Granite City Food and Brewery a national restaurant chain based out of Minnesota is opening a location in Detroit's Renaissance Center in Fall 2015.
The company, which has a restaurant in Troy, will take over a hulking 16,000 square feet in the RenCen with seats for 450 patrons and additional patio seating for 175 guests facing Jefferson Avenue.
Granite City joins a host of other chains announcing locations in Detroit like it's a public relations badge of honor. "It's commonly known that Detroit is seeing a resurgence," says CEO Rob Doran. "As we continue to grow our business in Michigan, we're excited to be part of the growing Detroit food and beverage community."
While the Granite City slogan promises that food and drink at the restaurant "is more than a craft. It's an art," the fare seems along the lines of other upscale chains like Cheesecake Factory with a laundry list of burgers, pastas, sandwiches, seafood, and terrestrial fair. Yelp reviewers in Troy seem to be fans of the Idaho nachos made with waffle fries rather than chips. In terms of beverages, the restaurant offers a respectable list with "handcrafted brews" and beer mixer drinks as well as cocktails and wines.
While the company's signature items will comprise most the RenCen location's food options, Granite City is also making an effort to include some exclusively Detroit menu items that incorporate Eastern Market-sourced ingredients and local brews.
"We look to partner with local breweries and offer a host of beers that complement our existing selection, creating a localized taste," Doran says. "The craft beer scene is very collaborative, and we look forward to sharing ideas and supporting the movement in Detroit."
Construction at the property is expected to begin January 15.
UPDATE: See more renderings at Curbed.
