Bistro 82 Owner Plots New American Restaurant and Bar in Royal Oak

Royal Oak's bustling Main Street is set to welcome its next restaurant. The Oakland Press reports that restaurateur Aaron Belen, owner of Bistro 82, recently received city approval to transform the former Franklin Fine Wine site at 511 S. Main Street into an restaurant serving modern American fare. Although the restaurant is still without name, Belen plans to draw Royal Oak patrons with an energetic, yet mature atmosphere.

Belen is bringing on Birmingham architect Kevin Biddison to transform the space. Working within a $250,000 renovation budget, Biddison hopes to revive the current, bunker-like building into an open concept with patio seating. The 6,500-square-foot space will seat 250 and feature a 400-square-foot dance floor, along with a stage for DJs and live music. Bistro 82's executive chef Derik Watson will develop the menu. Legal council Scott McDonald tells the Press:

The concept is an extension of the same level of quality [as Bistro 82]. It's going to be a knock-out place...It's not a sports bar.

According to DBusiness, construction is expected to begin within the next two to three months, and an estimated opening date of early-to-mid 2016 is in the books. Eater has reached out for more details. Stay tuned.

Correction, 07/16, 3:55 p.m.: A representative for Aaron Belen tells Eater the restaurant will neither be "upscale" or a burger bar as The Oakland Press reported. Additionally, Scott McDonald was incorrectly identified as co-owner. He is legal council for Belen. The headline and copy have been updated to reflect the changes.