Prepping Morrie’s

While it’s not quite ready for it’s close up, The Morrie Birmingham, the latest venture by Aaron Belen and AFB Hospitality Group, is getting very close, Belen said, as it readies for a summertime opening at 260 N. Old Woodward in downtown Birmingham. While it will be similar to his Royal Oak location of The Morrie, where it’s a casual, welcoming restaurant for all ages which morphes into an exciting entertainment nightclub post-10 p.m., the Birmingham locale will really step it up. “We call it our neighborhood roadhouse concept with live music,” Belen explained. “For Birmingham, we’re going to elevate the food offerings for the community. I think this will really fill the void in the marketplace between going to a high-end steakhouse or taking the kids to a coney. You can feed your family without spending a fortune.” He said he understands the community – he grew up locally, and still lives “three minutes away.” Look for an expanded pizza menu and make-your-own salads, along with the signature burgers, sandwiches and tater tots. “If I didn’t own the place, I’d be excited to go there.”

Metro Intelligencer is a monthly column devoted to news stories, tidbits and gossip items about what's happening on the restaurant scene in the metro Detroit area. Metro Intelligencer is reported/created each month by Dana Casadei who can be reached at DanaCasadei@DowntownPublications.com with news items or tips, on or off the record.