The successor to Wolverine State Brewing Co., which closed last year as CEO Matt Roy headed toward retirement, has been announced.
BarStar Hospitality Group, the new local owner of the craft distillery, brewery, and taproom at 2019 W. Stadium, expects to reopen the taproom this summer as Slow Coast.
Related: New Owners at Wolverine State Brewing
In addition to continuing the Wolverine State brewing operations and expanding the slate of craft beverages, BarStar envisions Slow Coast as a west-side community hub “for anyone who appreciates quality, authenticity, and the unhurried moments that make life meaningful,” according to their news release. They anticipate a food menu of “elevated favorites and shareables,” particularly handmade pizza—“traditional-style pies made with slow-fermented dough.”
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Lo-Fi, the basement bar and dance music venue beneath sister establishment Nightcap on S. Main, is closed for renovation and rebranding. BarStar Hospitality Group plans to reopen the space midyear with a new concept: “Think vintage glamour meets modern cocktail culture,” their Instagram post hints.
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Mainstreet Ventures is “reimagining” Carson’s American Bistro, which closed January 10 after two decades at Plymouth Rd. and Commonwealth Dr. The next concept hasn’t been finalized, but plans include a new name, menu, and full remodeling with a brighter, more family-friendly atmosphere—“something fresh, inviting, and designed for the way families dine today,” according to their news release. Kevin Gudejko, president and CEO of the restaurant group, adds that most employees have temporarily shifted to Mainstreet’s other establishments until the relaunch is ready.
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It’s official: L.L. Bean will join the growing east side of Briarwood Mall this fall, according to mall owner Simon Property Group. The Maine-based retailer of outdoor apparel, footwear, and gear was founded in 1912 by Leon Leonwood Bean, and it remains family-owned. Long reliant on its mail-order catalog to drive sales, it’s planning eight openings this year to bring its U.S. store count to seventy-six. Its only other Michigan location is in the Mall at Partridge Creek in Macomb County.
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