12 Royal Oak Businesses You Should Be Talking About

ROYAL OAK, MI — Downtown Royal Oak’s “Life Now Playing” motto continues to grow stronger, city officials said, as the city celebrates an array of business grand openings combined with anniversaries of mainstay establishments that continue to make the city desirable to live, work, learn, worship and play.

“Royal Oak is a vibrant city that is an increasingly coveted destination for residents, businesses and visitors,” said Royal Oak Mayor Michael Fournier. “It is no accident that the city is bustling with new companies, hotels, retail stores and entertainment venues. The solid reputation and community commitment of the establishments that have been here for years—from restaurants and musical venues to churches and highly-ranked schools to professional services and retail stores—attract new faces and contributes to the long-term attraction and retention of so many businesses and residents.”

Here are 12 businesses you should be talking about right now.

Recent grand openings:

Condado Tacos features build-your-own tacos where guests can select from a wide array of interesting proteins (chicken, brisket, shrimp ceviche, Thai Chile tofu, BBQ-pulled jackfruit or rice and black beans); toppings; cheese; salsa; and sides for every palette, from mild and creamy cilantro/lime aioli to Mexican Chimichurri or Chipotle Honey to the hottest option, Dirty Sauce. Guests also can order margaritas served by-the-glass and in pitchers. Mezcal, tequila, and beer. This is the first location in Michigan for the Columbus, Oh.-based company with restaurants also in Ohio, Indiana and Pennsylvania. Located at 310 S. Main Street. http://www.condadotacos.com

Págos Ice Cream Rolls offers made-to-order Thai-style ice cream rolls prepared on a frozen table. So photogenic, it’s an Instagram influencer’s dream pic! Ingredients are mixed together using spatulas until the ice cream hardens and then served in rolls. Guests can order from the menu which features Brrrberry (berries, whipped cream, berry drizzle, bursting bubbles and strawberry wafer), The S’More the Merrier (chocolate, whipped cream, graham crackers, toasted marshmallow, more chocolate and chocolate Pocky) and Ain’t Nobody Got Thai for That (Thai tea, whipped cream, lychee, condensed milk, coconut jelly and vanilla wafer), to name a few. Slushies, smoothies, fruit tea and milk teas also are on the menu. Guests can add tapioca pearls, flavored jelly or bursting pearls to elevate their drink experience. Located at 623 S Washington Avenue. https://www.facebook.com/pg/pagosicecreamrolls

“We are fortunate to have such a robust community filled with dynamic restaurants, bars, entertainment venues, shopping, professional services, churches, schools and a library all in a walkable downtown that is bicycle- and pedestrian-friendly,” said DDA Chair Jay Dunstan. “Royal Oak is the epitome of urban revitalization with new concepts opening storefronts down the street from decades- and century-old businesses.”

Expanded business:

Broadway Salon has been rapidly expanding since opening in early 2018, and is currently expanding. Once the buildout is complete, Broadway Salon will encompass the entire building. Broadway Salon is home to salon practitioners, including Alchemy Color Lab and Base Hair Studio. Located at 401 S. Washington Avenue. https://www.broadwaysalonstudios.com

Upcoming grand openings:

City Ramen offers ramen made on-premise. The menu will feature tonkotsu (broth made from pork marrow), shoyu (a Japanese soy sauce), shio, vegan and spicy miso. Located at 321 S. Main Street. https://www.facebook.com/cityramen/ Coming soon.

Mathnaseum is a neighborhood math-only learning center serving students in grades K - 12. Mathnaseum provides customized learning plans, personalized instruction, and guided practice to build each student’s math understanding and skills. Located at 515 S. Washington Avenue. https://www.mathnasium.com/royaloak Coming soon.

Proving Grounds Coffee features locally roasted coffee, gourmet ice cream and hand-crafted sandwiches. The coffee shop is owned and operated by James and Jodie Courtney. After opening their first location in downtown Milford, they chose downtown Royal Oak to expand the company. The second floor of the Royal Oak coffee house will include a children’s area. Located at 417 S. Washington Avenue. https://www.provinggroundscoffee.com/ Coming soon.

Notable anniversaries:

Howard & Howard law firm recently celebrated its 150th anniversary. The Historical Society of Michigan recognizing Howard & Howard for 150 years of continuous operation in service to the people of Michigan and for contributing to the growth and vitality of the state. Located at 450 West Fourth Street. https://howardandhoward.com

Royal Oak Music Theatre recently celebrated its 91st anniversary. Considered one of Michigan’s most beloved entertainment destinations for live entertainment, the Royal Oak Music Theatre started as a vaudeville theatre in 1928 and has featured some of the most famous artists in the world. Located at 318 W. Fourth Street. https://www.royaloakmusictheatre.com/

Mark Ridley’s Comedy Castle is celebrating its 40th anniversary. Mark Ridley’s Comedy Castle is the oldest operating comedy club in Michigan. The 400-seat venue has comedy shows Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays and hosts stand-up comedy classes. Located at 310 S. Troy Street. https://www.comedycastle.com/

Tom’s Oyster Bar will be celebrating its 25th anniversary in September. Known for its award-winning world class seafood, Tom’s Oyster Bar is a destination for its inviting patio dining, wildly popular Happy Hour and social scene. Located at 318 S. Main Street. https://www.tomsoysterbar.com/

Alex Emilio Salon recently celebrated its 18th anniversary. Alex Emilio Salon offers hair services for men, women and children. Clients also can take advantage of the Beauty Bar services, ranging from make-up lessons and application to eyebrow tinting and shaping. Located at 409 S. Main Street. https://www.alexemiliosalon.com/

Ale Mary’s recently celebrated its 5th anniversary. Ale Mary’s, a sister restaurant to Tom’s Oyster Bar, is known for its beer-centric menu and beer offerings which include more than two dozen beers on tap and 80 bottled varieties. In addition to an extensive craft beer menu, Ale Mary’s offers a popular plant-based menu and is a destination for tourists and locals. Located at 316 S. Main Street. https://www.alemarysbeer.com