Who we are
For over 50 years, Dines Inc. has been a cornerstone of the Grand Ledge and the Greater Lansing area, shaping the local business landscape through hospitality, retail, and real estate development. What began as Dines Restaurant, a beloved downtown Lansing dining establishment from 1951 to 1973, soon grew into something more. Known for its warm service and strong community ties, the restaurant was a gathering place where customers became friends and hospitality was second nature.
In 1978, Dines Inc. acquired Cedar Village Shopping Center, a distinctive, chalet-style retail plaza in Grand Ledge. Under the family’s ownership, Cedar Village became a hub for small businesses, housing an eclectic mix of shops, services, and restaurants while maintaining its unique architectural charm. Nevenka Dines, alongside her family, played a hands-on role in managing the center, ensuring it remained a welcoming space for both entrepreneurs and the community.
Today, Dines Inc. continues its commitment to thoughtful development, offering commercial leasing, residential properties, and event space while staying true to its roots in service, quality, and community-building. Whether through a family-run restaurant, a specialty boutique, or a thriving shopping center, the Dines name has always stood for places where people connect, businesses grow, and history is made.
After closing the restaurant, Nevenka Dines, alongside her husband George, carried their passion for business into a new venture. In 1977, she opened Dines Gifts, a boutique specializing in fine gifts, home décor, and specialty items. The shop quickly became known for its elegant selection and personalized service, drawing loyal customers from across the region.
Recognizing the potential for something greater, the Dines family took their next bold step into commercial real estate. In 1978, they acquired Cedar Village Shopping Center, a distinctive, chalet-style retail plaza in Grand Ledge. With Nevenka overseeing the retail vision and George managing business operations, the shopping center flourished as a hub for small businesses. Their children—Lenna, Gregory, and Geoffrey—each contributed in their own way, helping shape the family’s growing legacy. This transition marked the beginning of Dines Inc., expanding from hospitality and retail into a long-standing commitment to local business development and community growth.
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