AADL To Launch Lobby Shops For Small Businesses

Morning, Ann Arbor! Three questions that will be answered in this Michigander:

1. What restaurants in Ann Arbor had the highest liquor sales in 2024?

2. What were the most popular Michigan baby names in 2024?

3. Is that a peacock?

Read Time: 3.5 minutes

Reader Count: 3,867 townies

Percent of Ann Arbor Reading: 3.22%

📚️ AADL Lobby Shops: The Ann Arbor District Library just launched Lobby Shops: temporary, low-cost retail spaces inside the Downtown Library for small business owners and entrepreneurs. It’s perfect for makers, crafters, or anyone looking to dip a toe into retail without a huge upfront investment.

Spaces start at $100/month, no security deposit or insurance required, and applications are open through June 1. Learn more and apply here. Questions? Email poirierj@aadl.org.

YMCA 🤝 Teachers: As a thank you for their hard work throughout the school year, the Ann Arbor YMCA is offering complimentary summer memberships to all Washtenaw County school staff, teachers, and faculty through September 30th. The membership includes the YMCA pool, gym, and fitness center. Interested educators can sign up here with the code K12EDU.

🪨 Michigan Rocks: Minnesota’s reign is over, a metamorphic rock in the U.P. just became America’s oldest known rock. For decades, the oldest rock in the US title belonged to the Morton Gneiss in Minnesota, a pinkish granite that dates back 3.6 billion years. But, a recent study on zircons in Watersmeet Gneiss in the Upper Peninsula shows the rock dates back 3.82 billion years. Respect your elders, Minnesota, our rock is 300 million years older.

TODAY’S SPONSOR: Bamboo

💻 Bamboo: Feel stuck working from home? Bamboo is downtown Ann Arbor’s newest coworking space, built to help you focus, connect, and actually enjoy your workday. Whether you need a spot for the day or a long-term setup, Bamboo gives you space to thrive - with fast WiFi, convenient parking, onsite coffee, and a rooftop lounge when you need a break.

For a limited time, Michigander readers can get a free day pass by using the code “Michigander” at checkout.

💰️ The Economic Impact of Home Games: According to the Michigan Liquor Control Commission, the top 10 bars and restaurants in Ann Arbor brought in 13% less liquor sales last year than they did in 2023 ($2.14 M vs $1.87 M). Here are the top 10 Ann Arbor spots by liquor sales in 2024:

1. The Last Word ($288,002)
2. Knight’s - Dexter Ave ($230,783)
3. The Circ Bar ($213,962)
4. Good Time Charley’s ($192,472)
5. Knight’s - Liberty St ($176,506)
6. Score Keepers Bar & Grill ($172,296)
7. Babs Underground Lounge ($170,091)
8. Mani Osteria and Bar ($153,157)
9. Nightcap ($148,971)
10. Necto ($125,058)

But the top business in the state by liquor sales? Easy, Little Caesars Arena with $1.03 million.

👶 Michigander Babies: Last week, the U.S. Social Security Administration published a report showing the most popular baby names per state. For the 4th year in a row Noah and Charlotte sat atop the list. The top 5 names (and the number of babies born with that name):

Boys:
1. Noah (488)
2. Theodore (469)
3. Oliver (454)
4. Henry (428)
5. Liam (407)

Girls:
1. Charlotte (382)
2. Amelia (377)
3. Olivia (316)
4. Emma (313)
5. Evelyn (299)

You can find the top 100 baby names in Michigan here (you’ll have to update the state filter to Michigan).

ON THE MARKET

3 Bed | 2 Bath | 2,025 Sqft | $599,900

2 Bed | 2 Bath | 1,150 | $679,000

5 Bed | 7 Bath | 8,234 Sqft | $1,999,900

ADOPTABLE HUMANE SOCIETY PETS

Draco | 2 years | Male

Meadow | 2 years | Female

That's all for now! Have a great week in Tree Town!

- Andrew

P. P. S. - Blue Tractor is temporarily closed for “an exciting remodel and concept transformation”

P. P. P. S. - Yup, that’s a peacock

P. P. P. P. S. - Thanks to Bamboo for sponsoring this week’s Michigander.

Interested in advertising in the Michigander? Click here for pricing. Bulk discounting available.