Kim's Produce opens Jan. 29 on Woodward at Willis

[Alley_Cat]

http://www.modeldmedia.com/devnews/kims012610.aspx

[REL]

I met Kim & Hollis last week, and am very excited for their opening... Good luck, guys!! Please give your support to this new fledgling business.

[Zacha341]

Wow! The city is desperate need of better produce options... beyond the "Foodland" chain type stores full of can goods, processed foods and very few options for fresh vegetables and produce!

Originally Posted by Alley_Cat

http://www.modeldmedia.com/devnews/kims012610.aspx

[Toolbox]

Originally Posted by Zacha341

Wow! The city is desperate need of better produce options... beyond the "Foodland" chain type stores full of can goods, processed foods and very few options for fresh vegetables and produce!

Is shopping at Eastern Market beneath you????

[DetroitPlanner]

Originally Posted by Toolbox

Is shopping at Eastern Market beneath you????

Probably not because Eastern Market is where the owners will buy their produce, I suppose they just like to pay extra for mark-up.

BTW, my neighborhood has several produce markets in it. We may not have mega grocer chains, but people have filled the need.

[casscorridor]

I heard about Kim's Produce when I walked past the storefront a couple months ago and there was a paper sign on the window. I got excited, kept walking and looked at the windows of the old C-POP, which said "Coming Soon: Front Page Deli." I was wondering if anyone heard about this. I thought Revolution Books was going in that spot, but another sign said it will be located in the basement (they moved from W Willis at Cass Ave, so Goodwell's Health Foods could expand). http://www.eatfrontpage.com/

So exciting. Places soon to open in Midtown:
- Kim's Produce
- Front Page Deli
- Sunflower Market
- Corridor Sausage Co.
- Starters Bar & Grille
- Seva Vegetarian Restaurant (the only thing I head of this was in yesterday's News)
- Slow's BBQ

[theribshack]

Originally Posted by DetroitPlanner

Probably not because Eastern Market is where the owners will buy their produce, I suppose they just like to pay extra for mark-up.

BTW, my neighborhood has several produce markets in it. We may not have mega grocer chains, but people have filled the need.

I went to Kim and Hollis's produce stand last year in Ann Arbor almost daily and got to know them very well. They would go to the terminals and Eastern Market between midnight and 6 am to meet the farmers to get fresh picked produce. They always had great produce and prices. I wish them well at their new store. Stop by and check them out you will be glad you did.

[Bearinabox]

Originally Posted by DetroitPlanner

Probably not because Eastern Market is where the owners will buy their produce, I suppose they just like to pay extra for mark-up.

I can see the appeal for Midtown residents of walking a few blocks to a storefront instead of two miles to Eastern Market.

[DetroitPlanner]

Originally Posted by Bearinabox

I can see the appeal for Midtown residents of walking a few blocks to a storefront instead of two miles to Eastern Market.

I am not saying that there is not a market for the mark-up... only that there will be one.

I sure don't buy all my produce in Eastern Market, why should I when I can walk a couple of blocks to several produce places in Warrendale.

[Sarah]

Originally Posted by casscorridor

I heard about Kim's Produce when I walked past the storefront a couple months ago and there was a paper sign on the window. I got excited, kept walking and looked at the windows of the old C-POP, which said "Coming Soon: Front Page Deli." I was wondering if anyone heard about this. I thought Revolution Books was going in that spot, but another sign said it will be located in the basement (they moved from W Willis at Cass Ave, so Goodwell's Health Foods could expand). http://www.eatfrontpage.com/

So exciting. Places soon to open in Midtown:
- Kim's Produce
- Front Page Deli
- Sunflower Market
- Corridor Sausage Co.
- Starters Bar & Grille
- Seva Vegetarian Restaurant (the only thing I head of this was in yesterday's News)
- Slow's BBQ

I couldn't find any mention on Seva in the News. Can you help? Also, info on Starters Bar & Grille please.

