Traverse City News and Events

New Concept, Same Owners: Mama Lu’s to Become Asian Restaurant Happy Cat

By Beth Milligan | March 12, 2026

Fans of Mama Lu’s in downtown Traverse City have two months to order their final tacos from the Front Street restaurant. As they approach their 10-year anniversary, owners Adrienne Brunette and John Larson are ready for a new challenge and will convert the space into a new fast-casual Asian eatery called Happy Cat. The Ticker has the exclusive details, plus more restaurant and retail news from across the region.

Happy Cat
Mama Lu’s – which opened its doors at 149 East Front Street in May 2016 – is getting ready to wind down after a decade-long run. Co-owner Adrienne Brunette tells The Ticker that while the restaurant remains as busy …

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City Eyes Parking Rate Increases, Changes to Rotary Square Alley

Fees for electric vehicle charging, longer meter hours during the summer, and rate increases are some of …

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Your 2026 Road Construction Guide: US-31, Bridges, Franke, Hammond, Cass & More

The feeling of spring in the air means another season is also upon us: road construction season. …

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Eleven St. Patrick's Day Events in Northern Michigan

Say “sláinte” at one of the festive pub crawls, grab your lucky shoes for some Irish dancing …

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TCAPS Trustees to Vote on $17.2 Million Fieldhouse Project

Traverse City Area Public Schools (TCAPS) trustees will vote to approve the $17.2 million construction of a …

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Today Thursday, March 12, 2026

9:00 AM

We Will Not Whisper

Alluvion Arts presents "We Will Not Whisper," an exhibition featuring 19 female visual artists, collectively responding to the … More Info >>

10:00 AM

Annual Youth Arts Show

Celebrating the work of K-12 art students & educators from throughout the Grand Traverse region. Runs March 10 … More Info >>

11:00 AM

Doug Cannell: "Selections from Backstories"

An introduction to Doug Cannell’s works that merge sculpture, installation, & storytelling into layered experiences. Cannell creates objects … More Info >>

11:00 AM

Impressions of an Era: Prints from the Denison Museum Collection

This selection of prints, created between 1970 & 1990 by nationally & internationally recognized contemporary artists, reflects two … More Info >>

11:00 AM

New Perspectives: Recent Aquisitions from the Dennos Permanent Art Collection

Runs Jan. 23 - May 31. From new paintings & works on paper gifted through the Museum Exchange … More Info >>

11:00 AM

Out of The Box - Elevated Cigar Boxes

"Out of The Box" is a group show & invitational featuring 30 artists. Cigar boxes have been elevated, … More Info >>

11:00 AM

Trilobite Treasures

Runs Jan. 23 - May 31. This exhibit presents Paleozoic creatures in a way that tells a story … More Info >>

11:00 AM

Twelve-By-Twelve

Runs Jan. 23 - April 1. Created by students & faculty at Interlochen Arts Academy, every participant had … More Info >>

4:00 PM

"The Frankfort Lakeside Literary Club: 1895 to 1992"

Presented by Marianne Fleetwood & Pat Campbell. Meet the women who helped shape the village of Frankfort & … More Info >>

5:30 PM

Bellaire Business After Hours

From Fairways to Front Counters: Network with All of Chris Corbett’s Businesses. Light refreshments, appetizers. More Info >>

5:30 PM

Everyone Has a Story: Storytelling Community Circle

Join The Kingsley Folk School for a relaxed, no-prep storytelling community circle, Everyone Has a Story. Share real … More Info >>

6:00 PM

Mean Girls Jr.

Presented by Bellaire Middle High School Drama. More Info >>

7:00 PM

Dark & Stormcloudy Film & Beer Series

This series pairs award-winning films with small batch dark beers, handcrafted specifically for each movie selection by Stormcloud … More Info >>

A Big Impact: Ten Years In At TC's Women-Powered Philanthropy Group

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Northern Michigan Oil and Gas Industry Down, But Not Out

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End of Season Happenings at Hickory, Holiday

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Concerns Mount Over Jail Conditions; Facilities Study Moves Forward

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Groundwork Center Announces New CEO

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Proposed Zoning Overlay Would More Closely Regulate Building Heights, Trees, Land Uses Near Airport

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Renowned Chef Pete Peterson Dies at 82

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City Delays Bijou, Carnegie RFP Reviews Until April

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Groundwork: First Look at Passenger Rail Survey Results

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TCBN: Ten Northern Michigan Surgeons on Life Behind the Mask

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Crooked Tree & TADL Submit Dueling Proposals for Carnegie Building

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Traffic Signal Installation Starting Soon at TC State Park

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Meet the Fascinating People of 2026

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Two Proposals Emerge for Bijou: Performance Venue & Wellness Center

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