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Berkley Huntington Woods City Guide 2021

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By Jane McNamara

THE CITY OF HUNTINGTON WOODS HAS BEEN ABLE TO MEET THE CHALLENGES OF THE LAST YEAR with resilience and strength. The Recreation Department and Library continue to quickly adapt to the changing circumstances created by the pandemic. The City has also welcomed many new staff members that have quickly embraced the community.

The Library is open for 30-minute visits and curbside service is still available. Programs are being offered as a mix of in-person and online. Storytime has continued as well as special youth events such as Super Saturdays. Adult programming has resumed in-person with a bevy of interesting lectures. The City also welcomed a new Children’s Librarian, Calla Sundin, to the community over the summer.

The Recreation Department never stopped providing fun to residents. Our Teen Council has resumed in-person meetings and continues to organize and sponsor community service and events. Senior programming, like weekly films and lunch-bunch has begun again in-person. Residents can look forward to exciting events throughout the year. Information is available by checking the City’s newsletter, the Hometown Herald, and by signing up for the City’s weekly e-blasts at www.hwmi.org.

Adults and children alike can enjoy the new Gaga Ball Pit at Burton Field, brought to the community by Seamus Lux as his Eagle Scout project. The Recreation Department also welcomed Lauren Fletcher as Program Specialist. If you see Lauren at the Rec., give her a warm welcome!

THE CITY IS IN THE PROCESS OF UPDATING THE MASTER PLAN. The Planning Commission, staff, residents and planners have all played an integral role. The Master Plan will incorporate the Anti-Racism Plan and values established last year to ensure future development is committed to justice, fairness, and peace for all. The innovative ideas brought to the Commission during the planning process will mean that Huntington Woods continues to become more vibrant and welcoming.

Public Works has continuously worked hard to make sure that infrastructure is updated and services maintained. Residents can now enjoy new infrastructure and roads after a construction-heavy Summer, brought to you by the additional funds in the general fund after the Public Safety millage was passed. During the storms in July and August, crews worked tirelessly to clear trees and keep the community safe. City staff also opened the doors of City Hall to function as a cooling and charging center.

Residents will be met with some new faces at City Hall as well. Jane Kaminski will welcome you at the front desk and help take care of building permits and general inquiries. Michelle Jenny will answer water billing and property tax questions and concerns. As always, residents can continue to utilize the drop boxes for bills and election materials.

The City Commission continues the search for City Manager. The diligent search will ensure that the wonderful legacy that Amy Sullivan left will be continued. Stay up to date on all City happenings by visiting the City’s Facebook Page, e-blast and website.

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By Torri Matthes

BERKLEY PARKS & RECREATION TAKES PRIDE IN BEING A SMALL BUT MIGHTY DIVISION in a vibrant and active city. Berkley is home to nine parks (seven of which fall under Parks & Recreation’s supervision), eight baseball fields, ten tennis courts, and a Community Center.

The Department consists of five full-time staff and a number of part-time staff who work within the Community Center, our outdoor maintenance team, summer day camp, and senior transportation. Staff also partner with community groups, youth league sports organizations, and many others to offer a variety of recreation services including over 100 youth, adult, and senior programs and activities throughout the year.

Following the community’s 2021-2025 Recreation Master Plan, Parks & Recreation is working to implement and update new play equipment, improve seating and picnic facilities, increase accessibility in parks and open spaces and increase more shade and trees within the parks.

Over the past year, the Parks & Recreation Department eagerly held a park-naming contest and grand opening for Berkley’s new Oxford Park that contains a new restroom facility, walking paths, new play equipment, and splash pad which opened in June 2021.

Additionally, the Department installed a new play structure and play equipment at the Tot Lot Park in Spring 2021, and a new play structure will be coming to the Community Park in Fall 2021.

The Berkley Parks & Recreation Department works because of our dedicated staff and wonderful volunteers who all love Berkley and come together to provide great experiences for the residents and those in surrounding communities.

