As Saginaw Street’s brick replacement continues, lane closures aren’t preventing new business openings from happening. Just this week, the Flint & Genesee Chamber has helped support two ribbon cuttings, with plans for a third on Friday.
“We’ve been encouraged by the recent spike in renovations and business openings,” said Andrew Younger, executive director of the Flint& Genesee Chamber. “If you look at downtown Flint as the center of our community, the success of its businesses is a strong indicator of economic health for the overall county.”
Younger points to 100K Ideas as one example of this positive momentum.
“On Tuesday, we celebrated three major milestones for 100K Ideas,” Younger said. “Not only did they recently move to the Dryden Building on Saginaw Street, they also launched the 100K Startup Hub and re-opened the popular Shops on Saginaw. This is great news for local entrepreneurs and small businesses looking to get their foot in the door.”
A block away, MagnifiClips recently unveiled its recent renovations, which merges the barbershop experience with that of an art gallery.
“Between the music they play and the art on the walls, it’s awesome to see owner Timothy Tyler’s vision brought to life in downtown Flint,” he said.
Across 2nd Street, the Chamber will also help Spectacular Spudz celebrate its grand opening on Friday, July 21. The business, which had previously been located in the Flint Farmers’ Market, recently moved into its first standalone location, where it serves up fully loaded hot potatoes of all kinds. The public is encouraged to attend the event, which will be held from 10-11 a.m.
Looking ahead, closures will continue until August’s big event season when it will stop for the HAP Crim Festival of Races, Back to the Bricks, and Bikes on the Bricks. While some businesses have temporarily closed during the project, most are still open and could use your support. Among some of the local retailers and restaurants who belong to the Chamber are:
- Blackstone’s Smokehouse
- Coffee Beanery
- Cork on Saginaw
- Flint Crepe Company
- Flint Farmers’ Market
- Flint Optical
- Greater Flint Arts Council
- Hoffman’s Deco Deli
- Michigan Coffee Company
- Pop Rox
- Rootless Coffee
- Sauce Italian Kitchen
- Simmer
- Smoke, Rattle & Roll
- Soriano’s Mexican Kitchen (check out the Chamber’s recent On Location with owner Erica Soriano here)
- Xolo
Please note that this is a non-exhaustive list. If you see a Chamber member missing from the above list, email .
For up-to-date information regarding the city’s brick replacement project, visit fixthebricksflint.com. And, to stay informed about future ribbon cuttings, bookmark flintandgenesee.org/events.