DBusiness Daily Update: Chef Luciano DelSignore, Bacco Ristorante Celebrate 22 Years, and More

Our roundup of the latest news from metro Detroit and Michigan businesses as well as announcements from government agencies.
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Chef Luciano DelSignore closing Bacco Ristorante
Chef Luciano DelSignore announced in January he would close Bacco Ristorante this month to pursue other projects. // Photo by Bacco Ristorante

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.

Chef Luciano DelSignore, Bacco Ristorante Celebrate 22 Years

Chef Luciano DelSignore and Detroit’s top chefs are inviting the community to participate in a farewell dinner celebration at 4 p.m. at Bacco Ristorante (29410 Northwestern Highway) in Southfield on March 24.

DelSignore announced in January he would close Bacco Ristorante this month to pursue other projects.

Guests at the farewell dinner will have an opportunity to enjoy a menu chosen by a collaboration with Luciano and his selection of six of Detroit’s top chefs, many of whom were mentored by Luciano himself.

The evening will begin with a celebratory cocktail reception followed by a tasting menu featuring special wine pairings, cuisine, and live entertainment. Every culinary masterpiece presented will be curated by DelSignore and his team of top chefs, including:

  • Chef Andy Holiday (Selden Standard)
  • Chef Doug Hewett (Freya)
  • Chef Anthony Lombardo (She Wolf)
  • Chef Luciano DelSignore, (Bacco) Chef James Rigato (Mable Gray)
  • Chef Ben Robison (Book Tower)

To reserve a place at this event, visit here.

Born In Detroit, Gardner White Partner on Downtown Detroit Popup Store

Farmington Hills-based Born In Detroit Apparel announced its first pop-up storefront in the heart of Detroit at 1275 Woodward (corner of Grand River) across from the Shinola Hotel, will open on March 15.

Gardner White has partnered with the brand and will be designing and furnishing the new storefront with a stylish lounge atmosphere for shoppers and guests. The pop-up location will be open daily from March 15-April 30 and feature an expanded line of new merchandise in addition to fan-favorite designs.

The official ribbon cutting will take place at 10:30 a.m. March 15. Doors officially open to the public following the ribbon cutting and attendees will be able to shop and have chances to win prizes.

Located at the former site of Moosejaw in Detroit, the 2,000-square-foot store is situated right in the middle of the action during some of the biggest events in the city including the NFL Draft, St. Patrick’s Day, Sweet 16, Elite Eight, and Detroit Tigers Opening Day.

Born In Detroit will host a series of events including athlete autograph signings, live radio broadcasts, podcast tapings, happy hours, and will be available to for private catered events. The store also will provide an atmosphere for entertaining and an experience for shoppers.

The opening of the Detroit pop-up will be the line’s first dedicated storefront and feature never-before-seen designs and include an expanded apparel line for women and kids.

New Podcast Shines Light on People Working to Strengthen Families, Children

“Let’s be Brilliant Together” is the goal and title of a new podcast series launched by the nonprofit Brilliant Detroit, which exists to create kids’ success families and neighborhoods at hubs throughout the city.

Premiering today on Apple and Spotify, “Brilliant Together” is a community of top experts, leaders, and changemakers dedicated to strengthening families and children from belly to age eight, who explore a range of topics and thought leadership on engaging families, mobilizing communities and providing children with the support they need to reach their full potential.

“With 18 hubs and more than 160 partners in Detroit alone, we have many stories to share and people moving the needle on early childhood education and family well-being,” says Cindy Eggleton, co-founder and CEO of Brilliant Detroit. “We hope to enlighten and inspire others to get involved to ensure a zip code does not determine a child’s future. We can’t wait to share the wisdom of our Brilliant community with you.”

Detroit changemakers kicking off the series, include:

Episode 1: “Reading is a Family Affair”

Features Cassie Williams, executive director of K-12 Literacy for Detroit Public Schools, in conversation with Lexie Neeley of Little Free Library and Michelle Torgerson from Raising Reader about the impact that reading has on developing empathy, critical thinking and expression while strengthening family bonds.

Episode 2: “Men for Kids; High-Impact Mentorship”

Alan Ball, a former NFL player, small business investor, licensed builder, developer and owner of Next Phase Investments, shares the impact literacy and a strong education had on his career after football, as well as his mission to pay that forward.