[DetroitArmy]

Sarah,

The Seva blurb is oddly hidden in the image on the right hand side of the "Midtown On A Roll" article.

[Sarah]

Originally Posted by DetroitArmy

Sarah,

The Seva blurb is oddly hidden in the image on the right hand side of the "Midtown On A Roll" article.

Thanks, I've always enjoyed Seva in A2. It would fit in Midtown nicely.

[Alley_Cat]

Originally Posted by DetroitArmy

Sarah,

The Seva blurb is oddly hidden in the image on the right hand side of the "Midtown On A Roll" article.

Seva in Detroit thread........
http://detroityes.com/mb/showthread.php?t=663

[terryh]

There is a mix of students and poor residents who will benefit from having fresh produce in walking distance for many and on a main bus line.....a convenience for those of us who can never seem to be able to make it to Eastern Market...

[wolverine]

Good news!!

[j to the jeremy]

It will also make it easier for senior citizens on the Woodward line to get produce now that the Russell bus line has been discontinued.

[Alley_Cat]

My co-worker and I just walked back from Kim’s Produce. The space is a little small and the selection is limited. However, the produce looks great and the prices are very reasonable. For fruit there’s apples, oranges, bananas, mangos, pears, kiwi, blueberries, and strawberries. Vegetables included tomatoes, celery, iceberg and leaf lettuce, baby carrots, asparagus, onions, cucumbers and more. There’s a cooler filled with Calder Dairy products. And some killer cheesecake by the slice!! There’s metered parking in the front on Woodward if you need to drive there, or if you’re stealthy enough, park in back of the Majestic and walk around. If you work nearby, give them a visit. If you live close by, your neighborhood walkabilty has improved.
Oh yeah, complimentary chocolate covered strawberries while they last!!

[DetroiterOnTheWestCoast]

I suppose that if they are buying in bulk from Eastern Market, they might be getting better prices and therefore the prices in the store might not be bad.

[bartock]

Originally Posted by Sarah

I couldn't find any mention on Seva in the News. Can you help? Also, info on Starters Bar & Grille please.

Starters Bar @ Grille is on the northern retail end of Studio One Apartments. There is a sign up for it now.

[Alley_Cat]

Originally Posted by DetroiterOnTheWestCoast

I suppose that if they are buying in bulk from Eastern Market, they might be getting better prices and therefore the prices in the store might not be bad.

Don’t quote me on this (I was distracted by that cheesecake), but I believe that Kim said they shop at the Detroit Produce Terminal (on W. Fort St.?) during the off-season. The Eastern Market shopping happens during the summer when the farmers are there from midnight to 6 a.m..

[Alley_Cat]

Originally Posted by bartock

Starters Bar @ Grille is on the northern retail end of Studio One Apartments. There is a sign up for it now.

I called the phone number from their website. There was no answer and no voicemail. Is it a "Coming Soon" sign?

http://startersbarandgrill.com/

[Dabirch]

Originally Posted by Alley_Cat

My co-worker and I just walked back from Kim’s Produce. The space is a little small and the selection is limited. However, the produce looks great and the prices are very reasonable. For fruit there’s apples, oranges, bananas, mangos, pears, kiwi, blueberries, and strawberries. Vegetables included tomatoes, celery, iceberg and leaf lettuce, baby carrots, asparagus, onions, cucumbers and more. There’s a cooler filled with Calder Dairy products. And some killer cheesecake by the slice!! There’s metered parking in the front on Woodward if you need to drive there, or if you’re stealthy enough, park in back of the Majestic and walk around. If you work nearby, give them a visit. If you live close by, your neighborhood walkabilty has improved.
Oh yeah, complimentary chocolate covered strawberries while they last!!

Alley_Cat,

Besides the free strawberrys, what did you buy?

[bartock]

Originally Posted by Alley_Cat

I called the phone number from their website. There was no answer and no voicemail. Is it a "Coming Soon" sign?

http://startersbarandgrill.com/

I don't even know if there is a "Coming Soon" sign yet, but the Starters Bar & Grill is prominent on the outside, and a permanent fixture. You can see through the windows (just driving by) that it is not yet furnished, so I do not know when they actually plan on opening.

