Brian Burke -
You'll hear it through,
and see it at,
The Grapevine

March 2007

What makes America great is the resourcefulness of citizens that not only have the vision to enhance our lives, but the willingness to take the necessary risks and embrace the heavy lifting the big ideas require.

Novi's Brian Burke is the consummate entrepreneur. A Michigan native through and through, after graduating from Redford High School he enlisted in the United States Navy where he served his country from 1976-1981. His duties included intelligence, photography, aircraft control, and he was in fact aboard the first ship to enter the Persian Gulf during the Iranian Hostage Crisis.

Upon his honorable discharge in 1981, at the behest of a good buddy, he began selling cars and low and behold, he is still at it, going strong at Tom Holzer Ford for over 20 years.

But like a lot of industrious people, he has chosen to invest his free time in endeavors that feed the soul as well as add value to the lives of others. A Novi resident now on the Novi Planning Commission, it all started with the Novi Parks and Recreation Department. His daughter Allison had noticed that one of her favorite parks was converted to a ball field and she asked "Why?" "'I don't know' just didn't cut it with me." Burke says, "So I decided to get involved."

Burke took advantage of an opportunity at the Novi Parks Commission and his strengths as a thinker and visionary have provided invaluable input so that Novi Parks would be a part of the amenities to provide residents an even better life. He is also been a member of the Novi Parks Foundation, and as you may have heard, a new campaign for selling naming rights is underway.

Additionally, their annual golf outing he chairs has raised over $30,000 for the Novi Parks Foundation, and has enabled these funds to be dispersed where they are needed, most notably for kids and seniors as well as those less fortunate providing an opportunity for those that might not have the wherewithal to enjoy the Novi Parks and Recreation Department programs and its natural resources in an even greater way. This is a great benefit to our citizens, as State Shared Revenue has declined significantly, and in addition to improvements, the monies are also earmarked for scholarships.

However, Brian Burke has embarked on one of his greatest projects, one that combines a personal passion as well as a construction effort that will culminate in an aesthetically pleasing environment designed to provide a vehicle for people to unwind.

A wine enthusiast and aficionado, Burke will open "The Grapevine" in Novi's Main Street area in early June 2007.

"Our (Novi's) goal is to create a pedestrian friendly downtown atmosphere." Burke stated, "Businesses like this are an integral part of its success. Just look at thriving downtown areas like Royal Oak and Birmingham." His passion for wine sealed the deal when he and his wife Lori, took a trip to Wine Country in Napa, California a while back, and he knew deepdown he could create the positive experience right here in Novi.

"The Grapevine" will be a comfortable, intimate setting where some of the finest wines can be ordered by glass or bottle, and the establishment will feature "Top Shelf" choices.

"Our demographic target will be the 35-60 year olds that would like to enjoy an evening out, relax in relative peace and quiet, a little jazz or blues in the background and share good times with friends." Burke added.

Even amidst the phenomenal growth and population surge in Novi in the last decade, there are still places that feed the spirit and recharge the batteries, thanks to the efforts of entrepreneurs like Brian Burke.

You'll be hearing it through, and seeing it "The Grapevine"