 

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BERKLEY IS THE MOST SOUGHT-AFTER REAL ESTATE IN METRO DETROIT. The city’s expanding effort for inclusivity has made it home to more than 15,000 residents and embodies an undeniable urban vibe with beautiful tree-lined streets.

Nestled within 2.62 square miles of choice locality surrounding a charming downtown, Berkley has been called one of the best places to raise a family, one of the safest cities in Michigan and, most recently, designated as Michigan’s #1 Suburb by GoBankingRates in 2021.

The City offers a slate of full-service amenities to residents and visitors alike while preserving the warmth of a small tight knit town. Residents enjoy living close to beautiful park spaces, attending a variety of citywide events, exploring a revitalized downtown district, and the walkability of an affordable suburban city.

Berkley has become a prime location for both commuters and independent entrepreneurs who have created a unique and charming downtown filled with independent retailers, restaurateurs, and tavern-keepers. With this, our Berkley Downtown Development Authority (DDA) serves as the City’s economic development arm helping new businesses start up and existing businesses thrive and grow in Berkley’s downtown district.

THE DDA SUPPORTS OUR BUSINESSES WITH GRANT PROGRAMS, design support, advertising initiatives, streetscape improvements, as well as by hosting a variety of different events to showcase our vibrant downtown. The DDA district consists of businesses along 12 Mile Road between Coolidge Highway and Greenfield Road, and Coolidge Highway between 11 Mile Road and 12 Mile Road.

Explore all that Berkley has to offer by visiting www.berkleymich.org.

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By Sara E. Teller
Photos by Bill Gemmell

NU-TECH CLEANING SYSTEMS IS A MICHIGAN-BASED, SECOND-GENERATION, FAMILY-OWNED-AND-OPERATED BUSINESS. Brian Holter started the company in March 1993 to provide truck-mounted carpet cleaning, upholstery cleaning, pressure washing, and disaster restoration, including flood and fire support. Today, Nu-Tech has expanded from its home base in Oakland County to serve over 200 vendors worldwide.

“In a very short period of time, my Dad earned prominent accounts doing projects for several large universities and two of the largest hospital groups in Michigan,” said son Neco Holter of Nu-Tech’s earliest days. He added, “In the late ‘90s, he incorporated an in-house training center and a small supply store, which, over the years, played a pivotal role in shaping Nu-Tech’s future.”

Brian Holter performed consulting on many projects during Hurricane Katrina designed to help restore the communities affected, and the company has continued to do on many national disasters since that time. Nu-Tech currently sells to, and consults for, government contractors and agencies, hospitals, and universities across North America.

“Nu-Tech also played a major role right here in Metro Detroit during the 2014 flooding,” said Holter. “We helped thousands of small businesses and homeowners. The areas affected included those in Berkley, Huntington Woods, Southfield, Royal Oak and Clawson. After the event, we received many emails, cards, and letters thanking us for helping them through a difficult situation. Reading all of their cards and messages was rewarding beyond words.”

Unlike traditional janitorial supply houses that mainly sell toilet paper and plungers, Nu-Tech has specialty cleaning products designed to solve the toughest challenges, including drying equipment, flood extraction and floor care, as well as many professional grade must-haves. Holter said, “NuTech is nationally recognized as a leader in truck-mounted extractor installations. We are also one of the largest botanical disinfectant distributors and educators around.”

BECAUSE OF ITS POSITION AS A LEADER IN DISASTER RESTORATION, THROUGHOUT THE YEAR, Nu-Tech offers its customers and local businesses social networking opportunities based on this topic. Holter explained, “Each July, Nu-Tech hosts its annual Customer Appreciation Day event at which hundreds of customers come to enjoy a fantastic catered lunch while meeting and networking with local businesses and manufacturers.”

During these current, unprecedented times, as an educator in biohazard certification training, Nu-Tech stepped up a big way. Holter said, “When hand sanitizer was unavailable in the early onset of the coronavirus, the team at Nu-Tech went directly to the FDA and acquired licensing to produce high-quality gel sanitizer. At the time, the Big Three automakers were also struggling with union negotiations, figuring out how they help keep employees as safe as possible. Nu-Tech was able to provide many plants with enough hand sanitizer to keep operating.”