Episode 3: “The Beginning of Something Brilliant”

Features Brilliant Detroit co-founders Carolyn and Jim Bellinson as they share their passion for helping others and the story of the creation of Brilliant Detroit. This discussion dives into the challenges and opportunities they faced in one of the nation’s most fractured cities and the growing successes that are currently being realized.

Detroit Pistons to Host Annual 313 Day Game Celebration Presented by Ally Wednesday

The Detroit Pistons will host their annual Pistons 313 Day Celebration presented by Ally, a series of Pistons-themed festivities that celebrate 313 Day, a Detroit area code-inspired holiday honoring all things Detroit on March 13 vs. the Toronto Raptors.

This year’s Pistons 313 Day Celebration, which is also supported by SNIPES, tips off pre-game outside the arena with an Ally-branded inflatable Pop-a-Shot in the Chevy Plaza. The Detroit Pistons-themed Ally show car that raced in the FireKeepers Casino 400 NASCAR Cup Series race at Michigan International Speedway last August also will be present outside the Comerica Entrance.

When doors open, the first 3,130 fans will receive a Pistons 313 Statement chain presented by Ally and be greeted with a full 313 Day takeover. Ally also has partnered with Detroit vs. Everybody and Hip Hues to create special 313 Day t-shirts for 500 fans.

A local artist, Allison Sims, also will be live painting hats on the concourse for an additional 100 fans. Nine nonprofit organizations making an impact throughout the metro Detroit community who have worked with the Pistons and Ally —100 Black Men, Big Brother Big Sister, Detroit Phoenix Center, Downtown Boxing Gym, Girl Scouts of Southeastern Michigan, Journi, Junior Achievement, Midnight Golf, and Vista Maria — also will be tabling on the upper concourse and handing out giveaways.

Pistons’ 313 Day will include the U.S. National Anthem performed by R&B singer Bobbi Storm, an in-game performance by Detroit rapper Baby Money, as well as a halftime performance by Detroit rapper Veeze.

“313 Day holds a special place in Detroit’s heart and the Detroit Pistons are excited to join Ally to recognize this great city and its community at our annual 313 Day game,” says Bilal Saeed, vice president of marketing and brand strategy for the NBA team. “As we celebrate the Motor City, fans will experience a night full of Detroit-themed activations that showcase why we’re proud to be a part of the 313 and what makes this city so unique.”

As a part of the Pistons 313 Day Celebration, the Pistons are dropping their six-piece J. Dilla retail collection with Grammy Award Nominated and platinum-selling rapper, producer, and songwriter Royce 5’9” celebrating the life and legacy of Detroit-born producer, songwriter, and rapper J. Dilla and his impact in music and culture. The retail capsule features a two-piece in-arena exclusive available only at the Team Store at Little Caesars Arena on 313 Day, as well as four additional designs available at both the Team Store at LCA and Pistons313Shop.com.

Tickets are still available for Pistons 313 Day and can be purchased at Pistons.com/tickets.

California-based Ross Stores to Open New Locations in Michigan

California-based Ross Stores Inc. opened 11 Ross Dress for Less and seven dd’s DISCOUNTS stores in 11 different states in February and March. These new locations are part of the company’s plans to add approximately 90 new stores, comprised of about 75 Ross and 15 dd’s DISCOUNTS, during fiscal 2024.

“This spring, we continued to expand the store base of both Ross and dd’s. Specifically for Ross, we expanded our presence in the newer markets of Michigan and New York, while dd’s growth primarily focused on existing markets of California, Florida, and Texas,” says Gregg McGillis, group executive vice president of Property Development. “We now operate a total of 2,127 Ross Dress for Less and dd’s DISCOUNTS locations across 43 states, the District of Columbia, and Guam.”

Fintech Company Acrisure Forms Great Lakes Region Spanning Michigan, Indiana, Ohio

Grand Rapids-based Acrisure, a global fintech leader, has formed its Great Lakes Region, encompassing its businesses in Michigan, Indiana, and Ohio.

Over the last year, Acrisure has rolled the Acrisure brand out to its businesses throughout the United States to ensure clients know the breadth of solutions it offers people’s businesses and lives, including insurance, mortgage origination, cyber services, payroll and much more.

The Great Lakes Region is led by long-time partner Kelly Reed and represents more than 1,100 employees and serves more than 180,000 clients.

“When we started Acrisure almost 20 years ago, our vision was to disrupt the insurance brokerage industry,” says Greg Williams, co-founder, chairman, and CEO of Acrisure. “It all started in this part of the country. That said, this milestone is more about the future than the past. I’m deeply appreciative to the teams who have come together as Acrisure today, and for all they do to serve the total needs of our clients.”

