Small-Business Spotlight: Downtown Business Specializes in Dinner on the Go

Small business is vital to Michigan and is an important source of new jobs in our state. Ninety-eight percent of Michigan businesses are small businesses, according to the U.S. government. Small businesses employ more than 51 percent of Michigan’s 3.8 million nonfarm employees. As part of a tribute to small businesses, Dexter Patch will run a regular question-and-answer feature about small-business owners in and around Dexter.

HAZEL'S HOME COOKIN'

Dexter Patch: How would you describe your business?

Denise Livingston: Our restaurant features delicious, hot, ready-to-eat meals made from scratch every day. Unlike other carryout restaurants, we do not require you to call ahead. Our goal is to provide homemade meals for people who are too busy to or do not have the desire to cook.

Dexter Patch: How long have you been in business?

Livingston: A year and a half.

Dexter Patch: What types of services do you offer?

Livingston: In addition to the hot lunch and dinner specials, we also have refrigerated and frozen meals and side items in microwave-safe containers. We make fresh-baked pie daily and also offer catering for events, meetings and parties up to 50 people.

Dexter Patch: What makes your business unique?

Livingston: Hazel’s Home Cookin’ uses our family recipes, and we take a lot of pride in using fresh, local produce whenever possible. We try to minimize added salt and fat to make our food more healthful than many restaurant meals. It’s food you can feel good about serving.

Dexter Patch: Tell us about your family.

Livingston: I have four children (who all work at Hazel’s) and four stepchildren, so I’m used to making big meals. We have been in Dexter since 1987 and really enjoy the community.

Dexter Patch: What are some benefits of working in a small town such as Dexter?

Livingston: You can really develop relationships with customers and get to know their preferences.

Dexter Patch: What is something about you that others may not know?

Livingston: I can juggle.

Dexter Patch: How would you use Dexter Patch to promote your business?

Livingston: It’s a great tool to introduce ourselves to Dexter residents that enjoy utilizing Dexter Patch.

Dexter Patch: Do you use online marketing?

Livingston: We have a Hazel’s Home Cookin’ page on Facebook, a Yahoo e-mail group for those who want our weekly menu e-mailed to them, and we advertise in AnnArbor.com.

Dexter Patch: What is your favorite thing to do on a night off in Dexter?

Livingston: When the weather is nice, canoeing the Huron River or having a bonfire is a blast!

Hazel's Home Cookin' may be reached at 734-426-3663.