Nu-Tech also helped Berkley Chamber members during the pandemic. With grant money from Oakland County, the Chamber purchased hand sanitizer, gloves and disinfectant from Nu-Tech and distributed the PPE for members most in need, especially those in food service and restaurants.

The company has also supplied disinfectant, nitrile gloves, Tyvek suits, and other [personal protective equipment] to businesses nationwide. Holter said, “Over the last 29 years we have built our culture around helping people during difficult situations, and the pandemic has been no different.”

When asked what the community can do to help during the pandemic, Holter opened the discussion up to include everyone in the same boat, replying, “Just be kind! Whether it be a waitress, nurse, police officers or your neighbor, everyone is short-handed and doing the best they can under very difficult circumstances.” He added that being in the tight-knit Berkley community helps, saying, “I love Berkley for the people. We have been operating our business in Berkley since 2006, and every year has been better than the last.”

For more information on Nu-Tech Cleaning Systems, contact Neco Holter at 248-548-5211 or visit www.shopnutech.com.

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By Lisa Howard

ANYONE WHO’S EVER WATCHED MAD MEN WOULD PROBABLY SAY that the advertising field isn’t exactly a breeze. But what takes even more dedication is leaving advertising to open a boutique corner market/wine shop/gift store.

“I’ve never worked so hard before in my life,” says Donna Dirkse, owner of The Neighbor’s Shoppe. “And I’ve never been so humbled by the kindness and support that the people in this town have given me. That’s what gets me up in the morning.” She purchased what used to be Tweeny’s in the summer of 2015 with a vision of what her new store would be like and zero experience in owning a business. She points out that there was some beauty to not knowing exactly what she was getting into — as the saying goes, ignorance is bliss.

The next three years “schooled her,” as she puts it, with Murphy’s Law kicking into action. Fortunately, the daughter of the previous owner stayed on to ease the transition, and a helpful next-door neighbor happened to know the owner of a successful wine business in Detroit who connected Donna with trusted distributors. Those distributors sat down with Donna and explained the ins-and-outs of stocking intriguing, hand-picked wines.

With the help of her husband Troy — who’s a master electrician and all-around handyman — Donna was able to quickly get renovations underway, painting the interior and exterior, pulling up the floor and putting in new tile, and building new fixtures, including new shelving that Troy custom-built using wine boxes and donated French doors. Throughout all of the renovations, Donna kept the doors open so that the community could see and experience the transition. “It’s so much fun to think back on that creation period,” she reminisces. “We wanted customers to feel comfortable when they walk into the store and feel like it isn’t an average party store.”

Those initial three years taught Donna the tricks of the trade, from what kinds of items customers wanted her to stock to how to find the latest interesting products. But then 2020 rolled around…and everything changed. Demand for frozen foods shot up, people were clamoring for fresh produce and, for several months, 90 percent of her business was curbside. Once people re-acclimated themselves to shopping in big-box stores again, though, sales of the new “staples” plummeted and items started to pile up. Deliveries became uncertain at best ordering 28 cases of Gatorade once resulted in getting four cases of Pepsi – and it was difficult to keep popular items like chicken and Popsicles on the shelves. Then, as restaurants reopened, deliveries and products shifted yet again.

BUT, DESPITE THE MYRIAD CHALLENGES, Donna loves running The Neighbor’s Shoppe. “I love my customers,” she says. “I love trying to figure out how we can grow the shop and make it better. I love being part of this community.” She’s constantly amazed by how friendly her regular shoppers are.

Two even stopped by her store on their way home from the hospital to introduce her to their brand-new baby, something she still can’t believe. “How did that even cross their minds?” she says. “When people move out of town, they come in to tell me goodbye. Who does that? Berkley is a ‘big small town’ where neighbors look out for each other. I could not run this store in any other community.”