For more information, visit here.

Survey: Results Show Optimism for West Michigan Economy

A monthly survey conducted by a researcher at Grand Valley State University in Allendale Township, near Grand Rapids, shows an upswing in optimism among area businesses and manufacturers regarding the west Michigan economy.

Brian Long, director of supply management research at GVSU’s Seidman College of Business, says he tracked several positive trends from local businesses in his latest survey.

“The surprise in February’s survey turned out to be the new wave of optimism we are receiving,” Long says. “Our index of business confidence came in at a two-year high, and the comments from our survey participants were also upbeat for the first time in quite a few months.”

One significant metric tracked by Long — the new orders index, which tracks business improvement — saw a sizable increase in February compared to its January rating. Another of Long’s key metrics — the production index, which measures output from the manufacturing sector — also rose within the same timeframe.

“Much as we expected, the downtick in January we reported last month turned out to be a one-off event,” Long says. “February’s numbers came in with what we could best describe as flat, but headed in the right direction, namely up.”

Long says national and international surveys of purchasing managers also indicate an upswell of confidence, reducing the likelihood of a recession in 2024.

“With our February numbers as positive as they are, it seems obvious that barring a ‘black swan’ event, a recession is clearly not just around the corner or even probable for the rest of 2024,” Long says. “However, we’ve averaged a recession every six years or so since the end of World War II, so we’re kidding ourselves if we don’t think that there’s another recession out there somewhere.”

Some of the key results from the GVSU survey:

  • New orders index (business improvement): +3 vs. -26 in January.
  • Production index (output): -10 vs. -20 in January.
  • Employment index: -7 vs. -7 in January.
  • Lead times index: -5 vs. -7 in January.

Commercial Property Owners Urged to Review Tax Appraisal Accuracy or Appeal by May 31

Michigan commercial property tax assessments arrive by March each year, requiring property owners to determine if they are going to accept and pay — or fight and appeal — their assessment by the May 31 deadline.

Attorneys in the commercial real estate practice of Birmingham-based business law firm Williams Williams Rattner & Plunkett encourage property owners to consider market conditions closely before paying their assessment.

“The commercial real estate market in Michigan is complex,” says Jerome P. Pesick, a firm shareholder who specializes in commercial property tax appeals, eminent domain and condemnation law, and land use cases. “Values are rising in certain commercial sectors, while others are stagnant or in decline. That’s why it’s important to ensure the property’s assessment is in line with what the market will justify.”

The notice of assessment contains the value that the local assessor has placed on the property and determines the amount of property tax due. For assessment purposes, a property’s assessed and taxable values should be no more than half of its market value.

“We are seeing several instances where assessments fail to account for market realities, especially with the higher cost of financing, increased expenses, and a greater risk of vacancy/collection loss,” says Brian Etzel, a shareholder at WWRP. “When that happens, the property owner can either pay an artificially inflated tax bill or challenge the assessment before the Michigan Tax Tribunal.”

The last day for commercial/industrial property tax appeals to be filed with the Michigan Tax Tribunal is May 31. Williams Williams Rattner & Plunkett’s tax appeal team, including Pesick, Etzel and shareholder Jason C. Long, has been involved in the commercial property tax appeal process for decades.

“Challenging and, if necessary, litigating property tax assessments, is a niche area of the law that requires attention to detail, strong negotiation and trial skills, a keen understanding of commercial real estate, and strict adherence to deadlines,” Long says.

Habitat for Humanity of Oakland County Partners to Offer Home Repairs for Residents

The city of Madison Heights, in partnership with Habitat for Humanity of Oakland County, will launch a program to provide eligible homeowners with affordable critical home repairs.

The program will be multi-faceted, helping Madison Heights homeowners to repair and replace furnaces, hot water heaters, roofs, kitchen and bath upgrades, deck and porch replacements, install new siding, as well as a variety of other home upgrades.

Habitat Oakland will manage the fund on behalf of the city, with staff dedicated to homeowner-occupied home restoration and financial counseling. Habitat Oakland will not only review the application with each owner, but also cross-reference other programs that may offer financial assistance.

Program Criteria:

  • Property must be owner occupied.
  • Property owner(s) must be current on mortgage, homeowner’s insurance, and property taxes or current on a payment plan for delinquent taxes.
  • Habitat must deem the home in acceptable condition for requested work to be performed.

