HopCat Bar opening in Detroit; will be biggest location yet

**CrashDummy** · February-06-14, 11:32 PM

Originally Posted by rb336

Do these brain-dead asinine posts reflect your inner beauty?

No, they reflect my inner ass. The beauty is outer.

**Chinman** · February-06-14, 11:36 PM

So.... Locating in a cesspool, within blocks of an inferior flagship university and the future home of a cheap, bland arena which generates no spinoff economic activity. And next door to a stop on the slow moving magic choo choo which no one will ride.

Huh.

Sorry, what an ass-hat statement. It is so easy to discount you on each point you make!

**old guy** · February-07-14, 05:36 AM

I don't live in Detroit. I did live in Detroit at one time, off and on for several years. I loved the city. I visit it on occasion and still like it. I'd like to see more venues with more diversity.
I just can't quite comprehend the negativity of so many people when some business wants to come to the city and open, create jobs and attract a diverse clientele. Most cities strive to accept and embrace any new business that attracts people to visit. I would assume that locals would enjoy more venues too.
I admit that I don't understand or at least can't comprehend the logistics or the importance of the location of a particular business. I've just never heard so much negativity in any city as I do in Detroit. I find it amazing that any business would venture to locate there.
If you want to see growth or see the city flourish once again, and I think it will, take a step back from all the negativity and allow things to grow. You might not be seeing everything happen in exactly the manner you wish to. So what, that's how big cities function. Let it go, and watch it grow.

**NickCharles** · February-07-14, 05:40 AM

Originally Posted by DetroitPlanner

I don't have an issue. I said that. I am betting that those that live nearby are not going to like having so many bars clustered so close to each other. Are you implying that there are no issues in places like Ann Arbor, Royal Oak, Mt Clemens or any of the other areas where there are a lot of these places? Now put this next to a Hockey Arena? Wow... D-Bag city.

Screaming and yelling at 1-3 am many nights, followed by more yelling, police sirens, etc. Yeah, nice place to live bro.

Speaking as a guy who loves quiet and does not like having bunches of people around, I can see what you're saying, there, but I think it's one of those "you can't have it both ways" things.
People are paying premium prices to be down in that area where the action is. With that active vibe, a certain amount of noise is a natural component. "D-Bags?" Yeah, them, too, but if a person wants the serene ambience of a cozy, bedroom community, they wouldn't choose-- and pay extra-- to live in the area that we're talking about... would they?

**Spartan** · February-07-14, 11:19 AM

Originally Posted by NickCharles

Speaking as a guy who loves quiet and does not like having bunches of people around, I can see what you're saying, there, but I think it's one of those "you can't have it both ways" things.
People are paying premium prices to be down in that area where the action is. With that active vibe, a certain amount of noise is a natural component. "D-Bags?" Yeah, them, too, but if a person wants the serene ambience of a cozy, bedroom community, they wouldn't choose-- and pay extra-- to live in the area that we're talking about... would they?

Exactly. The people that love quiet and not having people around probably aren't living on Woodward in Midtown. People that live in cities expect activity, that's why they live there. Suggesting that adding MORE amenities in an urban environment would somehow attract FEWER residents is just ridiculous.

**CrashDummy** · February-07-14, 11:30 AM

Originally Posted by Chinman

Sorry, what an ass-hat statement. It is so easy to discount you on each point you make!

Yes, exactly. Which is why I deemed it unnecessary to include a disclaimer warning of the dangerous levels of sarcasm it contained.

I just found it funny how he included so many of these previous negatively portrayed reasons as to why he would choose to expand his established, successful out-state business in that location.

**aj3647** · February-07-14, 05:13 PM

Originally Posted by DetroitPlanner

These folks will show up to the hearings. Everything you propose you need to be able to defend.

Funny, considering you have not been able to defend any of your stupid bullshit assumptions with any actual facts and evidence. Has the original HopCat location in GR proven to be a hub of criminal activity and source of community complaints?

**detroitbob** · February-09-14, 04:15 AM

It is Washington Boulevard in Detroit, not Washington Ave.

**DetroitPlanner** · February-09-14, 09:42 AM

Originally Posted by aj3647

Funny, considering you have not been able to defend any of your stupid bullshit assumptions with any actual facts and evidence. Has the original HopCat location in GR proven to be a hub of criminal activity and source of community complaints?