Donna is always on the lookout for fun new items to bring in, whether that’s dog-chew toys shaped like wine bottles or craft beers. She also sells spice blends and rubs from the Recipe Kit warehouse and offers pizza and sandwiches freshly made in the store. During the holiday season, she’ll be creating gift baskets and passing out hot chocolate at the holiday parade. All of that ties into her core mission: To have fun. “I want customers to find surprises when they come in and to have fun shopping!”

And they most certainly do.

2833 Twelve Mile Rd., Berkley MI 48072 | 248.546.8960
www.neighborsshoppe.com
thedirksefiles@gmail.com

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By Sara E. Teller

ODD FELLOWS’ ANTIQUES OPENED IN 2000, RECALLED CATHY GAGNON, aunt of owners Don and Virginia Vensel. But the building’s history itself dates back much further. The Independent Order of Odd Fellows (IOOF) began in 18th Century England when it was highly unusual to find people helping others in need without recognition. Thus, anyone who decided to go this route was considered “odd.”

Since 1923, the Berkley building served as the Odd Fellows’ meeting hall and, thus, the name carried over when it became a retail shop. The IOOF motto is “Friendship, Love & Truth,” symbolized by triple links, which are visible on the 1923 cornerstone of the building.

With third-party antique and collectible dealers now setting up 50 booths and selling an eclectic array of everything from timeless furniture to vintage records, linens and books, Depression era and Mid-Century modern knick-knacks, toys, and many more one-of-a-kind finds, there’s lots to explore. And that is precisely why Odd Fellows’ Antiques is a prime go-to for Berkley residents to hang out, even if it’s just in between appointments.

“It’s a nice, friendly family setting,” Gagnon said. “We have a lot of people who just stop in to sit down. Some come in between their doctor appointments, or while they’re waiting for test results at Beaumont down the street and need to fill the time.”

WHEN ODD FELLOWS’ ANTIQUES FIRST BEGAN, IT ENCOMPASSED ONLY THE FIRST FLOOR of the building. Soon after, it branched into the bottom level as interest grew and inventory blossomed. Now, there are two stories of antiques to browse, and the space is at max capacity. As a bonus, the building sits directly adjacent to Clark’s Ice Cream shop and the well-known outdoor area in between with an arrangement of vintage seating to enjoy a cone or simply rest on those warm summer days.

The pandemic has somewhat changed how Odd Fellows’ does business. As a shop that invites in many elderly patrons, the owners are extra cautious. They require that everyone, vaccinated or not, wear masks and they, themselves, follow strict cleaning protocols and distancing guidelines. As far as interest in what the shop has to offer, that has never waned.

“We would just hate to see someone bring it home to their grandchildren who can’t get vaccinated, you know?” Gagnon said. She added that Odd Fellows’ has “excellent customer care” in general and “takes extra time and care to wrap all items.” She and the Vensels enjoy being in Berkley because of the “open, close knit, and friendly community.” They have acquired a regular following and always welcome newcomers who wander in from time to time.

Odd Fellows’ is a member of the Berkley Area Chamber of Commerce and is typically involved in many community events throughout the year. Unfortunately, as Gagnon explained, involvement over the last couple of years has diminished amid the pandemic. She is hoping to see more of this happening again soon.

The antique mall generally holds a couple special merchandise sales in January and later in the year. Patrons can subscribe to the store’s mailing list to receive an email with exact dates. For more information about Odd Fellows’ Antiques, 3248 12 Mile Rd., please visit oddfellowsantiques.com, or call 248.399.6098.

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By Sara E. Teller

TIM AND KRIS BARNES HAVE ALWAYS ENJOYED PLAYING GAMES – so much so, in fact, that they met doing just that, and then decided to share their love of games with the community. Six years ago, the couple opened Gate Keepers Games, an amply-stocked retail shop in downtown Berkley.

“We rented a space downtown,” recalled Tim, adding it was meant to be a bit of a test run to see if their bet on Berkley’s love for gaming would pay off. And it certainly did.

