Lansing area’s business landscape continued to bounce back in 2023

Greater Lansing continues to ebb and flow with the residual impacts of a pandemic that forced many businesses to close their doors. As the economy continues to recoup, several new businesses have stepped up to fill the gaps in 2023.

Some, like downtown’s Lansing Shuffle and REO Town’s Ellison Brewery and Event Space, which opened in January and February, respectively, were highly anticipated. Elsewhere, several smaller, specialized businesses popped up to fill needs and wants that had been lacking in the community.

While we don’t have room to discuss all the restaurants, retailers and services that opened in 2023, here are just a few of the notable additions made to Lansing’s business landscape in the past year.

Spearheading the highly anticipated Red Cedar Development’s grand opening this fall, Toscana Kitchen and Wine Market is an Italian eatery that features private rooms, an Italian-centered marketplace and a plethora of wines to try.

Head a few miles east, and one can indulge in a handful of new fast-casual and late-night eateries that opened in downtown East Lansing. These include Pita Way, a Michigan-based Mediterranean chain that also opened a storefront in DeWitt this year, and the student-owned hot dog restaurant University Weiner, which has already earned a rave review from professional hot dog eater Joey Chestnut. Fresh-baked cookie chain Crumbl Cookies also opened a location further down Grand River Avenue, across from Whole Foods.

There were several area firsts, too. In July, Noosh Afghan Cuisine became the only exclusively Afghan restaurant in Michigan when it opened at 603 N. Waverly Road in Lansing. In November, downtown Lansing’s Comfort Zone Cigar Lounge and Bistro became the first Black-owned cigar lounge in the region, offering a full-service food and drink menu and event calendar that sets it apart from the typical cigar shop.

A new women-owned flower shop, Sparrow Bloom, made its way into the Stadium District in late July. Tiny Bit of Wood, a one-woman woodworking school and shop, announced plans to move into a downtown storefront early next year.

Two waffle-based eateries were also established this year. Elsa’s Chicken and Waffles opened in March at 3705 W. Jolly Road, serving all-day waffles and other breakfast items. Okemos’ Yello Waffle opened in October and offers authentic Belgian-style waffles alongside special coffee concoctions.

A few dedicated coffee shops also celebrated grand openings. In February, downtown DeWitt added Tin Cup Cafe & Creamery to the mix. That same month, the Hob Nob took over the downtown Lansing space formerly occupied by House Biggby.

While restaurants seemed to dominate the new-business scene this year, a few retailers joined in on the fun as well. In May, Harbor Freight Tools opened a second Lansing location at 6250 S. Cedar Street. In September, a new board game haven, Hoplite Games, opened across from the Avenue Cafe on East Michigan Avenue. Last month, Best Furniture Outlet took over the Lansing Mall space formerly occupied by Macy’s.

In what is perhaps the final grand opening before 2024 hits, a new arcade and laser-tag parlor, Zap Zone XL, opened Dec. 22 after delays pushed back its originally anticipated summer launch. The 125,000-square-foot space in the Lansing Mall, which was formerly the Younkers department store, is now a massive entertainment venue that also includes a restaurant, a go-cart track, 12 bowling lanes, miniature golf, a toy store and more.