🍔 The lights are back on at Blimpy’s

Morning, Ann Arbor! Happy November. Big week of comebacks and good news: Blimpy Burger reopened, Toys"R"Us is returning to Briarwood, and Santa’s on his way too. Best of all, Literati is taking over the old Downtown Home & Garden corner, a great ending for a spot everyone was worried about. Lots to cover, so let’s get this party started. Oh, and tomorrow’s Election Day. Be sure to vote, info here.

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🍔 Blimpy Burger is back, and the grind didn't change

Krazy Jim's Blimpy Burger reopened over the weekend, and operating partner Doug Botsford says the recipes, vendors and meat grind are all unchanged. It closed in March while the new owners brothers Noah and Ethan Kaplan of York and Mothfire, plus Pete Levin of Joe's Pizza and Bo's Bagels worked through permits. Open seven days a week, sometimes until 3 a.m. The hand-drawn menu looks untouched, and the ordering rules still apply. Blimpy Burger

🏈 Michigan Survives Rutgers, 28-21
Nothing’s come easy for the Wolverines this year, and Saturday was no different. Michigan escaped a dogfight with two-win Rutgers, holding on 28-21 behind a strong game from QB Tommy Carr (266 passing yards, 54 rushing, and two rushing touchdowns, including the game-winner). Wolverine Digest

📚 Literati is taking over Downtown Home & Garden

For a year the question around town has been what happens to 210 S. Ashley. The answer is Literati. Hilary and Mike Gustafson signed a lease with Mark Hodesh for the Ashley and Liberty corner that opened as the Hertler Brothers farm store and horse livery in 1906. Hodesh had one rule: not condos, not a bar, not a restaurant. A holiday pop-up comes first, with the full move in 2027.  Ann Arbor Observer

TODAY'S SPONSOR: ANN ARBOR DRUGS

Ann Arbor Families Are Asking: Where’s the Easiest Place to Get a Flu Shot?

Holiday gatherings are coming, and the best time to get immunized is now, so you’ve built up protection before the family descends.

The answer for a lot of locals is Ann Arbor Drugs, the family-owned independent pharmacy on West Stadium. No appointment, no hassle, walk in and you’re usually out in under 15 minutes.

They’ve got every seasonal and routine vaccine you’d need:

• COVID and flu (ages 3+), RSV, shingles, pneumonia, MMR, and more

• All insurances accepted

• Complimentary water and snacks while you wait (and a sticker on the way out)

It’s not too late to get protected before the season. Support local and book your shot at Ann Arbor Drugs.

📍 1948 W. Stadium Blvd. | 📞 734-563-7847 | Mon–Fri 9–6, Sat 10–3

🧸 Toys"R"Us is coming to Briarwood
A blast from your childhood is heading back to the mall. Toys"R"Us is opening a standalone store at Briarwood as part of a nationwide expansion ahead of the holidays, one of four new Michigan locations. The mall already has a small Toys"R"Us inside its Macy’s, but this will be its own full store, listed as “coming soon” on the main level near Von Maur. mLive

👕 Purgatory Exchange Is Almost Here
Purgatory Exchange, a buy-and-sell clothing store billing itself as a “fashion afterlife,” is opening at 209 S. Ashley by siblings Elizabeth and Thomas Padgett. It kicks off with a four-to-six-week “buy only” phase starting in early November (bring in your closet castoffs to sell), with the retail grand opening likely by year’s end. Expect a bold, colorful two-story space and a mix of everything, vintage, modern, Y2K, with a focus on natural fibers over fast fashion. Purgatory Exchange

🎓 Michigan is hiring a new Athletic Director

U-M launched a national search to replace Warde Manuel, who steps down at the end of the year. President-elect C. Cybele Raver is leading it alongside current president Domenico Grasso and will make the final pick, subject to Regents approval. University Record

🖖 Remembering Patrick Stewart’s Big House Moment
Sir Patrick Stewart, the beloved actor died last week at 86, and Ann Arbor has a fond memory to look back on. Almost 20 years ago, during a 2006 U-M residency with the Royal Shakespeare Company, Stewart conducted the Michigan Marching Band through the “Star Trek” theme at halftime while the band formed the Starfleet insignia on the field. YouTube

🍽 Aventura made Beli's top-rated list

Aventura landed on Beli's list of Top Rated Restaurants in Ann Arbor for 2026. That one counts for something: Beli rankings come from how diners rank their own meals against each other, not from a critic dropping in once.  Aventura

TODAY'S SPONSOR: BOOK CLUB

Kindle Readers Are Asking: Why Didn't I Find This Website Sooner?

A single ebook can cost $15 or more. This site offers bestsellers starting at $2.

