Imlay City Manager Tom Youatt shared news of upcoming projects this year in Imlay City, including construction of a boulevard and gateway sign to be installed on Van Dyke near Newark Road. IMLAY CITY — The Imlay City Downtown Development Authority, hosted by director Dana Walker, on Thursday held a Manufacturer’s Luncheon at the Mulefoot Gastropub. The event is intended to bring together manufacturers located in Imlay City and Imlay Township who may share common needs and may be able to do business together — while at the same time learn more about the manufacturing diversity in the M-53 gateway community.

Walker said at a previous luncheon two local businessmen were introduced and realized they could supply their businesses with parts manufactured at their facilities in their local community.

“It’s a great opportunity to network and partner with other local businesses right here in the Imlay City area,” said Walker. The luncheon was attended by approximately 20-area business representatives including managers from Scotts Miracle-Gro on Graham Road and Vlasic Pickles in Imlay City who learned they may be able to help one another with contacts for seasonal workers — a need both companies are gearing up for as they enter their busiest seasons.

Jeanne Broad of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation was a guest speaker Thursday. Luncheon guests also included officials from: the Lapeer Development Corporation, Michigan Economic Development Corp., GST Michigan Works and the Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center located at Saginaw Valley State University.

Mulefoot founding chef Mike Romine was excited to share their new business plans with visitors to Thursday’s luncheon. The Mulefoot Gastropub is preparing to relocate and transition its current space in downtown Imlay City into a more casual and affordable restaurant and bar called Hiram’s Tavern. The restaurant will host its final service Saturday, April 28 and reopen as Hiram’s on Wednesday, May 2.

Dana Walker, director of the Imlay City Downtown Development Authority, hosted Thursday’s luncheon at The Mulefoot Gastropub. Photos by Jeff Hogan The transition will include minor changes to the decor with an expansion of the bar area, with some of the standard tables being traded out for high tops. As for the menu, the chef says he plans to keep costs down for guests at Hiram’s by rotating the menu with weekly specials rather than overhauling all of the dishes on a daily or tri-weekly basis as before. The new venue will host more burgers, sandwiches and salads along with domestic beer.

As for The Mulefoot, brothers Mike and Matt Romine are looking to take their hit destination restaurant closer to their customers in metro Detroit, possibly in Ferndale near their butcher shop — Farm Field Table — located on Woodward Heights that opened in December 2016.

Patricia Lucas, executive director of the Lapeer Development Corp., explained programs available to assist local manufacturers grow their businesses. “I can’t say when that’s going to happen. We’re looking at properties, but we’re in no hurry. We’ll know when we’ve found the right place,” said Mike.

He said the restaurant and butcher shop have purchased more than $1 million in locally sourced meat from Lapeer County for their businesses, and remain committed to supporting local farmers.