The old Cheli’s Chili spot is getting a new tenant. Tim Roof, a Nashville-based chain.
It’ll be a bar, restaurant and entertainment venue at 47 East Adams Street in downtown Detroit. The menu is what they call Southern-inspired “Better Than Bar Food.”
Highlights, according to press materials, include:
- Dixie Biscuits – Three fried biscuit sliders, smoked brisket, bacon, peach jam and cheddar cheese
- Voodoo Shrimp Grinder – Shrimp & andouille sausage stewed Creole style with tomatoes, peppers, onions and spices on a garlic butter roll
- Candy Pig Mac & Cheese – Elbow pasta, brown sugar bacon, jalapeno queso, aged cheddar, herb breadcrumbs and scallions
“Detroit is such a great city with a great musical heritage and it has been on our radar for a long time,” said Bob Franklin, CEO of Tin Roof. “We know this is the right time and we could not be happier with the location near Comerica Park, Ford Field and the historic Fox Theatre in The District Detroit.”
The restaurant says that Tin Roof’s goal is to create opportunities for its crew and musicians, while creating a unique atmosphere for, quote, “those who love live music, good food and a fun time.” They also promise a lot of live music in a press release festooned with corporate speak.
The live music caught my attention. I, for one, remember places like the old Music Menu. I’m not banking on anything, but more live music in downtown Detroit would be a plus.
Here’s the thing. Cheli’s was one of those venues that people either loved or hated. When I wrote about its closure in November, the reaction was strong and divided.
I’ve never been to Tin Roof in another city, so I’m going reserve some judgement. I generally don’t knock a place before I try it. It’s kind of my rule of weirding around Detroit 101.
If you’re interested, the Nashville location gets 3.5 stars on Yelp.
Personally, the historic building this bar and restaurant is in will continue to stand — so I’ll take that as a win.