"The bar is BEAUTIFUL. The decor is off the charts. The beer selection is great. The patrons and staff ruin it. Lots of d-bags. On both sides of the bar." http://www.ratebeer.com/p/hopcat-grand-rapids/9240/204256/

Typical Hopcat patrons:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v7HU4vVeeMk
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=74BQKZPhp60
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b42UgP35x2k
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6NYOA65zrCU

Anyway, my biggest concern was/is for the residents currently living in the area having to put up with additional problems that come from having a bar district built around them. If you bothered to read all of my post other than the select parts that you don't like, you would have realized this.

Then again I am not the one who will need to defend this, nor am I on the ZBA or the City Council who will need to approve them. I am just pointing out that folks will come who will not be as enamoured with the idea of this place as you are.

**Honky Tonk** · February-09-14, 10:50 AM

Originally Posted by DetroitPlanner

"The bar is BEAUTIFUL. The decor is off the charts. The beer selection is great. The patrons and staff ruin it. Lots of d-bags. On both sides of the bar." http://www.ratebeer.com/p/hopcat-grand-rapids/9240/204256/

Typical Hopcat patrons:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v7HU4vVeeMk
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=74BQKZPhp60
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b42UgP35x2k
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6NYOA65zrCU

Anyway, my biggest concern was/is for the residents currently living in the area having to put up with additional problems that come from having a bar district built around them. If you bothered to read all of my post other than the select parts that you don't like, you would have realized this.

Then again I am not the one who will need to defend this, nor am I one the ZBA or the City Council who will need to approve them. I am just pointing out that folks will come who will not be as enamoured with the idea of this place as you are.

Doesn't look like anything I want to be a part of. Thanx for posting those. Why anyone would want to pay through the nose to live n the middle of a stadium and bar district, is beyond me.

**noise** · February-09-14, 03:04 PM

Originally Posted by DetroitPlanner

"The bar is BEAUTIFUL. The decor is off the charts. The beer selection is great. The patrons and staff ruin it. Lots of d-bags. On both sides of the bar." http://www.ratebeer.com/p/hopcat-grand-rapids/9240/204256/

Typical Hopcat patrons:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v7HU4vVeeMk
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=74BQKZPhp60
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b42UgP35x2k
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6NYOA65zrCU

Based on this brilliant evidence, it sounds like these people are WAY BETTER than the "typical Detroiter" I see all over YouTube and read about in the newspaper comments.

**motz** · February-10-14, 10:34 AM

Originally Posted by Honky Tonk

Doesn't look like anything I want to be a part of. Thanx for posting those. Why anyone would want to pay through the nose to live n the middle of a stadium and bar district, is beyond me.

Yeah, driving to bars and risking getting pulled over, or alternately paying out the ass for a cab is just the coolest thing that young professionals absolutely love doing

**Khorasaurus** · February-10-14, 10:42 AM

Originally Posted by motz

Yeah, driving to bars and risking getting pulled over, or alternately paying out the ass for a cab is just the coolest thing that young professionals absolutely love doing

This is the actual reason. Sure, being near bars doesn't appeal to everyone, but the people that do want to be near bars like it because they can walk home after a few beers [[with that special someone they just picked up...) and not have to worry about driving.

**Honky Tonk** · February-10-14, 11:14 AM

Originally Posted by motz

Yeah, driving to bars and risking getting pulled over, or alternately paying out the ass for a cab is just the coolest thing that young professionals absolutely love doing

Point taken. I guess my life's changed enough now that not only don't I feel the need, I look @ places like that in a different light. To each his own, I guess.

**motz** · February-10-14, 12:30 PM

Originally Posted by Honky Tonk

Point taken. I guess my life's changed enough now that not only don't I feel the need, I look @ places like that in a different light. To each his own, I guess.

With how much police have cracked down on intoxicated driving, lots of people that I know locate themselves near bar districts due to not wanting to drive. I personally like to be near a handful of nightlife options, and greatly value having that as an option. I am by no means a home body.

