Winezilla Opens, Kilwins Chocolates Closes and More Restaurant News

If you're hungry for the latest restaurant news from around Oakland County, we've got you covered! Read on to find out what's new, what's closed, what's coming and more.

Winezilla in Ferndale: The new wine shop, located at 155 W. Nine Mile Road, focuses on quality, inexpensive wines accessible to "everyday people," Ed Bosse says. The majority of wines at Winezilla are priced under $15. Bosse is the previous owner of Simply Wine, which had locations in Ferndale and Birmingham. Stop by Wineilla any Saturday between 1 and 4 p.m. for a free wine-tasting. Hours are 12-6 p.m. Sunday through Tuesday, and 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday. Check out Winezilla's Facebook page or call the store at 248-543-5763 for more information.

Treat Dreams in Ferndale: The ice cream shop will double its kitchen space and extend its dining room to accommodate business growth, owner Scott Moloney says. The expanded kitchen will allow for "Treat Dreams After Dark" – adult ice cream camps where groups of friends can come in after-hours to make their own ice cream. An expanded dessert menu also is planned. Construction will start in mid-February and is expected to shut down the store for no more than three weeks. The shop, located at 22965 Woodward Ave., offers homemade ice creams with distinctive flavors such as Salted Caramel and Raspberry Chipotle Bacon. Call 248-544-3440 or visit treatdreams.com for more information.

Townsend Hotel in Birmingham: Ferndale native Drew Sayes, 33, the luxury hotel's new executive chef, says he's a supporter of local farms, regional cuisine and sustainable practices. Sayes replaces Jim Bologna, who served in the position for more than four years. Bologna is now the corporate chef for Opus One Companies. Interested foodies can check out Sayes during the upcoming James Beard Celebrity Chef Tour, which stops at the Bloomfield Hills Open Hunt Club on Jan. 27. The Townsend Hotel is located at 100 Townsend St. Call 248-642-7900 for more information.

KouZina Greek Street Food and Pizzeria Biga in Royal Oak: The restaurants were among 13 selected by Metro Detroit food critic Molly Abraham in an article in The Detroit News recommending venues where diners can expand their horizons in 2013.

Crispelli's Bakery & Pizzeria and Vinsetta Garage in Berkley: The restaurants also were among 13 selected by Metro Detroit food critic Molly Abraham in an article in The Detroit News recommending venues where diners can expand their horizons in 2013.

Kilwins Chocolates in Birmingham: The shop selling handmade specialty chocolates, fudge and ice cream has closed. Kilwins had been located at 162 N. Old Woodward since 2000. Originally founded in 1947 and known as a northern Michigan landmark, the company is based out of Petoskey and has a network of more than 50 shops across Michigan. The closest Kilwins shops now are located in Plymouth and Ann Arbor.

Zumba Mexican Grille in Birmingham: The restaurant located at 163 W. Maple Road closed its doors last week. It was the second location for the Mexican restaurant, which first opened in Royal Oak in 2000. Zumba opened in Birmingham in June 2011. "It was the lack of business," owner Tim Castaneda told Downtown Birmingham/Bloomfield of why the location closed. "Also, no parking. We did a quarter (of business) there of what we did (in Royal Oak)." Those looking to get their Zumba fix can visit the original Royal Oak location at 304 N. Main St.

Maggie Moo's in Rochester Hills: The ice cream shop known for its bright blue Cotton Candy ice cream, among other frozen concoctions, closed its doors at the Village of Rochester Hills outdoor shopping center Dec. 31.

Yummie Yogurt in Rochester Hills: The soft-serve yogurt shop will open in May at the Village of Rochester Hills. Yummie Yogurt, which will open next to Starbucks, is a family-owned shop based in Farmington Hills. It features an ever-changing menu of flavors and self-serve toppings.

Panera Bread in Novi: The City Council on Monday approved the addition of a drive-through at the restaurant chain's location on Novi Road near Grand River Avenue. A representative from Panera said construction likely will begin this summer and hopefully be completed by August.

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