Edited 1/10/25 – correct attendance names; remove statement that I will render opinion on choice
Edited 1/11/25 – add statement at end encouraging comments on this website as means to communicate with Township Board
Edited 1/12/25 – add pastry photos
This item will likely be on the Tuesday 1/14/25 Board agenda, possibly for a decision or more likely, I predict, a Board member will propose a subcommittee to study this further.
I attended the 10 AM session today 1/9/25 where the two food service company owners reviewed the written proposals they had submitted to the township in the RFP (Request for proposal) process. Board members asked questions. The four members of the public present were allowed to ask questions and comment. Present were Trustees Jeanne Langlois, Emily Campbell and John Casadei, Treasurer John Giannangeli, and Clerk Dave Mabry. Board members Trustee Jack Elder and Supervisor Robin Buxar were not present. Also present was Parks and Recreation Director, Ben McLoskey, Parks Commissioner Cathy Rooney and Deputy Clerk Meggan Brown.
The proposals are attached here. I obtained copies via FOIA from the Township Clerk immediately after the meeting and scanned them to these PDF files.
Not mentioned in the Cannelle proposal, but discussed at this meeting with the drawing below is their proposal to remove the north wall in the existing space and take over the small room. (The one with paneling and a fireplace.) This would provide additional restaurant seating for 36 people as shown in this drawing which I slightly modified to show the wall to be removed and clairfy the orientation.
Photos below of sample French pastries brought to meeting by owner Matt Knio of Cannelles.
If you comment on this post it is an easy way to communicate your thoughts to neighbors and our Board of Trustees, who usually read these posts. In this format one must click on “comments” to see them. As I write this there is one comment below. Unsigned anonymous comments; comments with personal attacks or with known errors of fact, won’t be approved for posting.
Oakland Township Sentinel 
The plan to knock out a wall of the cider mill to accommodate the possible new owners does not sit well with me. That room is used during parties and classes for the OT Parks and Rec operations. It would change forever the atmosphere and quaintness of the cider mill to have a large restaurant operating over the Parks and Rec offices and commission.
I vote no, do not consider expanding this cafe for the sake of making money.
Keep the Parks and Rec. operations as it currently is, it runs very nicely.
My comments,
Dan Simon
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I attended the meeting where the proposals were presented for the Paint Creek Cider Mill restaurant space.
I will tell you, I was very impressed with the owner of Cannelle and his vision for the property.
To begin with, his pastries and sandwiches get rave reviews in Birmingham and Detroit.
His attention to detail and quality is something I have not seen before. His financial commitment to the space and the community is very telling for his long-term plans.
I’ve lived here for nearly 30 years and I’ve seen a lot come and go in that little restaurant space. We need a breath of fresh air in there.
He will not be hurting Or competing with the family business down the road our wonderful Goodison Cider mill, He will be enhancing the draw to the area.
Yes he wants to make some structural changes inside the restaurant, Opening up the small adjacent room
Honestly, it will not affect some of the classes and meetings that are typically held in that small room… Those are typically held in the evening.
I wish that more people had been able to hear him present, because you would know how committed he is to the space, our lovely community and making this a success with a long-term vision.
I would love to see Cannelle go in there!
Cathy Rooney
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I have read both proposals.
First of all, both want and should make money.
The Shamrock proposal is nothing new and seems to be self serving. Move the previous person out, move same concession food back in and gain control of the event space. If you notice the events listed could easily be conducted outdoors or during the week so as not having to give up the paying customers like weddings in the event space. There is no personal investment in the actual building.
The Cannelle proposal is very intriguing and creative. The food sounds like a good fit for Oakland Township. The fact he has other successful locations could make this location a place where people would actually drive to get his products thus making it a destination in its own right. Most important is the fact that he’s willing to invest a large amount of money for renovations.
I believe it’s most important to save the Cider Mill. It needs an influx of money to bring it back to life because right now it’s beginning to look shabby. The township is only maintaining it, not investing in its future. Without further investment the Cider mill could become vulnerable to a takeover by developers for other uses. I know there are people who want it to remain quaint and use it for community classes or volunteer events, but those things just don’t bring in the revenue needed to preserve the mill. For those people who just want snacks, hotdogs and donuts/cider the little store and Goodison cider mill are good options.
The Shamrock proposal has no value added to the mill or the township and could fail in the coming years and we would be back where we started but with more wear and tear on the mill. The Cannelle proposal is a major financial and personal commitment to the mill itself. Should the business fail we will at least have renovations to build on.
Linda Kerns
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We have recently relocated to the area after 30 years and would love to see a restaurant in that space!
Having grown up in Rochester, I have many fond memories of visiting the Paint Creek Cider Mill.
With the trail running adjacent to the cider mill, I would think it would be an excellent location for a restaurant.
I have read the proposals and feel that either company would bring a vibrant energy to the space.
Thank you,
Marisa Capaldi Ozburn
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