The Morrie opens to great fanfare in downtown Birmingham

David Veselenak
Hometown Life

Aaron F. Belen said he believes he's crafted his newest restaurant to be a perfect fit in downtown Birmingham.

He's hoping the community agrees with him as he opens The Morrie at 260 N. Old Woodward, the second roadhouse restaurant bearing his grandfather's name after the first opened up three years ago in Royal Oak.

"It's like an evolution of the concept," said Belen, owner of AFB Hospitality Group that operates The Morrie. "Royal Oak was like beta, and I wanted to kind of figure out what was up. Then we crafted 2.0 to the building, the space and the community."

Today, the new restaurant boasts a modern look with a mural and decor similar to the Royal Oak restaurant. The Birmingham eatery has made some changes, with the ability to retract five 75-inch televisions into the ceiling over the bar for when musical performances are taking the stage above and behind the bar.

"This was an unbelievable opportunity to raise the stage, not only for music but for the projector that we have," he said. "Major market experience."

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It includes a private dining area that's completely soundproof to the music and sounds coming from the main dining room, and has an patio that can be sectioned off for parties.

As for the food, customers can expect similar dishes at the Birmingham restaurant as they have at the Royal Oak restaurant, such as sandwiches and pizza, though there will be some subtle, more healthier changes, including a create-your-own salad option.

Executive Chef Derik Watson said there are more options for those who are vegan or gluten-free crowd on the Birmingham menu, though still stays true to its bar identity. Not on the menu in Birmingham is the macaroni and cheese stuffed potato skins, though one can find hummus.

"We lightened up the 'bar fare,'" he said. "A lot less of the deep-fried bar food, a lot more fresh ingredients, lighter fare. Very conscientious to today's trends."

A dining experience like no other

The restaurant will hold its official opening Aug. 15, though the doors are open for customers looking to try out the new restaurant. A bigger grand opening celebration is planned for September.

A pre-opening party took place Aug. 7 before the restaurant opened its doors to the public to benefit CARE House of Oakland County. Based in Pontiac, the organization assists abused children across the county.

Blythe Spitsbergen, the nonprofit's CEO, said the event is expected to raise thousands of dollars for the organization, as well as bring more awareness to the work the Pontiac-based organization does.

"It gets the word out about the work we do and the importance of it," she said. "It also raises much-needed funds so we're able to do our work in the community.

"People don't really think it happens in their backyard."

The space currently occupied by The Morrie in Birmingham has had a long list of restaurants that have moved out. Belen said his goal is to buck that trend and make his restaurant a destination that gives a different vibe, one that makes his customers feel like they're not in Metro Detroit at all.

"To me, when you walk into our property, I don't feel like I'm necessarily in Michigan," he said. "I think that like anything else, we want to be unique and we want to create an experience. And we want to be on the top of our game."

Contact David Veselenak at dveselenak@hometownlife.com or 734-678-6728. Follow him on Twitter @davidveselenak.