Business & Tech

BIGGBY's New Community Room Gains in Popularity

Hartland store offers a free space for community meetings or a place to work.

Groups such as a Bible study, a Girl Scout troop and neighborhood homeowner associations have discovered a new community room at the in Hartland.

Co-owner Mike Bouges says the space is gaining in popularity since it first opened in July for many uses, including a weekly children's story time planned for 10:30 a.m. Thursdays that one of his employee's who has two small children started last week.

"It's booking quickly," Bouges said. "It's getting down to the hour, not the day, which is a problem I want."

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Bouges said the room is a quieter change of pace so customers can do work or hold a meeting away from the music-laden atmosphere the shop features.

"It was wonderful for us," said Lisa Giummi, manager of the local  , as it served as a meeting location for representatives from stores in Hartland, Highland and Howell.

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"It was centrally located. Mike was wonderful."

The brightly painted room is equipped with a whiteboard, a table and chairs for eight to 10 and projection system that includes sound and a screen. There is no fee or requirement to buy anything, although Bogues hopes that some the meetings will result in an uptick of business.

"What we do is provide encouragement to the community," he said. "Where else can you find a room, get a great drink, get your work done in a happy atmosphere?"

There's a calendar outside the room and customers only need to check with staff to reserve a specific time. BIGGBY's telephone number is 810-632-0265 Walk-ins also can use the room if the room has not been reserved.


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