4 eateries planned in Comerica Park area

Source: Detroit News
DETROIT -- Several new entertainment and dining ventures are being planned in and around Comerica Park, including a 1950's-style diner, billiards parlor and four restaurants.

   Johnny Rockets, a 117-seat diner serving American fare amid Art Deco decor, has signed a lease for a 3,000-square-foot space inside the Fox Theatre. The first-floor site was last occupied by America's Pizza Cafe, an Italian-style bistro operated by Little Caesar Enterprises.

   Another restaurant is planned in the Fox to replace Tres Vite, a French restaurant which closed last year, said Denise Ilitch, co-president of privately owned Ilitch Holdings Inc., which owns Little Caesar Enterprises, the Detroit Tigers and Detroit Red Wings. Little Caesars, the nation's third-largest pizza chain, has its headquarters in the Fox.

   Fifth Avenue Billiards, an upscale bar and pool hall with locations in Royal Oak and Novi, has signed an agreement in principle to open a 11,500-square-foot facility on the second floor of Comerica Park. The second-floor space, at the northwest corner of the ball park, includes a roof-top deck. It can accommodate 1,000 patrons.

   "We are close to signing a lease with Fifth Avenue, and we should have the deal finalized shortly," Ilitch said. "They should open later in the summer.

   "Johnny Rockets will open in 45 days. We've also bought the rights to bring Johnny Rockets' milkshakes to Comerica Park and Joe Louis Arena. We have some other deals that we're looking at as well."

   Another bar and restaurant is planned at the northwest corner of Comerica Park, Ilitch said. She hopes to select a finalist from among three candidates shortly.

   Two blocks south of Comerica Park on Woodward, Ferndale-based Como's plans to open a bar and restaurant by the end of the year. Oslo, a sushi bar, is scheduled to open at Woodward and John R in the summer.

   "With the amount of people coming through downtown for sporting and theater events, the new bars and restaurants should do well," said Ray F. Parker, president of RFP Associates, a commercial brokerage firm in downtown Detroit. "They will also help draw people on non-game days."
Source: Detroit News