A weary, rundown storefront in Grayling awaited its next adventure. To the Podjaskes, it shimmered with potential.
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Walking into The Curator on Michigan Avenue you’re greeted by an array of home goods, pet items, baby supplies and toys, clothing and art. An organic pup-tart might make its way into your basket along-side an AuSable crewneck, a Hartwick Pines–scented candle and a learn-to-crochet kit for beginners.
The Repair Shop, a sister store to The Curator, hosts a more food-focused selection, with beer, wine, fun mixers and a charcuterie-board-ready line-up of meats and cheeses. Like the flagship store, the curation is the magic, with local vintages snuggling up against Cakebread Cellars and a build-your-own six-pack set up.
The 120-year-old building hits a sweet spot for owners Penny and Erich Podjaske. At one time, Penny’s family owned it and ran a restaurant. Her great-great-grandfather was the chef, and Penny recalls her great-grandmother’s stories of being a waitress there. It was later the home of other small businesses, including two hardware stores and a bicycle shop, where Erich spent several years working as a mechanic.
Their connection made the renovation a true labor of love—the original wood floors were uncovered, sanded and polished; the exposed brick and pressed-tin ceilings obvious must-keeps; and when 5,000 subway tiles arrived, each one was laid by Erich.