Barnes explained, “We chose Berkley because of the many young families that live here, and we were able to successfully run our shop those first few years.” The customers came flooding in, excited for a new hobby store in town, and they kept coming back, impressed by Gate Keepers’ wide selection of social, role-playing, board, and card games, among other collectibles.

After realizing the store was a big hit, Barnes wanted to take the couple’s vision one step further and begin offering a gathering space for anyone interested in trying the inventory in real-time. This space would expand upon the retail portion and allow customers to compete against each other, just for fun or for prizes. The Barnes bought the more than 7,000 square feet of vacant space that was once the Doll Hospital & Toy Soldier Shop and moved their items down the street, excited to extend an opportunity for game lovers to mix and mingle.

UNFORTUNATELY, HOWEVER, THE PANDEMIC HIT SOON AFTER THE NEW BUILDING WAS READY. “Our whole business model is built on people spending time together,” Barnes said. “We don’t charge for the space. We just hope you buy a game if you enjoy it.” So, things have been much more slow-going than expected and the focus has remained largely on the retail portion.

In the meantime, Gate Keepers Games has secured a liquor license so patrons of age can enjoy their favorite drinks while playing, and there are monthly trivia nights alongside other, more intimate gatherings.

“Right now, we’re able to host events and we’re asking that you’re vaccinated to come in,” Barnes said. “We have everyone spaced out and are just having smaller events.”

In addition to trivia nights, Gate Keepers Games offers painting classes, birthday and Christmas parties, and social games such as Pokémon, Magic the Gathering, Dungeons & Dragons, Cards Against Humanity, chess, euchre, and others. There are also opportunities to learn how to play certain games. While most of the time, the space is totally free and designed for open play, Gate Keepers also hosts tournaments in which there is a small cover and prizes available. All ages are welcome and there are plenty of family-friendly fun activities.

GATE KEEPERS ALSO HAS MANY PAINT SUPPLIES AND MINIATURES IN STOCK, and patrons can pick up their favorite games to have on hand at home or even have them delivered. More details about how to request delivery are available online.

Gate Keepers regularly gives back to the Berkley community, offering support to the Library and local schools, and Barnes hopes to do even more outreach when possible. He would like to partner with public centers to host more events and envisions being able to have field trips and after school extracurriculars on-site.

“Right from the beginning, the Berkley community has been very friendly and supportive,’ Barnes said. “I have many positive things to say about the city itself.”

He hopes that anyone who hasn’t had a chance to yet will come check out what Gate Keepers Games is all about. A full calendar of upcoming events is available at gatekeepergames.net.

For more information, email gatekeeper@gatekeepergames.net or call 248.439.0787 3961
Twelve Mile Rd, Berkley, MI 48072

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By Ingrid Sjostrand
Photos © 2021 Bill Gemmell

THERE ARE MORE THAN 78,000 PIZZA RESTAURANTS IN THE U.S., and in 2019 Michigan had the eighth most in the country with 2,718 pizzerias. With those numbers, it should come as no surprise that on any night of the week an average of one-in-eight Americans is eating pizza.*

Roy Sera, and his wife Christine, wanted to help feed that pizza craving in the Berkley community, so they opened their Jet’s franchise location in 1994 at 2823 Coolidge Hwy. The Jet’s Pizza brand alone has over 400 locations throughout the U.S., but Sera likes to think his employees, their dedication, and the residents of Berkley they serve make his restaurant stand out from the rest.

“I chose the location in Berkley because my brother-in-law had a location in Madison Heights and Berkley happened to be just outside of his territory,” Sera said. “I am so glad I went west of his store and settled in Berkley. It has been a wonderful experience because of the people, the residents.”

It probably comes as no surprise that the most popular item on the menu is the classic large, square, cheese-and-pepperoni. But even as a franchise, Sera says there are menu items that are lesser known.

“We have two kinds of pepperoni: the normal pepperoni and an old-fashioned pepperoni that cups up,” he said. “A lot of people don’t know we have them, but once they do they normally order them again.”

