k run and walk along Detroit’s scenic River Walk. Chip timing will be provided to all runners. Visit here to sign up and begin fundraising.
Special activations include:
- John D. Dingell Survivor Café – A gathering place for breast cancer survivors and those living with metastatic breast cancer.
- Komen Kidz Zone – Crafts and activities for kids and families.
- We Remember Tent – Memorial tent offering a quiet place of reflection to honor those whom we have lost to breast cancer. Memorial photos and messages can be hung to honor loved ones.
- Maureen Meldrum Volunteer of the Year Award – Honors a Race for the Cure volunteer who exemplifies commitment to Komen’s mission and service to our community.
“For 31 years, the Komen Detroit Race for the Cure has been an opportunity for the Detroit community to rally around those battling this disease, to honor the lives we have lost, and to celebrate the lives we have saved,” says Jaye Sciullo, executive director of the organization.
