What Now Detroit: The Best Source for Detroit News • 8th September 2024

Multi-unit Franchisee Team is Working on a New Biggby Coffee in Napoleon | What Now Detroit

Jackson County Township is getting a new coffee shop. A Biggby Coffee location is in the works at 320 Brooklyn Rd in Napoleon, according to a story first seen on MLive. The location is anticipated to open some time this fall.The franchisees behind the upcoming Napoleon store are Gerry and Lynsay Lobdell, and Mike and Jessica Perry. The four good friends also own the Biggby in Vandercook Lake and Spring Arbor. According to Biggby’s district manager Katie Gibson, construction for the Napoleon loca...

What Now Detroit: The Best Source for Detroit News • 8th September 2024

A New Restaurant with Wood Fired Pizza is Coming to Sterling Heights | What Now Detroit

A new restaurant called La Fontana Pizza and Restaurant is in the works in Sterling Heights. The planning commission will review the site plan and permit application in the next meeting on Sept. 11.Owner Euklid Doko, a Rochester Hills resident, will build out a 2,200-square-foot restaurant in the vacant tenant space at 33866 Dequindre Rd. The restaurant will have a small dining room that can hold approximately 36-40 people, a wood pizza oven, and a wood grill. The applicant will also retile the...

What Now Detroit: The Best Source for Detroit News • 6th September 2024

Popular Coffee Chain to Open New Location in South Bay County | What Now Detroit

Frankenlust Township will soon have a new Biggby Coffee location, according to news first seen on MLive. The vacant storefront that once belonged to Dive and Glide Scuba store is slated to become the second Biggby location in Bay County.The building at 6185 Westside Saginaw Rd sits right off northbound I-75’s Exit 160, and construction has started. The upcoming Biggby Coffee is owned and operated by multi-unit franchisees Erin and John Fitzgerald, who also own locations in Saginaw, St. Louis, an...

What Now Detroit: The Best Source for Detroit News • 5th September 2024

A New Taco Bell is Coming to Spring Arbor | What Now Detroit

Construction has begun at 8030 Spring Arbor Road for the future home of a Taco Bell, according to news reported by MLive. Workers are currently finishing up facade work and beginning interior buildout, according to Taco Bell’s Director of Construction Matt DaPra‘s email to MLive.The upcoming location is owned and operated by one of the largest Yum! Brands™ family multi-unit franchisees in the Midwest: Team Lyders (formerly Sundance, Inc). Under the leadership of CEO Peter Lyders Peterson, the co...

What Now Detroit: The Best Source for Detroit News • 1st September 2024

A Long-waited Vegan Bistro is Slowly Working its Way to Birmingham | What Now Detroit

A new veggie-forward restaurant is under development in Birmingham. Birmingham’s planning commission reported Bloom at 239 N Old Woodward to be under construction in its Aug. 24 meeting. The project originally received site plan approval in July 2021.Bloom is anticipated to fill the former Pita Cafe space once relevant renovations are complete with plans to activate front and back exteriors, bringing outdoor dining to Willits Alley. Bloom will become Birmingham’s first fully plant-based bistro,...

What Now Detroit: The Best Source for Detroit News • 31st August 2024

New Owners to Turn Birmingham Mediterranean Restaurant into New Concept | What Now Detroit

Màre Mediterranean in Birmingham has been sold. New owners Paulina Faranso and Yousif “Joe” Kakos have plans to turn the Willits street into a new concept. This news was first seen in Detroit News.Màre Mediterranean debuted in the former Cameron’s Steakhouse space at 115 Willits St in 2021. The concept was created by Detroit area restaurateur Nino Cutraro. The restaurant served steaks, pasta and other entrees alongside fresh catch of the day in an upscale dining room setting. The restaurant al...

What Now Detroit: The Best Source for Detroit News • 30th August 2024

Big Chicken to Open New Location Where Another Fried Chicken Brand Has Failed | What Now Detroit

Guy Fieri’s Chicken Guy has closed at 30130 Plymouth Rd in Livonia on June 30. Soon after, a “coming soon” sign for Shaq O’Neal’s Big Chicken can be seen on the front. This news was reported by a few different outlets.According to Detroit News, Chicken Guy’s Michigan partner, Tomey Group, cited “unforeseen circumstances beyond our control” as the reason behind the closure. The restaurant had a successful run since spring 2023.Shaq O’Neal’s Big Chicken inked a deal with multi-unit franchisee H&D...

What Now Detroit: The Best Source for Detroit News • 30th August 2024

Waterfront Destination in Harrison Township to Reopen Under New Ownership | What Now Detroit

Gino’s Surf in Harrison Township has sat vacant for years since its closure in 2015. Now, the Macomb County waterfront destination at 37400 Jefferson Ave is coming back to life under the new ownership of Brian Jeffries of Apex Hospitality Group. This story was first seen in Detroit News.The renewed Gino’s Surf is expected to open its restaurant portion later in September. Jeffries, known as DJ Godfather in the local party scene, plans to bring his passion for music to Gino’s Surf with a DJ booth...