Sera credits much of the past 27 years of successful business to his employees. Two of his delivery drivers, Kyle Kleckner and Lester Jones, have been working at his Jet’s basically since the beginning, employees for over 25 years.

“They both are staples of our fast delivery service,” he said. “My general manager, Matt MacDonald, has been with me for over 19 years and has been incredible, especially during the pandemic. All of his brothers and his sister have each worked here at one time or another, too.”

SERA’S OWN FAMILY HAVE ALSO BEEN AN ASSET TO THE BERKLEY JET’S SUCCESS; having helped keep the store staffed when the COVID-19 pandemic was at its height.

“On many occasions, I had Christine, my son Ryan and my daughter Alexandria all working on the same shifts to get through the dinner rushes,” he said. “Having my family all working together during the pandemic was a great feeling.”

Despite the positive family-bonding opportunities, much like other businesses, the past two years haven’t always been easy for Sera and Jet’s Pizza.

“The pandemic has really been hard on our work staff. Working with masks and gloves next to a 500-degree oven was challenging,” Sera said. “We have been fortunate with sales but have struggled to have a workforce to support the sales.”

Sera also owns the Southfield Jet’s location at 30120 Southfield Rd., just north of 12 Mile Rd. For anyone who loves pizza and wants to work in a supportive, family-oriented environment, Sera encourages them to join his team.

“We are hiring! Full time, part-time, inside or delivery,” he said. “Apply within!”

Roy Sera; roysera@gmail.com
2823 Coolidge Hwy, Berkley, MI 48072
jetspizza.com
(248) 547-9880
*Pizza statistics from AltoHartley.com & Statista.com

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By Lisa Howard

MAYBE YOU’VE BEEN MEANING TO JOIN A FARM SHARE OR CSA to get your hands on the freshest foods possible. Or maybe it’s lunchtime and you just wish you could find a grab-and-go healthy lunch somewhere.

You can do both at Fresh Collective Kitchen & Market! The cozy space offers wraps, salads and omnivore and vegan entrées right alongside fresh produce, farm eggs and locally made healthy snacks. Co-owners Erin Brick and Alison Purdy and CEO Amy Kaltz like to say that Fresh Collective “is a fancy 7-Eleven/mini-Westborn.” (They also serve lattes and espressos made with locally-roasted beans.)

Behind the counter, Fresh Collective also serves as a commissary kitchen. Several of the chefs who rent the kitchen use it to make dishes for their personal catering clients, while others need the space to prep for their food trucks. Some make the array of grab-and-go items the Collective has available every day, like quiches, wraps, green salads, pasta salads, soups, and croissant sandwiches. In response to customer requests, there are plenty of dairy-free and gluten-free options as well.

The story behind the collaborative nature of Fresh Collective began when Erin started a co-op over five years ago. Back then, she was bouncing from one place to another in a quest to stock her home kitchen with the healthiest ingredients possible. “I was tired of going to several different places to feed my family the way I wanted to feed them,” she says. “That’s how the co-op was born.” She partnered with MSU’s Tollgate Farms, and it didn’t take long before she needed someone to help sort orders and serve as a secondary pick-up point. That’s when Alison joined forces with Erin.

BUSINESS WAS PROCEEDING AT A MANAGEABLE PACE …and then the pandemic hit. “Our sales quadrupled because all of a sudden no one wanted to go to grocery stores,” Erin explains. “Although we had originally focused on cheese, meat and eggs, we thought, ‘Well, we need produce now.’ Then it was, ‘Well, we need pantry items now.’”

In short order, they also needed a bigger location. It was pure serendipity that when Erin was shopping at Vitrine, she started talking to Vitrine’s owner, Susan Rogal, about the co-op. The vacant adjoining space formerly housed a bakery, and when Rogal asked Erin if she’d like to trial-rent the space for her co-op, Erin jumped at the opportunity. It’s been onward and upward ever since.

