D-Biz: Counting 21 businesses in 19 neighborhoods, and we want more of your faves

In October 2007, Model D kicked off a recurring series called D-Biz that is designed to draw attention to small businesses in Detroit that are unique or fill an important niche in their community.

Part of the reason we wanted to start this series was to highlight businesses that are not new but still deliver important services to Detroiters. The city's small businesses are a big part of what make Detroit's neighborhoods liveable, but they don't often get media attention.

As of last week, D-Biz has covered all of our featured neighborhoods. Here's a look at the 21 businesses in 19 neighborhoods that we've covered in the last six months, from bike shops to optical shops, from coffee shops to photo studios, and even a tennis racquet repair shop:

• Central Woodward: Mr. Fo Fo's serves infamous sandwiches.
• Corktown: Downtown Mobil is known for fair auto repair.
• Downtown: Andiamo in the Ren Cen tops the entire chain.
• East Side: Get your bike on at Bike Tech.
• East Riverfront: Office furniture refurbished and re-purposed at Franklin.
• Eastern Market: Gabriel Imports stocks the best in olives and feta.
• Grandmont Rosedale: Sweet Potato Sensations perfects the art of baking.
• Hamtramck: Art and culture is highlighted at Polish Art Center.
• Highland Park: Black Whole Collective encompasses a community.
• Jefferson East: Trek Computers gets the east side on-line.
• Lafayette Park: Neighborhood plaza serves LP residents.
• Mexicantown: Fresh tortillas are the house specialty at La Jalisciense.
• Midtown: Fred's keys up the neighborhood.
• Near East Side: Atlas keeps Detroit plumbed.
• New Center: Java Exchange, Dittrich Furs and Howrani Studios all have it going on.
• Southwest Detroit: Sophisticated specs spied at El Valle Optical.
• University Commons - Palmer Park: Get strung up with Professional Racquet Services.
• The Villages: Independent music lives at Pearl's.
• Woodbridge: Dogs and cats find loving care at Patterson.

D-Biz will continue, and Model D encourages readers to share their neighborhood faves to be considered for coverage. Email [email protected] with your ideas.

Writer: Kelli B. Kavanaugh