Small Business

Kalamazoo's bakeries are the frosting on the cake

Zinta Aistars Thursday, May 02, 2013

You might say one thing three Kalamazoo-area bakeries have in common is tradition. One was started by a former European pastry chef, one by a third generation baker and the third by an Irish baker also using recipes from the Continent. Zinta Aistars talks with the bakers of Boonzaaijer's, MacKenzie's, and the Victorian Bakery.

Disc golf and bikes lead to change in Battle Creek

Jane C. Parikh Thursday, April 25, 2013

Chad and Niaomi Curtis' shop is more than a place to find a bicycle. It's home to a program that teaches young people bike repair skills. Plus Chad is behind Battle Creek's three Disc Golf Courses. Jane Parikh talks to the couple to find out what motivates their work.

Keeping kids out of trouble by making truffles

Zinta Aistars Thursday, April 11, 2013

Dale Anderson wanted to help kids by teaching them building trades skills. He ended up teaching them how to make truffles. Zinta Aistars has the story on how he made that leap with them at Confections with Convictions.

A Kalamazoo wine distributor's mission to save a great grape

Zinta Aistars Thursday, January 10, 2013

Lots of people want to save certain animals from being lost to the world. Christine Skandis wants to make sure certain delicate grapes survive. She tells Zinta Aistars about her business, Skandis Fine Wines.

A Second Round: Sipping the season's pumpkin ales

Jeremy Martin Thursday, November 08, 2012

To honor the craft brews of the region, especially this season’s batch of pumpkin ales, A Second Round hosted a seasonal beer tasting party. Jeremy Martin gathered a panel of actors whose reactions were anything but scripted.

Chefs of Southwest Michigan: Three to Watch

Zinta Aistars Thursday, October 11, 2012

Celebrity events, corporate dining rooms and the dining room at home are all places these three chefs of Southwest Michigan have showcased their culinary talents. Zinta Aistars talks with Matthew Pietsch, Andy Havey, and Denise Miller about their latest endeavors.