The program will focus on homes in the southern end of the city, located south of Lincoln, north of 1-696 between Dequindre and Stephenson Highway. Homeowners with low to moderate income can qualify for grant funding to cover various home repairs with emphasis placed on addressing long-term health and safety concerns.

For more information or to submit an application, visit Habitatoakland.org.

Great Lakes Data, AI & Analytics Summit On Tap for April 18

The 12th annual Great Lakes Data, AI & Analytics Summit will be taking place from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. at the Troy Marriott (200 W. Big Beaver Road) on April 18.

The one-day experience for professionals in analytics, IT, and business featuring keynotes from industry experts, in-depth case study sessions from local practitioners, software demonstrations from top vendors, and networking opportunities.

Registration is $199 before March 25 and $249 afterward. Group discounts of 10 percent are available for groups of three or more. For a group discount code, contact glsummit@witinc.com.

For more information and to register, visit here.

Hospice of Michigan to Host Barley, BBQ & Beats Fundraiser in Detroit May 17

Hospice of Michigan’s Barley, BBQ & Beats fundraising event is returning to Detroit from 5-9 p.m. on Friday, May 17 at Saint Andrew’s Hall.

Barley, BBQ & Beats is the not-for-profit’s signature fundraising event featuring hand-crafted cocktails (and mocktails) from local distilleries, barbecue courtesy of local pit masters and restaurants, and live musical performances — all to support access to the hospice. The fundraiser has grown every year since its inaugural event in Grand Rapids in 2016, expanding to Detroit in 2018. In 2024, the fundraiser also will be in:

  • Grand Rapids – 5-9 p.m. on May 18 at DeVos Place.
  • Ann Arbor – 5-9 p.m. on Sept. 5 at Revel Run.
  • Traverse City – 5-9 p.m. on Sept. 19 at Jacob’s Farm.
  • Alpena – 6-10 p.m. on Oct. 4 at The Aplex.

The Detroit event will feature musical performances by Detroit’s Queen of the Blues, Thornetta Davis, as well as hometown favorite Luke Winslow-King.

Tickets for all Barley, BBQ & Beats events are on sale now, and can be purchased for $65 in advance at hom.org/bbb or at the door of each event for $75. Ticket holders will be provided tokens at check-in valid for three servings of BBQ and three hand-crafted cocktails. Extra tokens will be available for purchase. Alternative samplings will be available if guests have dietary restrictions.

All those who donate during the Detroit event will have the opportunity to double their generosity thanks to the Steve and Amy Van Andel Foundation. The “Make it a Double” Matching Gift will match all event donations up to $25,000. Proceeds from Barley, BBQ & Beats support Hospice of Michigan’s Open Access Program, which helps ensure end-of-life care to all, regardless of age, diagnosis, or financial circumstances.

For sponsorship opportunities, contact Kim Streich at kstreich@hom.org.

The Highlands in Harbor Springs Continues Lift and Other Upgrades

The Highlands in Harbor Springs announced plans to replace the Interconnect chairlift for the 2024/25 winter season with a Doppelmayr fixed-grip triple.

The new Interconnect triple is poised to enhance the guest experience by providing improved accessibility to the North Peak region’s largely intermediate, family-friendly terrain. With a faster accent and expanded capacity, riders will spend a third less time on the lift, maximizing time spent skiing and riding among the northern end’s 14 runs.

The new lift also features RFID gates providing hands-free, direct-to-lift access, and a child- and adaptive-friendly height-adjustable loading carpet. The chairs feature bench-style seating, safety bars, and footrests for added comfort for riders of all ages.

“We are eager to upgrade our Interconnect lift with a new Doppelmayr fixed-grip design to enhance the experience for guests next winter season,” says Mike Chumbler, president and general manager of The Highlands. “With improved speed, efficiency, modern conveniences, and safety features, we are confident that this addition will help build on the overall skiing and riding adventures at The Highlands.”

The Interconnect announcement comes following the recent unveiling of Camelot 6, the Midwest’s first six-person bubble chairlift and fastest lift in Michigan, which opened earlier this winter. The lift investments, along with recent projects such as upgrades to the Donald Ross Memorial course and opening of the Doon Brae short course this summer, are integral to the resort’s “Transformational Journey” guiding growth and guest enhancements through 2030.

For more information, visit highlandsfuture.com.