Restaurant biz is on a roll
Nathan Skid
Table Talk
Quote:
I admit I was surprised by all of the activity in metro Detroit's restaurant scene this past year. Finally, there was some good news to report.
During 2011, we saw the rise of food trucks, the revival of long-lost names, the rise of Corktown, the announcement of exciting new restaurant concepts in both the suburbs and the city and a surprising amount of attention being given to our local restaurants on the Food Network.
Several food trucks are now trolling metro Detroit, including Concrete Cuisine, Jacques Tacos and El Guapo. Each has its own flair and is creating a loyal following.
Detroit city officials are working to change antiquated ordinances that will allow food trucks to thrive in downtown Detroit
On the bricks and mortar side of the industry, after nearly four years of contraction, it seems that cautious expansion is the trend for metro Detroit's restaurant scene.
Joe Vicari, for example, had a big year. Vicari, president of Warren-based Andiamo Restaurant Group, opened two locations of Rojo Mexican Bistro, one of which was converted from an Andiamo, and brought back two familiar names in Brownies on the Lake and Joe Muer Seafood.
Vicari said year-over-year sales for his restaurant group, which includes more than 20 restaurants, have been relatively flat since 2008, but is bullish on Joe Muer's Seafood.
"There is a lot of buzz downtown, and it's one of the pockets doing well."
Continued at: http://www.crainsdetroit.com/article...z-is-on-a-roll
