Traverse Bay Farms, a nationally award-winning Northern Michigan gourmet food brand, was spotlighted on CNBC as chain stores close nationwide.

(PRUnderground) October 22nd, 2025

Traverse Bay Farms, a nationally award-winning gourmet food companybased in Northern Michigan, was recently spotlighted in CNBC’s national business coverage highlighting how local small businesses are thriving as major retail chains downsize across the United States.

The story, titled “As Chain Stores Fail, Mall Vacancies Rise — Local Business Owners Score Rare Real Estate Offers” (CNBC, September 28, 2025), includes Traverse Bay Farms and Andy LaPointe how small-business innovation and resilience in a changing retail landscape.

Local Business Growth Amid National Retail Challenges

In the CNBC article, Andy LaPointe, owner of Traverse Bay Farms, shared how small businesses can transform former chain-store spaces into thriving community destinations.

“When national brands pull out of prime spots, it’s not just about filling the space — it’s about reimagining it as a destination that reflects the local community,” said LaPointe. “The magic happens when a small business brings something unique — a place to linger and a sense of belonging.”

Traverse Bay Farms currently operates two retail stores in Northern Michigan — in Bellaire and Elk Rapids — both located in high-visibility locations. The company’s continued success demonstrates how local businesses are revitalizing commercial spaces once dominated by other businesses.

A Model of Local Innovation and Economic Vitality

Traverse Bay Farms has earned 38+ national food awards, received a State of Michigan Award and is recognized for its industry-first “Sediment-Free Guarantee” in cherry juice production. The company is nationally known for its tart cherry juice concentrate, tart cherry capsules, fruit-based wellness supplements, and gourmet salsas, all made using as much locally grown Michigan fruit as possible.

“Our mission has always been to bring the taste of Northern Michigan to tables across the country while helping keep Main Street vibrant,” said LaPointe. “Being featured by CNBC highlights the value of locally rooted businesses that strengthen communities.”

Industry Context: A Turning Point for Local Retail

According to Cushman & Wakefield, the national shopping center vacancy rate rose to 5.8% in Q2 2025, creating new opportunities for independent retailers and entrepreneurs. The CNBC report notes that small businesses like Traverse Bay Farms are using this moment to secure prime retail space with flexible lease terms and lower entry costs.

This trend signals a rebalancing of American retail, where community-based brands play an increasingly important role in local economies and customer trust.

About Traverse Bay Farms

Founded in 2001, Traverse Bay Farms is a Northern Michigan gourmet food and wellness company offering a wide range of award-winning products, including tart cherry juice concentrate, dried fruits, salsas, and nutritional supplements under the Fruit Advantage brand. Products are made in the USA using as much Michigan-grown fruit as possible and are available online and in select retailers nationwide.

Traverse Bay Farms’ products are trusted by health professionals, professional athletes, and wellness-conscious customers across the country.

Website: TraverseBayFarms.com
Press Contact:
Andy LaPointe
Traverse Bay Farms
Phone: (877) 746-7477

For Media Reference

Original CNBC Article:
“As Chain Stores Fail, Mall Vacancies Rise — Local Business Owners Score Rare Real Estate Offers”
Published September 28, 2025
Author: Kevin Williams
Source: https://www.cnbc.com/2025/09/28/chain-store-bankruptcy-mall-real-estate-small-business.html

About Traverse Bay Farms / Fruit Advantage

Traverse Bay Farms: America’s #1 Award-Winning Super Fruit Company

With over 48+ national food awards from America’s most prestigious food competitions, Traverse Bay Farms proudly stands as the nation’s leading super fruit company.

Our all-natural product line includes a variety of fruit salsa, fruit barbecue sauces, no-added-sugar dried cherries, dried blueberries and more. Additionally, we offer our renowned cherry juice and provide education on its numerous health benefits.

Discover Fruit Advantage: Health-Boosting Fruit Supplements

Fruit Advantage, our sister brand, specializes in condition-specific, fruit-based supplements. Our offerings include cherry capsules, blueberry capsules, and pomegranate capsules. We are particularly proud of Cherry Prime – Complete Muscle and Joint Complex, a patented formula that uniquely combines tart cherries with Glucosamine and Chondroitin for comprehensive muscle and joint support.

Experience the exceptional quality and health benefits of Traverse Bay Farms and Fruit Advantage today!

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Original Press Release.