New owner for iconic restaurant

After nearly 100 years, the Kurz family will pass the baton at the Dakota Inn, Detroit. The historic Dakota Inn Rathskeller, the traditional German restaurant and beer hall on John R at 6 Mile, has been owned and operated by the Kurz family since 1933. Last week, third generation owner Karl Kurz handed the keys to Paddy Lynch. A funeral director by trade, Lynch has become known for historical restoration projects around Detroit, including The Schvitz, Convent Detroit, and most recently, Dutch Girl Donuts. For the Dakota Inn, two industry veterans will serve as Lynch’s managing partners and oversee operations. Les Molnar (Johnny Noodle King, Green Dot Stables) will serve as Culinary Director and Jarred Gild (Western Market, Pash & Glou, The Schvitz) will serve as Beverage Director and Special Programs Manager. Lynch, Molnar and Gild have all frequented the historic spot for years and are thrilled to carry on the Kurz family legacy. According to Lynch, “Little to nothing will change in the main dining room,” where generations of patrons have enjoyed affordable food and drink, familiar faces, singalongs and other festive activities. That said, the partners see major room for growth in the downstairs Rathskeller, a traditional German bar room with vintage murals and decor that has been used very little in recent years. This is where Gild’s German and Central European wine programming will take center stage, along with the opportunity to book private parties, wine tastings, and other special events. Gild explains, “I’ve loved the wines of Germany and Central Europe for years and local wine drinkers have shown they do too. This will be the best place to explore the diverse styles of the region, from centuries old traditional estates all the way to the hippest natural wine upstarts. There is going to be something for everyone here, and so many cool wines that you can hang out with us every week. Being a regular here is going to be really rewarding.” 17324 John R Street, Detroit dakota-inn.com