Introduction
With all the energy around the new ALDI coming to Colby Street, it’s the perfect time to revisit the history of the plaza it will soon anchor. This stretch has evolved over decades, hosting a mix of businesses that have shaped its identity in the White Lake area.
Previous Businesses in the Plaza
Over the years, the plaza—often known as White Lake Center or White Lake Shopping Center, spanning approximately 3255–3271 E. Colby Rd—has been home to a variety of well-known tenants:
- Plumb’s Valu-Rite Foods – The longtime grocery anchor whose presence anchored the plaza (and community) for years.
- Great Lakes Fresh Market – Brief successor to Plumb’s shortly after its closure in 2017, though it didn’t last long.
- Shopko Hometown – A general merchandise retailer that operated at this location until announcing its closure in November 2017.
- Rite Aid – A pharmacy serving local residents from 3263 E. Colby, though it eventually closed amid broader chain downsizing.
- Taco Bell – A fast-food franchise at 3271 E. Colby, drawing consistent foot traffic.
- Michigan Secretary of State branch – A public service office offering licensing and registration services, keeping steady traffic flowing in.
- Gustino’s Pizza & Grinders – A local favorite at 3255 E. Colby during the 2000s, now closed.
- Arts Council of White Lake – Nuveen Center – While not part of the plaza itself, it’s located downtown at 106 E. Colby St and serves as an arts hub since 2014, illustrating the broader Colby Street area’s activity.
This mix positioned the plaza as a go-to location for shopping, services, dining, and community needs across generations.
How Influential Plumb’s Was
No tenant shaped the plaza’s character like Plumb’s Valu-Rite Foods. More than a grocery store, it was a community anchor—where staff knew families by name, locals ran into neighbors in the aisles, and sponsorships of events made the store feel like part of the community fabric. Its closure in 2017—after a brief stint as Great Lakes Fresh Market—left a visible void, both in commerce and in the rhythms of daily life.
Current Businesses in the Plaza
Here’s a snapshot of the current lineup:
- ALDI (under development) – Taking over the former Plumb’s space, with site plan approved in August 2024 and hiring postings surfacing in 2025.
- Michigan Secretary of State branch – Continues to draw regular visitors for state services.
- Taco Bell – Still serving fast food lovers at its familiar spot.
- Big John’s Pizza – Announced a return to the plaza in August 2024, bringing back a hometown flavor and community staple.
These businesses together help maintain the strip’s role as a practical and familiar commercial stop—for errands, quick meals, and community access.
Summary Table
| Timeline | Notable Tenants & Events |
|---|---|
| Pre-2017 | Plumb’s (grocery), Rite Aid (pharmacy), Taco Bell (fast food), Michigan SoS (services), Gustino’s Pizza |
| 2017 | Plumb’s closes → Great Lakes Fresh Market briefly → vacancy |
| Late 2017 | Shopko Hometown closes in November |
| 2024 | ALDI site plan approved (Aug), Big John’s Pizza announces move (Aug) |
| 2025 | ALDI hiring signals imminent opening |
Why This Plaza Still Matters
From daily grocery runs at Plumb’s to quick license renewals, fast-food stops, and neighborhood pizza, this plaza has been woven into local life. As ALDI brings fresh energy and familiar favorites like Big John’s return, the plaza is stepping into its next chapter—keeping its legacy alive while meeting modern needs.
