Top 10: Adam Merkel stuns downtown Howell
Posted December 22, 2015 by
Photo: Gillis Benedict/Livingston Daily
With one simple stroke of genius, Adam Merkel changed the face of downtown Howell this year.
In October, the young entrepreneur stunned the downtown dining scene by adding Mr. B’s Rustic Tavern to the list of restaurants under his ownership. Merkel, who also owns Diamonds Steak and Seafood, made public a day later his plans to remodel Mr. B’s to the tune of more than half a million dollars and give it a new name.
Merkel’s purchase and remodeling of Mr. B’s, along with other new restaurants opening in Livingston County, was ranked one of Livingston Daily’s Top 10 stories in 2015. The county also celebrated the arrival of a Panera Bread in Genoa Township, MOD Pizza and Panda Express in Brighton. Howell also saw a new Firewood Grill, 2FOGS Pub and Burroughs Roadhouse. Brighton Township welcomed a Tropical Smoothie Cafe.
“Howell has more opportunities than any city in all of southeast Michigan,” Merkel told the Livingston Daily shortly after the purchase. “It’s got the character, it’s got the history and more importantly it’s got the community who supports it day in and day out. It’s a very tight-knit community.”
Nearly 10 restaurants opened or were remodeled in the county this year, solidifying the area’s reputation as the destination for people looking for nice places to eat with family and friends, or just seeking to add a little variety to their diet.
“We’ve had some nice additions to the city’s restaurant scene,” said Pat Convery, president of the Howell Area Chamber of Commerce. “I’m pleased with it. There are a lot more options, from fast food to fine dining in the community.”
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