[casscorridor]

Originally Posted by bartock

I don't even know if there is a "Coming Soon" sign yet, but the Starters Bar & Grill is prominent on the outside, and a permanent fixture. You can see through the windows (just driving by) that it is not yet furnished, so I do not know when they actually plan on opening.

Yeah. they've been working for a long time. It has to be almost a year. But I know they are getting close to opening because there is a now hiring sign on the window.

Also, I forgot another coming soon.... Fatburger, also in the Studio One building.

[Alley_Cat]

Originally Posted by Dabirch

Alley_Cat,

Besides the free strawberrys, what did you buy?

In addition to the FREE chocolate covered strawberry I walked out with $12.94 worth of produce and dessert:
A bunch of celery ($1.50), one mango (75 cents), 2 pears (@ 35 cents each), one red pepper ($1.50), one-pound package of strawberries ($3.00), one-pound package of carrots ($1.00) and a giant piece of killer cheesecake ($3.99).

[casscorridor]

Oh, and I saw some people working on the new Slow's location on the corner of Cass and Alexandrine. It looked like they were clearing it out, hopefully getting ready to start the renovation.

[Dabirch]

Originally Posted by Alley_Cat

In addition to the FREE chocolate covered strawberry I walked out with $12.94 worth of produce and dessert:
A bunch of celery ($1.50), one mango (75 cents), 2 pears (@ 35 cents each), one red pepper ($1.50), one-pound package of strawberries ($3.00), one-pound package of carrots ($1.00) and a giant piece of killer cheesecake ($3.99).

Point made. I withdraw my snarkiness.

[Cooper]

I stopped in around lunch time. Like Alley_Cat said, the selection so far is limited, but they're still stocking the store and are open to suggestions. What they have so far looked great and was reasonably priced. I bought some blueberries today ($2.75) and will be back next week for a bag of apples and a bowl of chili.

[Alley_Cat]

Originally Posted by Dabirch

Point made. I withdraw my snarkiness.

Hey Dabirch:
The snarkiness did not go unnoticed. A lot of that goes on with this forum as it does on most others, I guess. I appreciate your withdrawal of the snarkiness that you laid upon my post. Snarkiness withdrawls are almost never given. Nothing personal taken.

Let me know when you can make it to Kim’s and if I’m around I’ll walk over and buy you a piece of that killer cheesecake. Or a Calders Banana or Peach yogurt drink. Is next week good for you? This is a limited time offer!!

[Zacha341]

This is really good news.... I'm heading over there right now. Hope they take debit card. I rarely carry cash....

[Dabirch]

Originally Posted by Alley_Cat

Hey Dabirch:
The snarkiness did not go unnoticed. A lot of that goes on with this forum as it does on most others, I guess. I appreciate your withdrawal of the snarkiness that you laid upon my post. Snarkiness withdrawls are almost never given. Nothing personal taken.

Let me know when you can make it to Kim’s and if I’m around I’ll walk over and buy you a piece of that killer cheesecake. Or a Calders Banana or Peach yogurt drink. Is next week good for you? This is a limited time offer!!

I appreciate the offer. While I would like to take you up on your offer, I am certain "limited time offer" won't last until mid-february, when I will be back in town.

My original snark was directed at the myriad posters who have hailed the coming of a new business and mourned the loss of an old one, and then expressed that fact that they hadn't been yet, or were there once in 1997, and can't believe they are closing. I look back as recently as the thread about Zacarro's opening (and the one about it closing) for some pretty good examples.

Glad the neighborhood has some more options, and I am looking forward to checking out the spot when I am home (and maybe even buying something).

[Alley_Cat]

Originally Posted by Dabirch

I appreciate the offer. While I would like to take you up on your offer, I am certain "limited time offer" won't last until mid-february, when I will be back in town.

