Tank Space – Traverse City’s newest brewery space and a satellite location for Earthen Ales – has opened its doors on Eighth Street. The Ticker has the latest on this and other restaurant and retail updates from across the region.

Tank Space
Traverse City’s newest brewery location has opened at 1110 East Eighth Street, next to Oakwood Proper Burgers. Tank Space, owned by Jamie and Andrew Kidwell-Brix, is a new satellite location for Earthen Ales, which will also maintain its original location at The Village at Grand Traverse Commons.

Andrew Kidwell-Brix says the owners have leaned into the “space” and “satellite” theme for the brewpub (pictured), which features colorful sci-fi murals, a Doctor Who-themed bathroom, the astrology signs of employees on the bar wall, and an event space called the Lunar Lounge. The lounge offers approximately 25 seats in addition to the main seating area, which holds about 60. Earthen Ales beers will be on tap – along with cider and wine – but Tank Space also has its own brewing equipment and will soon be serving up its own varietals.

Tank Space doesn’t have its own kitchen, but it does have what Andrew affectionally calls the Burger Phone. A literal hamburger-shaped phone provides a direct connection to Oakwood next door. Food is also welcome from other nearby providers, like Common Good across the street. Andrew says Tank Space will host pairings, classes, and events, including a recurring “Nerd Nite” in which individuals give short presentations on topics they’re enthusiastic or knowledgeable about. Hours to start are Tuesday-Saturday 3pm-9pm and Sunday 3pm-8pm (closed Monday), with plans to expand closer to summer.

Other restaurant and retail news...
> Multiple changes are underway in the downtown Traverse City area. After 10 years at 322 East Front Street, Traverse City Guitar Company is preparing to relocate to bigger digs at 3333 Cass Road. Owner Gene Hansen says the move – planned for late May – will provide easier access and parking and more room for product lines and lesson rooms. The company’s existing Front Space space has been listed for lease starting in June.

A new lingerie and undergarment boutique offering inclusive sizes and options for intimate wear has opened at 124 South Union Street (formerly I’m Planty AF). Intimi specializes in personalized fittings – by appointment and walk-in when available – and carries “curated undergarment options for every body,” according to the company’s website. The store is open Monday 10am-3pm, Tuesday-Saturday 10am-6pm, and Sunday 11am-4pm.

In the Warehouse District, The Workshop Brewing Company has received its small distillery license and is now serving cocktails at both its TC location and at sister location Kingsley Local Brewing. In nearby Warehouse MRKT, The Refillery Traverse City is opening a second location – its first is in The Mercato at The Village at Grand Traverse Commons – April 21 in the space formerly occupied by Eelo/Freshwater Textiles. Owner Sarah Lange says the new location will offer more refillable products and bestsellers in larger formats, plus expanded children’s, home goods, and wellness sections and a community space. Meanwhile, Eelo is planning an early June opening in its new space at 102 and 104 East Front Street (formerly Diversions). “We are excited to roll out our new collection of beach, patio, and home textiles as well adventure and art supplies,” says owner Jen VanderRoest.

After recently closing for renovations, Outpost (formerly Brew) is planned to reopen sometime this month on Front Street, according to Kelsey Duda of operator Fernhaus Studio. “We'll be expanding the existing Outpost concept with a larger food menu and more space for seating,” Duda says. “In addition to the bakery and coffee offerings, we will be launching an extensive sandwich menu and a selection of deli sides/salads featuring local produce that can be enjoyed in house or to-go.” Outpost will be open seven days a week from 8am to 10pm.

Food truck Full Send Ramen is taking a short hiatus at its location at The Coin Slot on East Front Street before reopening in early May with a refreshed summer menu and hours. “We will keep our Full Send ramen favorites, as well as transitioning more focus to our delicious “tossed noodles” menu section that features Hawaiian noodles similar to stir-fry style with multiple protein and filling options,” according to owner Daniel Mabie. The company, which partners with local providers like Anavery, Providence, Second Spring, Up North Heritage, and Oryana, will operate Tuesday-Saturday 11am-11pm with a daily 3pm-4pm kitchen break.

