Roak Brewing Company Prepares to Close Taproom, Relocate Royal Oak Production to Marshall

ROAK taproom and brewing facility up for sale

After five years in Royal Oak, the Roak Brewing is preparing to let go of its taproom, brewing facility, and equipment on East Lincoln, Crain’s reports. The move is part of an effort by the company to consolidate operations after acquiring Dark Horse Brewing Co. in Marshall last year. That merger wrapped up in February just as the pandemic was hitting Michigan, resulting in financial challenges for the company. Roak will continue brewing Dark Horse and Roak beers from one facility in Marshall. CEO John Leon tells Crain’s he’s in talks with local brewers to take over the space, and hopes to eventually reopen a Roak taproom elsewhere in the city.

Metro Detroit restaurants begin offering in-house delivery to compete with apps

Dissatisfied with the high fees charged by third-party delivery apps like Grubhub and Doordash, many restaurants and bars around metro Detroit have begun exploring in-house delivery, according to the Detroit Free Press. Restaurants including Takoi, the Oakland, Polish Village, and Hazel, Ravines and Downtown now offer delivery.

Detroit extends outdoor dining permitting

With summer outdoor dining permits expiring on Monday, November 30, Detroit restaurants and bars still have the opportunity to extend their outdoor seating areas through the winter months. The City of Detroit has extended its express permitting process to last through April 1. Applications are now being accepted for the winter season. Learn more about outdoor dining guidelines in Detroit with this pamphlet.

Detroit approves new recreational marijuana ordinance

The city approved a new recreational marijuana ordinance on Tuesday, November 24, paving the way for a round of licensed pot shops and cafes to open within Detroit city limits in 2021. The first round of applications, which favor legacy Detroiters, opens on Tuesday, January 19.

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