What Now Detroit: The Best Source for Detroit News • 29th August 2024

Rock N Roll Sushi to Open First Michigan Location in Dearborn | What Now Detroit

Rock N Roll Sushi, a high-end American-Japanese fusion brand based in Alabama, is expanding into Michigan with its first franchised location in Dearborn. The restaurant is anticipated to open in the second quarter of 2025. This story was first seen in Restaurant News.Local franchisees Hicham Bazzi and his partner Silvia Maruncic are successful multi-unit Tropical Smoothie Cafe franchisees. Meanwhile, Rock N Roll Sushi’s CEO Craig LeMieux, who helped develop over 150 Tropical Smoothie Cafe stores...

What Now Detroit: The Best Source for Detroit News • 25th August 2024

New Panda Express Planned in Kalamazoo | What Now Detroit

A new Panda Express is in the works in Kalamazoo and plans have been submitted on July 17. The new quick-service Chinese restaurant is located at 4300 W. Main St. This news was first seen on MLive.The vacant office building currently occupying the site will be demolished to make way for a new 2,700-square-foot Panda Express restaurant with a drive-through and 35 parking spaces. The site sits between Advia Credit Union and Little Caesars Pizza. A site-plan review has been scheduled on Wednesday,...

What Now Detroit: The Best Source for Detroit News • 25th August 2024

New Owner to Reimagine The Franklin Grill into an Oyster House | What Now Detroit

The Franklin Grill is full of nostalgic sentiment to many long time members of the community. After a successful 16-year run, the restaurant closed its doors at the beginning of 2024. However, the familiar ring of the lovely nickname “The Franklin” will continue to sound as the new owner revamps the space into an oyster bar. This news was first seen in Eater Detroit.Franklin Oyster Bar & Eatery, a.k.a The Franklin, is anticipated to open by the end of the year bigger and better. Jay Farner, Detr...

What Now Detroit: The Best Source for Detroit News • 23rd August 2024

Restaurant and Winery Chain Planned on the Holiday Inn Lot in Livonia | What Now Detroit

The Livonia Planning Commission approved for a development project proposing to build two new standalone restaurants on the existing Holiday Inn off Laurel Park Drive. The plan proposes to develop a new Copper’s Hawk Winery and Restaurant in the southeast portion of the site.The proposed restaurant and winery is located at 17117 Laurel Park Dr. Once built, the full-service restaurant will occupy approximately 11,000 square feet. Indoor seating will hold up to 260 patrons. An outdoor patio with a...

What Now Detroit: The Best Source for Detroit News • 23rd August 2024

A New Capital Grille is Approved in Livonia | What Now Detroit

A new Capital Grille is coming to Livonia at 17123 Laurel Park Dr as part of a development effort to utilize the remaining space on the lot that’s partially occupied by a Holiday Inn. The Livonia Planning Commission approved for the project on their July 16 meeting.The project was submitted by local investment group Laurel Investment, LLC and proposes to build two free-standing restaurants: a Copper’s Hawk Winery location and a Capital Grille location. The Capital Grille restaurant will sit in t...

What Now Detroit: The Best Source for Detroit News • 23rd August 2024

Former Fillmore Bar and Grill in Dexter to Become New Social House | What Now Detroit

A new restaurant and social house is coming to Downtown Dexter. 42 North Social House will fill the vacant space that once belonged to Fillmore Bar and Grill at 7954 Ann Arbor St. This story was also reported by MLive.The property has sat vacant since Fillmore’s closure in December. Now, a new business is in the progress of bringing life back to the building. According to the resturant website, 42 North Social House will feature a wide selection of bourbons and distinguishable dishes curated by...

What Now Detroit: The Best Source for Detroit News • 21st August 2024

New Soul Food Restaurant Shuts Doors with Plans to Relocate and Reopen | What Now Detroit

Barely three months after opening the doors, Carrie’s Kitchen has made the difficult decisions to temporarily close. Thankfully, the new soul food joint is not gone forever. According to the Lansing State Journal, owner Mikai Moore has signed the lease for a space in the food court inside Meridian Mall at 1982 W Grand River Ave.What Now Detroit reported on Carrie’s Kitchen earlier this year. The name of the restaurant is a tribute to Moore’s grandmother, Carrie, and the home cooking Moore grew u...

What Now Detroit: The Best Source for Detroit News • 19th August 2024

Bar Planned Under New Restaurant Concept in Grand Rapids | What Now Detroit

Mission Restaurant Group just opened its first Mediterranean-fusion concept, Pide & Stick, at 428 Bridge St NW. Now, the group is looking for bids to develop the 4,000-square-foot basement into a full bar. This news was first seen in Crain’s Grand Rapids.The vacant basement will serve as a full-service bar once the restaurant is fully up and running in the next few weeks. According to Crain’s, the basement bar might be another Mash location. Mash is a bourbon-centric concept with locations curre...

