HopCat Royal Oak Debuts in May

It didn’t seem possible but Royal Oak is about to get a lot boozier this spring. Beer bar empire, HopCat, will debut its sixth Michigan location in downtown Royal Oak in May.

The fast-expanding chain operated by BarFly Ventures confirmed last fall that it would take over the former Woody’s and Onyx Modern Steakhouse & Whiskey Bar at 208 5th Ave. The restaurant has opened a hiring center at 514 S. Washington in Royal Oak to staff the restaurant. Walk-in, on-the-spot interviews will be given from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and from noon to 4 p.m. on Saturdays (bring a resume).

Meanwhile, renovations costing approximately $2.5 million are wrapping up on the building which is expected to feature a rooftop deck and bar, a private dining room and bar, and custom-commissioned artwork. HopCat Royal Oak will offer 100 Michigan craft beers.

HopCat openings are known to attract crowds. When the bar opened a location in Detroit several years ago, some customers camped out overnight in hopes of scoring free “Crack Fries.” The same giveaway will be offered at the Royal Oak location when it opens its doors at 11 a.m. on May 20. The first 200 people in the door will receive a card guaranteeing them a free fries for a year. Throughout the day there will also be free orders of the restaurant’s signature spuds. Customers can also expect special southeast Michigan brews on tap during the grand opening.

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