It’s changing the way people buy ebooks. Readers no longer have to pay top dollar or spend months on a waitlist for the books they want.

Free to join and simple to use, this site helps readers find bestsellers for a fraction of the price. It’s called BookBub, and it’s an open secret for 15 million readers who are saving on today’s biggest ebooks.

Readers can expect:

• Personalized picks based on their taste

• New deals every day to surface new favorites

• Flexibility to buy from all major ebook retailers

Each deal is only available for a limited time. Sign up for free to see them before they’re gone.

See today’s $2 bestsellers

♻️ The city's reuse map now covers 120+ places

The city refreshed its circular economy map. It now lists more than 120 local spots to thrift, donate, rent or repair. Filter by sector, or by what you are after, like electronics reuse or packaging reduction. Anyone can suggest a place to add. City of Ann Arbor

🎅 Santa sets up at Briarwood on Nov. 21

Santa takes over Briarwood's Von Maur Court from Nov. 21 through Dec. 24. Hours vary by day, so check before loading everyone into the car. Briarwood Mall

On the Market (Condo Edition)

515 N 5th Ave #3 — $525,000 2 bed | 2 bath | 903 sqft - A 2013 smart-home condo in the heart of Kerrytown, with floor-to-ceiling windows, a Murphy bed in the second bedroom and heated walkways, steps from Zingerman’s and the Farmers Market.

410 N 1st St #204 — $999,000 2 bed | 2 bath | 1,499 sqft - A bright 2017 corner condo three blocks from Kerrytown, with wraparound windows, a gas fireplace, a quartz kitchen island, a flex room, and two deeded garage spaces.

530 N Division St — $1,875,000 3 bed | 4 bath | 2,481 sqft - The Bridge, a new Kerrytown condo flat with radiant floor heating, a private elevator and an EV-ready carport. Learn more

🐶 Help Us Reunite a Local, Lost Puppy

On Oct. 30, Phil (Michigander reader) found a sweet puppy exploring a neighborhood under construction near Platt Rd and Michigan Ave in Pittsfield Township, no collar, no tags. Best guess is a lab/hound mix, around 4 months old, with dark brown fur, white toes, and white around his nose. If you recognize him, reply to this email and we’ll connect you with Phil, and please share with anyone who might. Let’s get this little guy home.

Adoptable Humane Society Pets

Barrel — 3 months | 4 lbs Neutered Male | Domestic Shorthair. A shy, sweet black-and-white kitten who’s a little nervous right now and needs a quiet home with extra TLC to feel safe and loved. Meet Barrel

Chili — 3 years 5 months | 51 lbs Spayed Female | Pit Bull Terrier. A gorgeous, nervous girl who has gained confidence living alongside other dogs in foster care. Meet Chili

That's all for now! Have a great week in Tree Town!

— Ryan, James, and the Michigander Team

P.S. — A2 Fieldhouse (119 Jackson Industrial Dr) has soccer, training, and birthday parties that run kids for two straight hours. A2 Fieldhouse

P.P.S. — Slows Bar BQ rolls onto Murray Avenue this Tuesday, Nov. 3 from 5 to 7:30 p.m., with baby back ribs, beef brisket, pulled pork, chopped brisket sandwiches, loaded mac, and coleslaw. Cast your ballot, then grab some barbecue for the election-night watch party. Slows

P.P.P.S. — Wheel Of Fortune Live! takes over the Michigan Theater Tuesday at 8 p.m., where contestants spin the actual wheel and solve actual puzzles under that ceiling. Buy a vowel in a building that opened in 1928. Details

P.P.P.P.S. — Last week’s poll pulled in 500+ votes and landed in a dead heat, a perfect 50/50 split. We were surprised too. So we might just pop into your inbox on a Thursday one of these weeks as a test. Tell your inbox to stay ready for anything 😉 

P.P.P.P.P.S. — The Dixboro Project debuts its own wines Wednesday, 5 to 8 p.m. at 5400 Plymouth Road,  a Chardonnay and a Merlot made with Boathouse Vineyards up on Leelanau. Tastings on the porch are free, and full cases are 10% off that night. RSVP here

If you’re interested in advertising with us in 2026 or 2027 → click here to reserve your spot.

🐻 Michigander Things 

• Website — all our posts, upcoming events, and more

• Instagram — 3.5k+ followers. Small business highlights, events around town, join the fun.

• Merch store — grab something Tree Town for yourself or a friend. The crew neck is perfect for Fall.

• Refer a friend — rack up referrals for free swag

• Have an inside tip? — Let us know! We love to be the first to share what’s happening around town and often rely on your eyes and ears.

• Advertise with us — Slots still open for end of 2026 and early 2027. Bulk discounts available.