My original snark was directed at the myriad posters who have hailed the coming of a new business and mourned the loss of an old one, and then expressed that fact that they hadn't been yet, or were there once in 1997, and can't believe they are closing. I look back as recently as the thread about Zacarro's opening (and the one about it closing) for some pretty good examples.

Glad the neighborhood has some more options, and I am looking forward to checking out the spot when I am home (and maybe even buying something).

So, you’re an out-of-towner? You said, "when I am home". You’re probably not a snowbird, February is too early for you to come "home". Or, have you fled Detroit like so many others? (Sorry for the snarkiness in advance).

[Dabirch]

I find no offense in the snarkiness - I got my share when I made the decision to move 3 years ago. I don't look back. After a decade in mid-town, Indian & West Village, I was ready to move on.

But I do love coming home. I do it 5 or 6 times a year. And I am still deeply involved with the city, on a personal, economic, and professional level. I miss the friends and the faces, and the familiar haunts, but it is 68 degrees here, there is not a cloud in the sky, and I am looking at the ocean from my dining room.

I have not posted much on here since my move, and I am not planning on posting much in the future. I don't have the insight or knowledge about the city that I once had, nor do I wear the rose-coloured glasses that used to be permanently affixed atop my nose. You guys don't need another out of town asshole talking about how a solution is unfixable. So for the most part I will keep quiet. That is unless I see an opportunity to make a joke that is drawing out somebody else's hypoocrisy, or is harmless. I mis-fired at my attempt today.

But hey, I'll see you at Kim's.

[Alley_Cat]

Originally Posted by Dabirch

I find no offense in the snarkiness - I got my share when I made the decision to move 3 years ago. I don't look back. After a decade in mid-town, Indian & West Village, I was ready to move on.

But I do love coming home. I do it 5 or 6 times a year. And I am still deeply involved with the city, on a personal, economic, and professional level. I miss the friends and the faces, and the familiar haunts, but it is 68 degrees here, there is not a cloud in the sky, and I am looking at the ocean from my dining room.

I have not posted much on here since my move, and I am not planning on posting much in the future. I don't have the insight or knowledge about the city that I once had, nor do I wear the rose-coloured glasses that used to be permanently affixed atop my nose. You guys don't need another out of town asshole talking about how a solution is unfixable. So for the most part I will keep quiet. That is unless I see an opportunity to make a joke that is drawing out somebody else's hypoocrisy, or is harmless. I mis-fired at my attempt today.

But hey, I'll see you at Kim's.

Don’t stop posting. I’m sure you have plenty of good ideas, thoughts, experiences, etc., that you can share with this group of mostly well meaning individuals. Different perspectives are welcomed and useful.

[Mackinaw]

Nice to read about this business. Great for midtown residents who don't have a car or want to use their car. As great as Eastern Mkt. is, they might not want to go over there multiple times a week. I'm interested to know how much of a premium you all are paying to enjoy this service.

Though there is much more room for growth, I think everyone should take heart in the continued change in midtown, and in the rate of new business startups there and downtown. Though some fail (see Zaccarro's), the fact that people keep trying is a great sign, and inevitably, some will be long term successes.

[English]

Originally Posted by Mackinaw

Nice to read about this business. Great for midtown residents who don't have a car or want to use their car. As great as Eastern Mkt. is, they might not want to go over there multiple times a week. I'm interested to know how much of a premium you all are paying to enjoy this service.

Though there is much more room for growth, I think everyone should take heart in the continued change in midtown, and in the rate of new business startups there and downtown. Though some fail (see Zaccarro's), the fact that people keep trying is a great sign, and inevitably, some will be long term successes.

I agree, Mackinaw. And just as some businesses fail (Zaccaro's) and some thrive (Avalon) in an area, some residents leave, and others perhaps return...

[stromberg2]

I stopped in there today, very nice. It has a small selection, but I think it will grow as it warms up.

