Posts in Noteworthy
Aurora Italiana to Open in Michigan Oriental Theater in Detroit

Prime Concepts Detroit, founded and operated by Joe Barbat, announced that Aurora Italiana Detroit will open inside the former home of Pao Detroit later this year. “Our goal is to create an experience that honors both the incredible history of this landmark building and the timeless appeal of Italian hospitality,” Barbat said in a statement. “From preserving the beauty of the historic Michigan Oriental Theater to introducing a warm, rustic trattoria atmosphere, Aurora Italiana Detroit will be a destination where guests can enjoy exceptional food in one of Detroit’s most remarkable spaces.”

Read More
KonKan Classic App

A group of local friends—Fady Asmar, Danny Abdow, and Justin Samona—recently launched Konkan Classic, a mobile app that brings the classic card game Konkan to iOS and soon to Android. “Like many in our community, we grew up playing Konkan at family gatherings; it’s how holidays ended and how weekends were spent,” says Samona. “We built this app so the game we love can live on for the next generation, and so family members can play together even when they’re not around the same table.”

Read More
Still Undefeated

Jonny “Magic”  Mansour continued his rise in the professional ranks on April 19 with a dominant eight-round unanimous decision. The fighter from California controlled the bout from the opening round with sharp hand speed and clean combinations. The performance added another chapter to Mansour’s growing profile both inside and outside the ring.

Read More
Milestone Resort Purchase

Pattah Development has acquired Shanty Creek Resort, marking a major milestone for both the company and the Chaldean community. The investment underscores the Pattah family’s commitment to growth, stewardship, and community impact, while highlighting the broader success of Chaldean Americans rooted in resilience and entrepreneurship.

Read More
Local Artist Featured in 313 Day Campaign

Detroit’s creative scene is gaining fresh momentum with Chaldean American artist Juliana Rabban, known as Just By Juliana, stepping into a major spotlight through a high-profile collaboration with Big Sean and the Detroit Pistons. Rabban is among a select group of artists featured in the team’s annual 313 Day initiative, a March celebration of Detroit’s iconic area code.

Read More
Record-Setting Sale

Raymond Jonna just made a big splash in Michigan’s real estate world, helping close the record-breaking $156 million sale of Huntington Tower in downtown Detroit—the largest private single-tenant net-leased deal in the state’s history. Acting as the sole broker for both buyer and seller, Jonna handled a complex, high-stakes deal with skill and precision.

Read More
Notable Women in Law

Javon David, a shareholder at Butzel, was recognized among Crain’s Detroit Business’ Notable Women in Law for her work across commercial litigation, media and entertainment law, and products liability, where she advises businesses on complex matters ranging from contract disputes and shareholder oppression to trade secrets, real estate and automotive supplier issues.

Read More
Jajo Psychiatry: Continuing a Legacy Care

After the sudden loss of her father, Dr. Raad Jajo, a psychiatrist known for his compassionate approach, Shahad Jajo Jonna, PA-C, founded Jajo Psychiatry in 2021. The practice reflects her father’s emphasis on empathy, trust, and individualized care, serving patients across Michigan with a focus on mental health conditions like anxiety, depression, and PTSD.

Read More
Chaldean Hockey League Charity Night

The Chaldean Hockey League hosted its annual Charity Night on Feb. 15 at Orchard Lake St. Mary’s Ice Arena, uniting players, families, and supporters for an evening that blended spirited competition with community generosity. The event successfully raised $25,000 for the Chaldean Community Foundation, bolstering the foundation’s broad mission to support advocacy, acculturation, community development, and cultural preservation within the Chaldean and greater Michigan community.

Read More