Local hangout opening

The countdown is on for Aaron Belen and AFB Hospitality Group’s The Morrie Birmingham. Located at 260 N. Old Woodward, Belen said they plan to open by the end of July and the menu is about 75 percent finalized. “We’re in the final stages of construction and we’re looking to start training in the middle of July,” he said. Much like The Morrie’s Royal Oak location, guests can expect something in between a coney island and a high-end restaurant, with pizza, salads, and burgers gracing the menu. The hospitality group is still working on the details of setting up late-night entertainment for the after-dinner crowd. Belen is excited to bring The Morrie to town and for guests to see what they can offer. “Wherever I go, people talk to me about it, and there’s just such a need,” he said. “The residents, the business people, are just dying for a different offering.”