Downtown Battle Creek has a fresh spark of excitement as Gull Lake Distilling Company opens its doors at 80 W. Michigan Avenue.

This beloved Galesburg-based craft brewery, distillery, and winery celebrated its grand opening with a lively ribbon-cutting on October 14, 2025.

Known for locally-sourced ingredients and small-batch flair, the business brings a warm, community-focused atmosphere that aligns with Battle Creek’s spirit.

Patrons can indulge in freshly brewed beers, unique spirits, and house-crafted wines, all paired with a rotating kitchen menu of pub classics and chef-inspired specials.

The inviting space offers both relaxed indoor comfort and a spacious patio, welcoming locals and visitors from 11 AM to 10 PM most days.

With their celebrated blend of hospitality and Michigan flavor, Gull Lake Distilling Company is already energizing the downtown dining scene.

Pennfield Pizza has been a beloved Battle Creek fixture since 1972, and after finally sampling their fare, it’s not hard to see why.

From the moment you step inside, the family-owned warmth is unmistakable — regulars greet staff by name and generations gather to pick up orders.

The shop is best known for take-out and friendly, fast service.

We tried the Tons of Meat and Cheese pizza and the hearty Deluxe with fresh jalapeños, both generously loaded and bursting with flavor, thanks to high-quality ingredients and an airy, cracker-crisp crust.

The menu also features bakery treats like scones, cookies and their must-try Cheesecake Calzones.

After one experience, it’s clear — Pennfield Pizza is far more than a pizza joint. It’s a local tradition, lovingly perfected over five decades.

As autumn arrives, Creamy Butternut Squash Butter Chicken is the perfect way to add warmth and comfort to your table.

This creative twist on classic butter chicken features tender pieces of marinated chicken, seared for golden flavor, and then simmered with sweet butternut squash, onions, and a medley of bold, aromatic spices.

Creamy coconut milk and a hint of fresh ginger give the sauce its irresistible richness, while cilantro and Indian-inspired seasonings make each bite vibrant and soothing.

Serve it piping hot over rice and enjoy with soft naan.

For easy prep, pre-cut squash can be used, and dairy-free bets can stick to olive oil.

Flavors deepen overnight, so leftovers are even better.

This dish turns a chilly evening into a cozy, memorable meal.

Chi-Chi’s, the iconic Mexican-American restaurant, is making a comeback in Michigan after more than two decades.

Michael McDermott, son of founder Marno McDermott, has partnered with Hormel Foods to revive the beloved brand and blend nostalgic flavors with modern twists.

The flagship restaurant will open October 6, 2025, in St. Louis Park, Minnesota, featuring a refreshed design and a menu that brings back classics like the Original Chimichanga alongside new creations such as Quesabirria Tacos and the Manchego Burger.

Plans include expanding into Michigan and across the Midwest, sparking excitement for a potential local reopening, though no specific Michigan locations or dates have been set yet.

First opened in 1975, Chi-Chi’s once operated over 200 locations, becoming a staple in communities before its closure in 2004.

Michigan’s anticipation grows as Chi-Chi’s prepares for its highly awaited return.

Starbucks is set to close around 450 underperforming stores throughout North America and will cut 900 corporate jobs as part of a major restructuring effort.

CEO Brian Niccol noted this move targets locations that haven’t met business or customer standards, though a detailed store list has not been made public.

Michigan is among the states affected, with the pickup-only Grand Rapids store scheduled for closure as Starbucks phases out this service model by 2026.

In Detroit, the Midtown location at Woodward and Mack closed due to ongoing safety issues.

Despite these closures, Michigan still has a strong Starbucks footprint, with 283 active locations.

The restructuring aims to shift focus back on traditional café experiences while boosting service quality.

Impacted employees are being offered severance and transfer options as Starbucks adapts to changing market needs.