Part of the reason why I find Detroit interesting is that, with all of the very diverse neighborhoods, once could move about the city as their life evolves and moves forward, going from say Midtown/Woodbridge/Corktown, to downtown, to one of the villages or other solid neighborhoods once they are looking to settle down. DetroitPlanner seems to forget that each other those neighborhoods have things their residents crave, and HopCat is filling a big void for some residents.

**Honky Tonk** · February-10-14, 12:36 PM

Originally Posted by motz

With how much police have cracked down on intoxicated driving, lots of people that I know locate themselves near bar districts due to not wanting to drive. I personally like to be near a handful of nightlife options, and greatly value having that as an option. I am by no means a home body.

Part of the reason why I find Detroit interesting is that, with all of the very diverse neighborhoods, once could move about the city as their life evolves and moves forward, going from say Midtown/Woodbridge/Corktown, to downtown, to one of the villages or other solid neighborhoods once they are looking to settle down. DetroitPlanner seems to forget that each other those neighborhoods have things their residents crave, and HopCat is filling a big void for some residents.

I am by NO means a homebody either, I just no longer find drinking consistantly, or to excess, and trying to set a record for Crackfry ingestion particularly entertaining anymore.

**motz** · February-10-14, 12:42 PM

Originally Posted by Honky Tonk

I am by NO means a homebody either, I just no longer find drinking consistantly, or to excess, and trying to set a record for Crackfry ingestion particularly entertaining anymore.

I recently had some medical issues that have prevented me from drinking, but I still enjoy being able to trek out to say, Old Miami or Temple Bar to meet up with some friends and dance or some such. To each their own!

**Honky Tonk** · February-10-14, 12:59 PM

Originally Posted by motz

I recently had some medical issues that have prevented me from drinking, but I still enjoy being able to trek out to say, Old Miami or Temple Bar to meet up with some friends and dance or some such. To each their own!

Ok, Now both of those are GOOD bars! No hula-hoops with LED's, but they carry a certain entertainment of their own, you know?

**Lowell** · February-10-14, 01:19 PM

Originally Posted by old guy

I don't live in Detroit. I did live in Detroit at one time, off and on for several years. I loved the city. I visit it on occasion and still like it. I'd like to see more venues with more diversity.
I just can't quite comprehend the negativity of so many people when some business wants to come to the city and open, create jobs and attract a diverse clientele. Most cities strive to accept and embrace any new business that attracts people to visit. I would assume that locals would enjoy more venues too.
I admit that I don't understand or at least can't comprehend the logistics or the importance of the location of a particular business. I've just never heard so much negativity in any city as I do in Detroit. I find it amazing that any business would venture to locate there.
If you want to see growth or see the city flourish once again, and I think it will, take a step back from all the negativity and allow things to grow. You might not be seeing everything happen in exactly the manner you wish to. So what, that's how big cities function. Let it go, and watch it grow.

You have well defined a core emotional struggle we face. They make you feel like you brought a kid a new toy only to be scolded by the kid.

It's about confidence, pessimism vs optimism. Many people have difficulty dealing with the fact that the City of Detroit has turned around. That doesn't parse with their hardened attitude that Detroit can never get better, only worse. In the few that have blind hatred of Detroit [<codespeak] it's infuriating.

For me I am throwing ticker-tape for all these, doing a Detroit YES! fist pump and will be in line for beer when they open. That is a great property and has a wonderful outdoor patio in back. Amusingly a friend said about the space, "Finally. An owner without a drug problem."

**Honky Tonk** · February-10-14, 01:23 PM

Originally Posted by Lowell

and will be in line for beer when they open.

Be sure to try the Crack Fries.

**jt1** · February-10-14, 01:26 PM

Originally Posted by Honky Tonk

Be sure to try the Crack Fries.

Are they made with real pieces of crack? I guess that's one way to maintain return business

**poobert** · February-10-14, 01:53 PM

Originally Posted by DetroitPlanner

"The bar is BEAUTIFUL. The decor is off the charts. The beer selection is great. The patrons and staff ruin it. Lots of d-bags. On both sides of the bar." http://www.ratebeer.com/p/hopcat-grand-rapids/9240/204256/

Typical Hopcat patrons:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v7HU4vVeeMk
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=74BQKZPhp60
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b42UgP35x2k
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6NYOA65zrCU

Anyway, my biggest concern was/is for the residents currently living in the area having to put up with additional problems that come from having a bar district built around them. If you bothered to read all of my post other than the select parts that you don't like, you would have realized this.