Stromberg2

[Zacha341]

I went yesterday evening and had a chance to talk with co-owner Hollis who is shown wearing the apron in top photo of one of the posts in this thread. I was really impressed with him and the store. They are still stocking new items but I would say they are off to a great start! And they take Mastercard and Visa!! A plus for those who don't carry cash!

What is misleading is from the street you cannot see the whole store. But once inside you see there's more!

When you come in there is an area to the left with products and produce for sale. Hollis (an Ann Arbor native) expressed his interest and passion to provide more options for fresh produce and other items for the area. He has front show case that included freshly juiced drinks, home-made boxed salads (that of course are more healthy than the salads you would get across the street at Micey Ds).

He also had some tempting sweet items the front show case -- can you say cheese cake! On the counter there were soup pots just in time for the cold and he had many shelved items including organic dressings, herbs, honeys etc. I ended up getting a few things including a dense green salad which complimented my Tai carry out I purchased next door. I will be back!

Originally Posted by Cooper

I stopped in around lunch time. Like Alley_Cat said, the selection so far is limited, but they're still stocking the store and are open to suggestions. What they have so far looked great and was reasonably priced. I bought some blueberries today ($2.75) and will be back next week for a bag of apples and a bowl of chili.

[Zacha341]

Oh, BTW the "to go" salad was great and affordable. Nice and chocked full of dense greens. I nice healthy grab and go, so I will at least know I got some fresh veggies on a hectic day. Go KIMS! I will be back!!!!!!!

[Alley_Cat]

There’s a blurb in the "Taste" section of this week’s Metro Times about Kim’s Produce. The good news is they got the address right (4206 Woodward, south of Bangkok Cuisine, north of Passport Pizza). The bad news is they said that Kim’s moved into the space formerly occupied by Zaccaro’s. We all know that the Ye Olde Butcher Shoppe folks will be moving into Zaccaro’s in May-ish.

[Zacha341]

Yeah, the blew it saying it had taken over the ex Zaccaro's site...

Originally Posted by Alley_Cat

There’s a blurb in the "Taste" section of this week’s Metro Times about Kim’s Produce. The good news is they got the address right (4206 Woodward, south of Bangkok Cuisine, north of Passport Pizza). The bad news is they said that Kim’s moved into the space formerly occupied by Zaccaro’s. We all know that the Ye Olde Butcher Shoppe folks will be moving into Zaccaro’s in May-ish.

[Kimmiann]

Not having seen this thread sooner, I discovered Kim's Produce yesterday, purely by accident and am delighted. I had a couple of errands to run on my lunch hour and walked past the store along my route. It was such a gorgeous day and there was a sign in the window advertising fresh-squeezed lemonade, so in I went! Lucky for me, I actually had the $2 in my pocket (not at all usual) because the lemonade was delicious and really hit the spot! I didn't really take the time to look around but went away with a menu/brochure and shared it with a co-worker. I will definitely go back, the salads and the cheesecake looked heavenly and are very reasonably priced!

[Zacha341]

It's a nice place. I need to go there more-and plan to do so. I've had a few salads to go and there were great. Reasonable prices, great customer service. And the cheese cake was "slammin'"Nice people, great location!

Originally Posted by Kimmiann

Not having seen this thread sooner, I discovered Kim's Produce yesterday, purely by accident and am delighted. I had a couple of errands to run on my lunch hour and walked past the store along my route. It was such a gorgeous day and there was a sign in the window advertising fresh-squeezed lemonade, so in I went! Lucky for me, I actually had the $2 in my pocket (not at all usual) because the lemonade was delicious and really hit the spot! I didn't really take the time to look around but went away with a menu/brochure and shared it with a co-worker. I will definitely go back, the salads and the cheesecake looked heavenly and are very reasonably priced!

[DetroitDad]

Oh, yes! Kim's does almost everything perfectly, and actually keeps their hours. I shop for all the produce for our offices. The produce is so good, often organic, and local when possible. There are so many problems that we have in our diets, thanks to pesticides. Local produce is supposedly also better for your immune system, building tolerances to the world around you naturally... instead of building tolerance against things in Central and South America.