Vinsetta Garage Owners Plot New Project in Birmingham

A former bus garage in the Rail District may become the newest addition to the Union Joints restaurant group— the masterminds behind seven area hotspots including Union Woodshop, Fenton Firehall and Vinsetta Garage.

Freep’s Jay Grossmman reports that owner Curt Catallo is reportedly interested in refurbishing the space at 2159 Lincoln into Lincoln Yard, a family friendly spot with American eats, rooftop and outdoor dining, and plenty of parking.

Union Joints is known for its revamps and ever-growing empire, including anticipated destination 8MK that’s heading into the historic WWJ Building on Eight Mile Road, and a brand new Clarkston eatery called Honcho. The company also announced an ambitious $10 million plan to develop the Brewster Wheeler Recreation Center into a restaurant, bar, and beer garden.

Cartallo has already applied for a bistro license and has a good chance to move ahead with Lincoln Yard. However, only two bistro licenses are handed out by Birmingham in a calendar year, and two other proposed restaurants are also vying for one— Adachi, a rather pricey-sounding Asian bistro from hotel operator Kenny Koza who promises kobe beef sliders at the Ford Peabody Mansion; and Whole Foods Bistro, a neighborhood restaurant planned for Whole Foods at 2100 E. Maple that has neighbors on its side but a projected opening of November 2017 (meaning it will likely have to reapply for the license in 2018).

Stay tuned for more details as this story develops.

Vinsetta Garage owner proposes Birmingham bistro [freep]

All Expansion Coverage [ED]