Astro Coffee Is Getting Into the Roasting Business

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EXPANSIONS — Corktown’s neighborhood cafe Astro Coffee is getting into the roasting business, joining a wide range of homegrown roasters that includes Anthology, Ashe Supply Co., and Great Lakes Coffee. The shop quietly announced its intentions to start developing its own line of beans over the weekend. Co-owner Jessica Hicks says the first round of beans will likely be released in July with more varieties to follow.

Astro’s new roasting system will be located offsite on Grand River Avenue. Hicks and her husband/partner Dai Hughes gained experience with roasting while working at Monmouth Coffee Company in London. [Metro Times/Instagram]

MEALS ON WHEELS — Louisiana Creole Gumbo’s food truck officially hit the road this month delivering gumbo, jambalaya, red beans & rice, baked chicken dinners, and more, to businesses across the city. The company received funding for the food truck expansion through an NEI grant last year and plans to eventually grow to three trucks. [EaterWire]

RUMORMONGERING — In case you were wondering, Shatila Bakery in Dearborn is not about to sell to new owners. The Middle Eastern pastry icon on Warren Avenue set the record straight with a message to followers on Wednesday evening. [Facebook]

ANN ARBOR — The location of embattled Ann Arbor watering hole The Arena—featured on Spike TV’s Bar Rescue — is getting yet another facelift. The owners who purchased and rebranded the space as The Curtain Call last year are in the process of renovating it to become Haymaker Public House. Tables and chairs are being replaced with booths and the owners are tearing out the old carpets. It’s expected to reopen on June 19. [MLive]

MENU PORN — Monk Beer Abbey in Royal Oak is serving a new mashup menu featuring Bastone Brewery dishes while renovations for the new Jolly Pumpkin are underway. Diners can expect a sort of “greatest hits” list with items like grilled bistro steak, fish tacos, mussels with pomme frites, elk burgers, and more. Jolly Pumpkin is expected to debut in the city this summer. [EaterWire]