We’re back with the dish. Here's a quick roundup of Leelanau’s latest retail and restaurant news:

Construction the past few weeks at the northeast corner of County Road 651 and M-72 has left many passersby wondering what’s in the works. Locals, here’s your answer: Grower Tom Jessmore (pictured above) is opening a retail roadside stand, Wild Juniper for his plant and perennial farm at 13937 S. Cedar Road. He and wife and business partner Terri Jessmore expect to welcome the public two weeks from today (May 20) to their five acres in Solon Township. The couple secured a special land use permit for the property, which is zoned agricultural/conservation, to offer 280 varieties of plants, perennials, berry bushes, and shrubs. Before opening, they are completing a required ingress and egress from Cedar Road and a 22-space parking area.

Jessmore, of Traverse City, is licensed by the Michigan State Department of Agriculture to grow plants on site from seed and cuttings. “I start thousands of plants each year and nurture them for several years to develop. It takes a lot of time, but I am willing,” he says, noting, “My plants remain outside all winter to make them ready for our northern Michigan winters.”

Part of his mission is to keep old and heirloom plants in circulation. “When I say lilac to you, you immediately know what a lilac should smell like. A lot of people who grew up in the country had a lilac bush in front of their house or grandma’s house. One of my goals is to keep plants you don’t find at a box store.”

Jessmore also grows perennials and native plants from seed. About half of his stock is grown locally and “about 98 percent is made in Michigan,” he says. “The compost, the fertilizers, my pots I buy locally at East Jordan Plastics.” 

He’ll also throw in homegrown knowledge. “You see people trying to make good plant decision from a plastic flag stuck in a pot. I am on site, I am the grower, and I love to talk plants with people.”

The doors to Capital Dog are now open at 106 St. Mary’s Street in Lake Leelanau. Co-proprietors Sue and Kevin Burns refurbished the original fire station near the Narrows to create a new venue — with both eat-in service and backyard seating — geared toward families: “We feel like there is a real gap in the county of places for families to eat that are economical and real quick,” explains Sue Burns. “We opened May 1 and started off with a bang. The locals have been patiently waiting for us and we heard over and over...how our Capital Dog is a much-needed amenity for the community.”

The Capital Dog crew is keeping the menu simple, having perfected a small-batch slow roasted pork recipe (try it on a hoagie bun with sharp provolone, broccoli rabe, peppers, onions, and a generous dunk of au jus) and dogs done right, plus milkshakes and other summertime refreshers. Their plan is to be open seven days a week from 11am to 7pm, “extending our evening hours on weekends and as the season ramps up.”

Traditional barbecue — and a beloved neighborhood hangout — will soon be back at The Garage at 108 Waukazoo Street in Northport. New owner Dave Kwiatkowski is the restaurateur/designer/partner behind the hospitality group Detroit Optimist Society. He also owns Detroit craft cocktail institutions including The Sugar House in Corktown and the Mutiny Tiki Bar (which bodes well for a spirited summer ahead), plus swanky James Beard-nominated small plates spot Wright & Company, Grandma Bobs handmade pizza shop, and the brunch and late-night joint Honest John’s.

In Northport, “we hope to open May 24 or 25,” he shares. “We are putting out the call for staff right now for all positions.”

Chef Jimmie Stewart, a Great Lakes Culinary Institute grad and native of the area who spent time in kitchens in both Chicago and Traverse City, is ready to share his take on ribs, pulled pork, and brisket, plus the classic accompaniments.

This summer season the building will largely be the same, Kwiatkowski says, with dining room renovations and a bar expansion coming in the fall (as well as a potential name change).

Kwiatkowski adds, “It was important for us to reopen this spring — even though the major renovations aren’t complete — because The Garage has always been an integral part of the community and the experience of Northport in the summer.”

He adds, “It was the first place I stopped into when I came here five years ago, and I want to be that place for anyone, whether they are new to town or have been here for twenty years. A nice place to check in, have a drink, grab a bite, and enjoy the town.”

Meanwhile, L'Chayim Delicatessen of Beulah and Frankfort announced this week that its third bagel shop, Jewish deli and from-scratch bakery will be opening soon in Glen Arbor.