It looks like downtown Detroit will be gaining another restaurant in 2017, and this one is an interesting blend of two well-known names. The Millender Center on Jefferson and Brush will be the new location for the first co-branded Applebee’s Grill and Bar and IHOP restaurant.
According to information provided by Team Schostak, construction on the space is expected to start in April pending approvals from the city and look for a grand opening in late 2017.
Hopefully they will do a major upgrade in the decor of the current space, which is currently being used in part as a hotel bar and formerly was a Sweet Lorraine’s. It is in need of some sprucing up, to say the least.
The new restaurant will take up close to 12,000 square feet on the ground floor of the Millender Center. The dual restaurant will seat 300 guests, and will feature a barista coffee bar. The menu will feature “guest-favorite” items from both places. That usually means focusing on the best sellers.
The restaurant is expected to have more than 100 employees once they open, but there’s no word on what the menu will look like.
Here’s how they explained the co-branded concept in a statement.
“As we continue to lead the way in the restaurant industry, TSFR is proud to expand our portfolio by uniquely combining two nationally recognized and family-oriented brands into one co-branded restaurant in the City of Detroit,” said Executive Chairman Mark Schostak. “This expansion is a testament to our commitment to the City of Detroit and Michigan, and it’s aligned with our strategic growth plan. Applebee’s is built on the concept of being a neighborhood grill and bar, which is the perfect complement to the welcoming, family-friendly environment IHOP has delivered for nearly 60 years. We look forward to bringing more jobs to our community and providing an elevated dining experience to all restaurant guests.”
Livonia business Team Schostak Family Restaurants (TSFR) is behind this newest development. They are the same group that opened the first Applebee’s in the city of Detroit on 8 Mile near Woodward to much fanfare in 2015.