Blimpy Burger Closes for a Makeover

🌡️ 38 and gray today. At least the snow is someone else's problem this week.

Morning, Ann Arbor! In 1953, a guy named Jim opened a burger joint on S Division. Seventy-three years, three owners, and a whole lot of smash burgers later, the doors just closed. But not for good. 

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🍔 Blimpy Burger Is Closed. But It's Coming Back.

Krazy Jim's Blimpy Burger shut its doors March 17 for renovations under new ownership. The team: Noah and Ethan Kaplan (Leon Speakers, York Food & Drink, Mothfire Brewing), Pete Levin (Joe's Pizza, Bo's Bagels), and Doug Botsford, a fourth-generation Ann Arbor local. The plan: Class C liquor license for Mothfire beer, hours past midnight, and DoorDash/Uber Eats delivery. The signature smash burgers, ordering traditions, and bear mascot will stay. Reopening end of May. Click on Detroit

🏀 Both Teams Punch Sweet 16 Tickets

Michigan basketball is rolling. The men (#1 seed) demolished Saint Louis 95-72 Saturday—Yaxel Lendeborg led with 25 points and went viral for highlight dunks, Aday Mara added 16 and 4 blocks. The women (#2 seed) ran NC State off the floor 92-63 Sunday at Crisler—Olivia Olson 27 points, Syla Swords 26. Both teams headed to the Sweet 16. Men find out their opponent this week. Women face Minnesota Friday. Men’s | Women’s

🤠 The Ranch Bar Takes Over Downtown Corner

Grizzly Peak is flipping 122 W. Washington into a honky-tonk—a Nashville-style bar where the bands are loud and everyone pretends they know how to two-step. The Ranch opens March 26 with live music, whiskey, and 10-gallon "hat bowls" serving 2-4. The Den and Cellar closed to make way, but the main Grizzly Peak brewpub stays open. Menu

🎵 Kerrytown Concert House Drops April Lineup

Ten shows spanning jazz trios, Schubert sonatas, and a Norwegian artist who loops operatic vocals over tenor sax. Highlights include Larry Fuller Trio (April 12), who the NYT says "sprinkles stardust on whatever song he plays," and a month-closing International Jazz Day celebration tracing the genre from field hollers to hip-hop. Tickets $10-$75. Full lineup.

☀️ Solar Panels Are Coming to Bryant

Ann Arbor's Sustainable Energy Utility launches this year with solar panels and battery storage on 100+ Bryant neighborhood homes. Residents stay connected to DTE but get supplemental clean energy through the city. Citywide rollout begins in 2027. WEMU

🏈 Spring Practice Is Open. Bryce Underwood Is QB1.

Kyle Whittingham ran his first practice as head coach March 17. Sophomore quarterback Bryce Underwood is the undisputed starter and was voted a spring captain. Whittingham: "He's QB1 without a doubt. I would expect at Michigan, you challenge for the Big Ten title every single year." Spring game is April 18 at the Big House. Detroit News

🏗️ A 20-Story Affordable Housing Tower Gets $35M in Bonds

City Council unanimously approved issuing up to $35 million in bonds for a 20-story, 330-unit affordable housing complex at 350 S. Fifth Ave, next to Blake Transit Center (the former downtown YMCA site). Related Midwest and the Ann Arbor Housing Commission are building it together. Total price tag: around $215 million. The bonds will be repaid through the voter-approved Affordable Housing Millage. WEMU

🏒 Hockey Wins Big Ten Championship at Yost

The #1-ranked Wolverines beat Ohio State 7-3 Saturday night to win the Big Ten Championship—the first title game ever held at Yost. Michigan trailed 3-2 before scoring five straight. Captain T.J. Hughes was named tournament MVP, and the Wolverines are the #1 overall seed in the NCAA Tournament. MGoBlog

❄️ 52 Inches of Snow. Up North Got Buried.

The Upper Peninsula got hit with a historic March blizzard last week. Some spots near Wetmore in Alger County saw 52 inches. The NWS Marquette office recorded 21.7 inches in a single day on March 16, shattering a 2013 record. Governor Whitmer declared a state of emergency for seven counties. More than 100,000 residents lost power. Michigan Public 

On the Market

809 Sycamore Pl — $555,000 2 bed | 1 bath | 1,244 sqft Lower Burns Park. 1925 brick and stucco with original woodwork. Used to be a rental pulling in $2,900/mo. Walk to campus and downtown. Last sold for $440K in 2021.

912 Hutchins Ave — $599,900 4 bed | 2 bath | 1,941 sqft Old West Side. 1939 Cape Cod renovated top to bottom. New kitchen (2024), rebuilt garage, tree-lined street, walk to downtown.Last sold for $480K in 2024.

3087 Glazier Way — $1,195,000 4 bed | 3 bath | 2,876 sqft Vintage Valley. Original 1962 mid-century modern by architect David Osler on nearly an acre. Wooded lot, owned solar panels, walk to Gallup Park and UM Hospital. Last sold $850K in 2021.

Adoptable Humane Society Pets

Parker Posey — 6 years | Spayed Female | Dog A sensitive, unique dog who thrives on routine. Her foster family calls her "a fantastic guest." Crate trained, toy-loving, and when she's comfortable, she'll nuzzle your hand asking for more pets. Needs a home without other animals or children. Meet Parker Posey

Kitty Boom Boom — 13 years | Neutered Male | Cat A laidback senior who wants a warm lap and good food. Best as an only cat in a quieter home. If you work from home and need a desk companion who won't judge your Zoom outfit, this is your guy. Currently in foster. Adoption fee: $50. Meet Kitty Boom Boom

Squid — 4 years | Neutered Male | Dog Quick learner who responds well to positive reinforcement. Lots of energy, lots of love. If you run the Gallup Park loop and want a buddy who'll keep pace, Squid's your dog. Meet Squid

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

— Ryan + James

P.S. - If you like what you read, subscribe below.

P.P.S. - The 64th Ann Arbor Film Festival starts tomorrow and runs through Saturday at the Michigan Theater. 180+ films from 20+ countries. Tickets start at $9. Details

P.P.P.S. - Angelique Kidjo plays Hill Auditorium on Thursday at 7:30. Five-time Grammy winner. Tickets from $20. UMS

P.P.P.P.S. - Free Easter Bunny photos this Sunday 2-5pm at MilkShake Factory. Kid activities, coloring contest, hand-blown Easter eggs. 326 S Maple Rd (Westgate).

P.P.P.P.P.S. - Forward this to someone who's ever argued about Blimpy vs. Fleetwood. They need us.