Axle Brewing Co. Poised for May Debut

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BEER HERE — Axle Brewing Co. is putting the finishing touches on the Livernois Tap & Brewery in Ferndale. The beerhall buildout is expected to wrap in the next two weeks placing the anticipated opening around mid-May. The restaurant helmed by executive chef Reid Shipman will seat 90 patrons with an additional 65 seats on the patio. The taproom will serve 15 beers as well as a few ciders with optional 32-ounce to-go crowlers (large recyclable cans). [Crain’s]

COMING ATTRACTIONS — Detroit Optimist Society co-founder Dave Kwiatkowski teased some new projects in the works when speaking with Eater in February, and drops a few more details about his growing bar and restaurant empire in an interview with Free Press critic Mark Kurlyandchik. “We’re looking at probably two more places to be open in 2017. We’re looking at another bar, and we’re looking at another restaurant as well.” Kwiatkowski adds that it could be up to four new projects depending on how the deals shake out. [Freep]

REOPENING REPORT — After a temporary shutter last fall, Pontiac pop-up dining outfit Menagerie Kitchen has relocated to Lafayette Market. Founders James and April Forbes plan to host events at 154 N. Saginaw Street every other Sunday. [Metromode]

EXPANSIONS — Raw juice empire, Drought, is once again in a growing pattern. The company is preparing to move its production from a 3,500-square-foot kitchen in Ferndale to a 15,000-square-foot building in Berkley this year and is plotting a new Royal Oak outpost on Woodward Avenue south of 14 Mile. [Crain’s]

IDK — Because every good dining experience deserves its own soundtrack, Johnny Noodle King has cut a record featuring artists Brent Blaksmith, Fabian Halabou, and Scott Masson. A mere 500 copies of the 45’ featuring the “Slurp Song” were pressed at Third Man Records. Grab a copy at the record release party on April 23. The crew for JNK will also be popping up at New York’s venerable Ramen Lab in May. [Metro Times]