“Because we have such a big following on Facebook from our co-op customers, they talk about us a lot,” Erin says. “Within two months of being open, we had over a thousand Likes – in the middle of a pandemic! Plus, we’re in such a cute section of Coolidge. There’s so much within this little walkable pocket. We love being here.” It’s also a convenient location for Co-op customers to come by and pick up their weekly items. The animal products are from pastured animals, and all produce and animal items are certified organic/produced in accordance with organic standards.

Erin and Alison have added permanent indoor and outdoor seating at Fresh Collective so that customers can grab something to eat and then stay to enjoy it. It’s all part of their goal to offer healthier, more delicious choices to everyone.

Fresh Collective Kitchen & Market
2752 Coolidge Hwy, Berkley MI
248-907-0767
Open Daily www.freshcollectivekitchen.com

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By Sara E. Teller
Photos by Bill Gemmell

ADITYA RENGASWAMY AND HADY BEYDOUN, CO-OWNERS OF THE BERKLEY MEDICAL CENTER (BMC) PHARMACY, MAKE THE PERFECT PAIR AS FAR AS BUSINESS PARTNERS GO.

“I am more business-minded and work mainly in the back-office doing our accounting and those types of things,” Rengaswamy explained. “Hady and Eman Beydoun are our staff pharmacists.”

The combination of their expertise proved to be especially essential when the business, located conveniently next door to the BMC, first opened in August 2020, right in the middle of the coronavirus pandemic. The pair had to be very strategic about what they planned to do to ensure their business survived.

There are many things that have set the pharmacy apart and have helped their customer base grow quickly. As far as the two are concerned, it has not only survived, but thrived. In fact, the owners have been told this is the first business of its kind to be able to do so in the strip located right on the corner of 12 Mile Rd. and Woodward Ave.

Rengaswamy said, “You can imagine that it was very tough to establish a business during this time. But we’ve been lucky. We made sure to really connect with our neighbors early on and can offer a few things that big-box pharmacies cannot, including free shipping on all orders.” He added, “It helps being able to be in the same location as the medical center, too, so our customers can complete their care all in one spot. This has been a huge draw for them, and the doctors who work at the center have referred their patients to us.”

THE BMC PHARMACY DELIVERS PRESCRIPTIONS FOR FREE NOT ONLY TO BERKLEY RESIDENTS, but all over Southeast Michigan. “I’ve sent orders to downtown Detroit, and all the way to Romulus,” explained Rengaswamy. “That’s not something typically offered by larger pharmacies. Normally customers have to pay a fee.”

The pharmacy also offers much more than medications, including candy bars and other food items that one would normally expect. Adjacent to Kindercare, Rengaswamy and Beydoun are in the midst of planning to supply snack bags to the children who attend.

“We’ll offer a variety of healthy snacks,” said Rengaswamy and adding, jokingly, “Of course, we can’t just give the kids apples or they wouldn’t be very happy with us! We plan to include fruit snacks and an assortment of other healthy options as well.”

And, even if the beginning was a bit tough, in the coming months, the two plan to expand their footprint in the community.

“In the post-pandemic era, we’d like to do much more than this,” said Rengaswamy. “I’m proud to have become a board member of the Chamber of Commerce and be much more involved.”

FOR NOW, THE PHARMACY TEAM HAS JUST BEGUN TO THINK BEYOND STABILIZATION, And the owners are brainstorming next steps. “Be on the lookout,” Rengaswamy was able to share. “We’re planning to post more pharmacist positions soon. We not only offer a certain level of convenience for our customers, we’re also hoping to help the community by offering good-paying jobs.”

They enjoy being situated in the close-knit Berkley community, and surrounded by many neighboring ones, saying, “We’re able to really get to know our customers, their kids, and their families. They’re not just a number.” The word-of-mouth marketing has definitely helped the pharmacy gain a footing in Berkley and the owners are looking forward a bright future with plenty of reasons to give back in a big way.

Berkley Medical Center Pharmacy
1695 12 Mile Rd., Suite 210 second floor, Berkley
248.591.4489

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