What Now Detroit: The Best Source for Detroit News • 18th August 2024

Local Restaurant Chain to Build New Location in St Claire Shores | What Now detroit

Lake Orion-based Johnny Black’s Lakehouse appears to be working on a new location in St Claire Shores. The township’s planning commission reviewed an exterior remodeling application for the upcoming location last month. The proposed new restaurant is located at 24409 Jefferson Ave.Founded by Deni Bozinovski and Matt Moore, Johnny Black’s currently has six locations in Michigan in Waterford, Rochester Hills, Shelby Township, Sterling Heights, and two in Lake Orion. The full-service restaurant ser...

What Now Detroit: The Best Source for Detroit News • 17th August 2024

Mission Restaurant Group to Bring Jolly Pumpkin Brand Back to West Michigan | What Now Detroit: The Best Source for Detroit News

Mission Restaurant Group closed its Jolly Pumpkin brewpub at 428 Bridge St. NW last month and has converted it to a new concept called Pide & Stick. However, Jolly Pumpkin isn’t gone forever. The group appears to be working on an undisclosed location in East Grand Rapids to re-enter West Michigan’s craft beer scene. This news was first seen in Crain’s Grand Rapids.According to Crain’s, while there is no signed lease at this stage, Mission Restaurant Group is looking to revive the Jolly Pumpkin c...

What Now Detroit: The Best Source for Detroit News • 17th August 2024

Stoney Ridge Winery to Open New Lakeshore Restaurant | What Now Detroit

Stoney Ridge Winery in Kent County is expanding its footprints with an upcoming full-service restaurant planned at 8725 Water St. in Montague. The restaurant is anticipated to open sometime in mid-September.Founded by Mary Smearman Flanery and her husband, Dale Flanery, Stoney Ridge Winery grew from a home winemaking hobby to an 18-acre vineyard with a tasting room and a full-service restaurant on the property at 2255 Indian Lakes Road. The owners then began their search for a second location to...

What Now Detroit: The Best Source for Detroit News • 16th August 2024

New Starbucks Proposed in Troy | What Now Detroit

The Troy Planning Commission reviewed and granted conditional approval for the site plans for a new Starbucks with a drive-thru in Troy in the July 23 meeting. The proposed coffee shop is located at 1735 E Big Beaver Rd. The space sits on the north side of Big Beaver Rd and west side of John R Rd.The new Troy Starbucks will convert the 2,532-square-foot retail space at Ste A into a coffee shop with additional seating on a patio. The plans also include new landscaping, vegetation, and fences. Sta...

What Now Detroit: The Best Source for Detroit News • 15th August 2024

Born in Detroit to Establish New Restaurant Concept inside Metro Airport | What Now Detroit

Bron in Detroit, a local apparel brand, is now working on its first restaurant concept inside Metro Airport’s McNamara Terminal called Born in Detorit Kitchen + Bar. This news has been covered by several other outlets.Born in Detroit is founded by Anthony and Michael Tomey, George and Alex Bourkoulas, and Michael Shumaker. All five founders were born in Detroit, hence the name of the brand. Anthony and Michael Tomey are also part of family-operated Tomey Group, one of the largest multi-unit Jimm...

What Now Detroit: The Best Source for Detroit News • 11th August 2024

A Thai Concept in Grand Rapids is Expanding to Full Service Restaurant | What Now Detroit

A long-time vendor at the Grand Rapids Downtown Market at 435 Ionia Ave. SW is expanding into a full-service restaurant this year. Rak Thai is taking over the former Social Kitchen space and is anticipated to open its doors on October 1. This news was first seen on MLive.The new restaurant, called Rak: Modern Thai and Cocktails, will serve both authentic Thai cuisine and Asian-fusion dishes. Having been vendors at the market for a whole decade, owners Blon and Christine Hang have been with the m...

What Now Detroit: The Best Source for Detroit News • 11th August 2024

New Restaurant Approved for Romeo | What Now Detroit

A new restaurant called Host has received site plan approval from the city of Romeo earlier this summer. The proposed restaurant sits at 209 N Main St and was previously used as business offices.Dave Thomas, a realtor at Best Life & Co. Real Estate, is proposing to develop Host Restaurant on the first floor of the building on the corner of North Main Street and 32 Mile Road. Oakland-based RLA Studios created the design. The company has a diverse portfolio of residential and commercial designs, i...

What Now Detroit: The Best Source for Detroit News • 9th August 2024

Clawson to Welcome New Neighborhood Bar | What Now Detroit

Clawson’s Downtown Development Authority approved a Class C liquor license for a new bar called The Loc@l at 143 E. 14 Mile Rd. The business is currently under construction.The 14 Mile Road stretch already has quite a few eateries, including Nobel Fish, Sabbath Coffee Roasters, and Irish pub Gus’s Snug, which opened not so long ago. But the block seems to be missing a casual hang-out spot where people can just come in, chill, and enjoy some bar bites.The absence of a local sports bar is about to...