6 More, Once Popular Flint, Michigan Businesses We Miss
We've found a few more businesses we miss around Genesee County and Michigan. This addition has a few 80s throwbacks you've completely forgotten.
What business said, "50 watts per channel, baby cakes?"
Highland Superstores or Highland Appliance was started in Highland Park, Michigan. My family shopped at the Miller Road, Flint location numerous times in the 80s. Before Best Buy and Circuit City -- Highland was a big deal. They tried to expand around the country, but it didn't work. They stayed in the Midwest until filing for bankruptcy in the early 90s.
Here's a bonus Highland sample. It was a big deal to have these 80s superstars featured.
What were the popular record stores in Flint, MI?
Two legendary places come to mind. Rocka Rolla Records, which had a few locations and Wyatt Earp Records. While the latter moved around a few times, it always maintained the legendary vibe when you were there. While there isn't much video footage of either store, there is a tribute to the late Doug Earp which was held at Churchill's in Downtown Flint.
What happened to Oldsmobile Cars in Flint, Michigan?
For a few years, GM had mini vans that looked like "Dustbuster" vacuums. The Oldsmobile "Silhouette" was one of the swankiest ways to cart your family around Genesee County. Victor George Oldsmobile was a mammoth dealership located on the corner of Saginaw Road and Maple Avenue in Grand Blanc Township and in Lapeer, Michigan. Of course, when the "Great Recession" happened in 2008, GM stopped production for the Oldsmobile, Saturn and Pontiac brands. Many dealerships dried up. Grand Blanc Township honored him in 2009.
Why did Hudson's go out of business?
Hudson's was headquartered in Downtown Detroit in a building known as the "tallest department store in the world" in 1961. Once, it even rivaled Macy's in size. In 2000, Hudson's became Marshall Field's. In 2006, those stores became Macy's. Macy's at Genesee Valley Center on Miller & Linden Roads in Flint Township still has a Macy's in the original Hudson's wing.
What was the Italian Restaurant on Miller Road and I-75, Flint?
For 28 years, Salvatore Scallopini sat at the I-75/Miller Road area. The owners closed that location and opened an IHOP. They still have three other locations around Metro Detroit.
See the previous edition of places we miss, here.
And, nerd-out to this tasty timeline of iconic food & beverage businesses launched in Michigan.