Also at The Coin Slot, downstairs vendor Eugene’s Record Co-op is planning a special Record Store Day celebration Saturday (April 20) from 10am-9pm with DJ vinyl sets, exclusive releases, ticket giveaways, and a pop-up from Cuppa Joe starting at 8am to support the coffee shop impacted by East Front Street construction. RPM Records is also hosting a Record Store Day celebration from 9am to 6pm with special sales and free coffee and donuts.

> Real estate moves are underway in the restaurant scene. Calypso Mediterranean Grill has been sold at 1500 US-31, according to Carole Higgins of Cygnus Real Estate. The buyer’s identity has yet not been disclosed, and Higgins says his “plans for Calypso are not finalized yet. He liked the land, and he likes the Traverse City area, so he invested in it.” The restaurant space is available for rent this spring and summer for events, catering, and pop-ups, Higgins says.

Thirsty Fish Sports Grille has been listed for sale at 221 East State Street. The $450,000 listing – which includes the business only (not the real estate) – comes with the liquor and food licenses, furniture and equipment, and assumption of the existing lease. Owner Christina Thompson says her initial plan was to have a partner purchase the business and exit herself within five years. “The partner plan didn’t work out, but I still plan to work my way out of the business,” she says. “There is still so much potential at Thirsty Fish, and I am so proud of what my team has created, from the food, cocktails, live music venue outside, and sports bar inside.” Thirsty Fish remains open, with live music already booked for this summer Thursday-Saturday nights, Thompson says.

> Several pizza companies are making moves. Make Believe Pizza – a new brick-and-mortar shop from artists and partners Jack Senff and Em Randall – has opened its doors inside West Side Beverage on West Front Street offering order-ahead pies Thursday-Saturday. Hungry Howie’s has returned to Traverse City with a location that launched last week at 1112 East Front Street (next to Starbucks). Hours are Sunday-Thursday 11am-11pm and Friday-Saturday 11am-midnight. A Papano’s Pizza and Trace Cakes are partnering on an expanded space in Kingsley that will offer cookie and cake decorating classes, Trace Cakes Kids Camp this summer, and birthday parties and celebrations.

> A new wood-fired sauna and ice bath business has opened on the Mt. Holiday property. Hearth Sauna provides a “traditional Nordic sauna experience paired with high-quality ice baths and a shower” and a focus on “building a community around the social, mental, and physical health benefits associated with hot and cold exposure,” according to a company release. Sessions are 70 minutes and available in single passes, 10-packs, and monthly memberships. Hearth Sauna first launched in Grand Rapids in October and has plans to open additional locations this fall.

> Flat Cap Ventures is hosting a two-day pop-up shopping event called the Community Impact Market to showcase businesses impacted by the East Front Street construction. Located on 476 US-31 near Chums Corner, Flat Cap will offer “free parking and ample space” April 21 from 12pm-5pm and April 22 from 10am-6pm to allow businesses to “showcase their products, sell merchandise, or sell gift certificates that can be redeemed at their locations once the construction is complete.” Vendors are welcome to participate free of charge. “We see a need, we have the space,” Flat Cap said in a release.

> Finally, two businesses have closed. Biggby Coffee has shuttered its location at 1535 South Division, citing the end of its lease agreement. The company’s Munson Avenue, Chums Corner, and South Airport locations remain open. Burger King has also closed at the corner of East Front and Garfield after more than 50 years. As previously reported by The Ticker, the Casciano family – who own multiple Burger King franchises in Traverse City – listed the property containing both the East Front Burger King and Cuppa Joe buildings for sale. According to realtor Kevin Endres of Three West, the Cascianos decided not to renew their franchise agreement with Burger King since renewal would’ve required tearing down the existing building and constructing a new version like the one recently built at the Cherryland Center. 1054 and 1060 East Front Street are listed for sale with Three West for $2.85 million. Endres says rumors of Trader Joe’s circling the site are false. “There are various interested parties, but it’s definitely not been sold, nor is it under contract,” Endres says.