Opening a restaurant during the pandemic may sound counter-intuitive when so many have closed. But today’s new operators say they’re on the cusp of culinary change, and adapting business strategies based on what they’ve learned from COVID.
Paula Gardner
Paula directs the business reporting on Bridge, writing much of it and setting the strategy for how statewide business coverage fits into Bridge’s nonpartisan policy-driven editorial mix. Paula came to Bridge in 2020 after several years at MLive.com, where she covered the state on both business and environmental teams. Prior to that, she was editor of the Ann Arbor News and news director of online startup AnnArbor,com, and also focused on business news as an editor and reporter at Michigan Business Review. Born and raised in metro Detroit, Paula moved to Ann Arbor to attend the University of Michigan, and has lived in the city for 20 years with her husband, who grew up in their neighborhood. Paula also regularly visits East Lansing and Grand Rapids to visit her college-aged children. She can be reached at pgardner@bridgemi.com
Posted inMichigan Government
Michigan Capitol rife with sexism, Gov. Whitmer says. And that’s ‘depressing’
Despite gains, women lawmakers who ‘lean in’ take more ‘heat, ugliness and threats,’ Whitmer says. Lansing is roiling from GOP chair calling women ‘witches’ and harassment claims against Democratic consultant.
Posted inTalent & Education
Report: 38 percent of Michigan households don’t earn enough for basic needs
The United Ways’ ALICE report, released Tuesday, illustrates the gulf in Michigan between having a job and having a job that pays enough to support workers and families. The most in-demand job going forward: fast food.
Posted inBusiness Watch
Michigan is ready to vacation again. Is it enough to save the hotel industry?
Travel may set a record this year in Michigan, and empty rooms may be scarce in hotspots like Traverse City. But many hotels are struggling to stay afloat because of huge cuts to business trips.
Posted inBusiness Watch
Q&A with Ann Arbor tech innovator on bringing ‘joy’ to work during COVID
Rich Sheridan, pioneer of ‘extreme teams’ at Menlo Innovations, on the challenge of keeping colleagues together when a pandemic was pulling everyone apart.
Posted inBusiness Watch
One year into pandemic, these numbers frame Michigan’s uneven recovery
A year after some feared collapse, Michigan’s economy is weathering the storm but warning signs remain. Jobs in the hospitality industry, exemplified here by Mackinac Island, are down. Here are more than two dozen metics you need to know to understand the recovery, from average income and housing prices to debt and productivity.
Posted inQuality of Life
How $1.9 trillion COVID stimulus plan will impact Michigan
The extraordinary package expected to come to a U.S. House vote as soon as Tuesday provides months of economic protection to households across Michigan, too much say some critics. Here are some ways families, schools and businesses will be impacted.
Posted inBusiness Watch
With far fewer houses, Michigan's real estate market is 'absolutely crazy'
Add $10,000 to the list price or you’re not going to get the home, one buyer said she learned the hard way. Home listings are down by more than half this year, forcing prospective buyers to bid fast and pay more, way more.
Posted inBusiness Watch
Michigan work went remote. Businesses now weigh whether they need offices.
Empty parking lots are deceiving: Most businesses are still paying for their office leases and there isn’t a glut of space. But commercial brokers around the state say they don’t know if that will change, or when.
Posted inBusiness Watch
Michigan restaurants welcome ‘lifeline’ after Whitmer increases capacity
After weeks of mostly positive COVID trends, the governor allows bars, restaurants and retail stores to open at 50 percent capacity and eases limits on casinos and exercise facilities. Some worry the limits last too long.