With my husband Pat Gibbons, I own and operate Buzzelli Foods at 3 Mile and Hammond in the Oleson’s Plaza. Our specialty is making fresh mozzarella, marinated mozzarella knots and burrata. We also carry some imported Italian groceries, some specialty items from other parts of Michigan and Italian bowls and platters. We also prepare grab and go sandwiches, salads and a few Italian entrees.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
My husband and I have two grown children and 4 granddaughters.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I spent about three decades in journalism including a long time as features editor and columnist at the Traverse City Record-Eagle.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
We like Pearl’s, U&I Lounge, Mama Lu’s, North Peak, Sleder’s
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community? What brought you to Grand Traverse County?
We raised our children here, had to leave after 2009, but were able to come back and build a new home in East Bay Township a couple years ago. We came here from downstate Michigan because we loved the beauty of the area.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
Loretta Ludka. She is one of the most fun, genuine, warm, supportive individuals around here.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
Italy. We love going there and have a trip planned there later this year. It’s always a wonderful experience. We love nothing more than to get out into the countryside where you can experience more of real life.
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
Fried Green Tomatoes-favorite movie. Marvelous Mrs. Maisel is current TV favorite.
Q: What advice would you give to people who want to visit our community?
Just to come and enjoy and savor the quiet and beauty.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
Get back to Italy.
Q: What current or former local business makes you feel the most nostalgic about our community?
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Q: If you could choose anyone today with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would you all meet for this lunch?*
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Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
After working downstate for about eight years, which was fun in that we got to know the Detroit area all over again and enjoy the various restaurants and cultures there, Traverse City is still a great place to come home to.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
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Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
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Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
My grandma’s town in Italy: Gagliano Aterno
Q: Favorite month? Favorite holiday? and the best single day on the calendar?
October. Christmas. Christmas Eve.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My granddaughters.
Q: What is your favorite season in Northern Michigan? And what is your favorite activity to do in those seasons?
fall, getting outside and hiking and enjoying the colors/beauty.
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
There’s no place like…
