Cottage Inn Returns to Hartland

The Hartland , located at 10086 Highland Rd. in the Fountain Walk plaza, has been closed since November, but opened under new management last week.

Owner Matt Lenart of Brighton Township, has lived in the area with his wife and five children for almost two decades and decided to make a career change opening up his first franchise.

“I really like the product,” Lenart said. “And the people that I talked to around here said that they missed it, so I’m happy to bring it back.”

With a soft opening last Wendesday, Lenart says he hopes to have a grand opening event in the next few weeks, but the details are still being planned.

A former property manager and real estate developer, Lenart said he “stumbled across” the Cottage Inn opportunity and says his new line of work lets him be more hands-on. 

“I went from management to a slave,” he said laughing.

Hoping to make the new business into a family event, Lenart already has plans to get some help from his children, who have all attended Hartland Schools and who range in age from 25 to 14. 

“I’m looking forward to having my kids work here, work with me,” he said. “I’ll probably work for them-- they have more experience in it than I do.”

Lenart’s second oldest son is a manager at the Salsarita’s in Brighton.

Moving from the Livonia area 19 years ago, Lenart says that he appreciates the “out-there” location of the area where “there’s not the hustle and bustle, but the hustle and bustle’s not very far away.”

Lenart and his family have also been involved and big supporters of the community, especially the football program where he is already a sponsor.

“I feel kind of connected to the area,” Lenart said.

Cottage Inn is currently hiring drivers, 18 and older. Store hours are Monday – Thursday 11 a.m. – 11 p.m., Friday - Saturday 11 a.m. to midnight and Sundays noon to 9 p.m. Summer hours may vary.

To place orders, call 810-632-0123 or order online at cottageinn.com.