New in town

“It was a friendly move,” Umfleet said. “My landlord asked to buy out my contract, which put a few things in motion. Business has been great, and this will lead to bigger and better things.”

Umfleet said his regular customers can still get all of Whipped’s offerings at Roma Bakery — including specialty orders — despite a lack of retail space. And the move has laid the groundwork for a permanent change-of-hands for the 45-year-old establishment: Roma Bakery’s owners Mena and Sostine Castriciano had been seeking a new owner for the last two years, and this experience has led to conversations with Umfleet about purchasing the bakery.

“I definitely am hoping to buy Roma at some point,” Umfleet said. “I’m still trying to work out financing, but yes, their hope is that I take it over.”

Umfleet said that while he works out those details, Whipped plans to move back to Old Town sometime this summer. He’s eyeing 1209 Turner St., former home of By the Riverside Gallery.

Meanwhile, Sam Short, co-owner of the Creole, set a potential opening date for June 15.

“(Whipped’s) move allows us take over that kitchen and expand our dining room by moving the stage to the rear of the building,” Short said. “Our goal is to be a full-service breakfast, lunch and dinner restaurant now. We can also add about 50 seats and accommodate customers who want to have dinner without seeing a show.”

North-ern exposure

Tonight, Reno’s North will have a grand opening event commemorating its massive interior/exterior overhaul. After six months of renovation, the 12,000-square-foot sports bar and grill will celebrate entering the final phase of work with a party starting at 6 p.m. The event will feature a tap takeover from Detroit’s Atwater Brewery, live music, Detroit Tigers tickets giveaways and free rides for kids on the bar’s NASCARsanctioned quarter midget auto racing track.

Owner/operator Jessie Stiptack said about 2,500 square feet of floor space was added, including the addition of a new patio. The restaurant now has a maximum occupancy of 350, up from 198. And to accommodate the influx, about 100 parking spaces were added as well.

The Greater Lansing Sport and Social Club will be there tonight to talk about volleyball leagues on the bar’s new courts. The club will also have an oversized Jenga game setup, as well as a giant outdoor water pong table.

Whipped (inside Roma Bakery) 428 N. Cedar St., Lansing 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday- Saturday (517) 242-1261/(517) 483- 2653, facebook.com/whippedbakery

Reno’s North 16460 S. U.S. 27, Lansing 11 a.m.–2 a.m. daily (517) 487-8686. renossportsbar.com