Then again I am not the one who will need to defend this, nor am I on the ZBA or the City Council who will need to approve them. I am just pointing out that folks will come who will not be as enamoured with the idea of this place as you are.

I have some real questions for you:
Do you drink at all?
Do you go out in the evenings, on weekends in particular?
Do you find yourself at gallery openings, new restaurants, new breweries with friends?
If not, that's fine. It's a free country. The bottom line is that many, many people like to do this, in particular, young professionals. If it's not your cup of meat, that's fine, but don't knock it. There is nothing wrong with it, period.

Who the fuck is living downtown for the bucolic peace and quiet? You, for the record, are the only one who appears to be concerned. I've yet to see any concern from any actual downtown resident about this place ruining their neighborhood.

Seriously for those of us who still go out each weekend and hit the town this seems like a good fucking time.

**DetroitPlanner** · February-10-14, 02:21 PM

Originally Posted by poobert

I have some real questions for you:
Do you drink at all?
Do you go out in the evenings, on weekends in particular?
Do you find yourself at gallery openings, new restaurants, new breweries with friends?
If not, that's fine. It's a free country. The bottom line is that many, many people like to do this, in particular, young professionals. If it's not your cup of meat, that's fine, but don't knock it. There is nothing wrong with it, period.

Who the fuck is living downtown for the bucolic peace and quiet? You, for the record, are the only one who appears to be concerned. I've yet to see any concern from any actual downtown resident about this place ruining their neighborhood.

Seriously for those of us who still go out each weekend and hit the town this seems like a good fucking time.

Do you read at all???

Instead of attacking me based upon something I can't control, why not look for what it is I am trying to say? Here it is blunt:

I have on multiple occasions in this thread mentioned that there will be people living nearby who will fight this and show up to the meetings where this will be approved. I have also mentioned that I myself have no qualms with this place personally.

If you can read between the lines, I am saying that if all of you booze-hounds want this [[I am 47 and well beyond hanging out getting drunk all night btw). If you want to hang with these drunken loud losers by all means you have the right to. You better make dammed sure that you know when these meetings are and come out to support them. Yeah I made a generalization based upon me not wanting this anywhere need me. So sue me and GET OFF MY LAWN!

Who don't want it? Lets see:
http://www.detroityes.com/mb/showthr...ighlight=Kales
http://www.detroityes.com/mb/showthr...ighlight=Kales
http://www.detroityes.com/mb/showthr...own-nightclubs

**bailey** · February-10-14, 02:36 PM

Originally Posted by DetroitPlanner

. Yeah I made a generalization based upon me not wanting this anywhere need me. So sue me and GET OFF MY LAWN!

...so basically nothing you've said on this thread should be taken seriously.

it's a bar... going in a former bar and restaurant...in an area of bars and restaurants....in an area of little to no residential outside of college kids and people who WANT to live in/near/around an entertainment district... on a major thoroughfare...near the State's 3rd largest college...near the city's cultural center.... near a massive Hospital Complex... and in the region's largest city.

what. the. fuck. is your point? Seriously its like it's personal with you and this place.

**Honky Tonk** · February-10-14, 02:39 PM

Originally Posted by DetroitPlanner

Do you read at all???

Instead of attacking me based upon something I can't control, why not look for what it is I am trying to say? Here it is blunt:

I have on multiple occasions in this thread mentioned that there will be people living nearby who will fight this and show up to the meetings where this will be approved. I have also mentioned that I myself have no qualms with this place personally.

If you can read between the lines, I am saying that if all of you booze-hounds want this [[I am 47 and well beyond hanging out getting drunk all night btw). If you want to hang with these drunken loud losers by all means you have the right to. You better make dammed sure that you know when these meetings are and come out to support them. Yeah I made a generalization based upon me not wanting this anywhere need me. So sue me and GET OFF MY LAWN!

Who don't want it? Lets see:
http://www.detroityes.com/mb/showthr...ighlight=Kales
http://www.detroityes.com/mb/showthr...ighlight=Kales
http://www.detroityes.com/mb/showthr...own-nightclubs

If I were you, I'd put up a snow wall and STOP them from opening up the bar.