Photo by Laura Cassar
Ferndale had 13 new businesses open in the past year and has a 92 percent occupancy rate.
The new year will see more dining options arrive in the nearly 4-square-mile Oakland County town. From vegan to southern-inspired cuisine, Ferndale’s culinary offerings continue to grow.
Here’s a roundup of what to look for:
Green Space Cafe: Owned by father, cardiologist Joel Kahn, and son Daniel Kahn, this vegan restaurant opened Dec. 1. The 4,000-square-foot dining area seats 100 inside plus 36 on the patio. Its menu offers plant-based, organic items like Pad Thai, sweet potato gnocchi, grilled Caesar and sliders. The fondue dip with root vegetables is already a house favorite.
Photo by Laura Cassar
Drought raw juices, which are produced in Ferndale, are also sold in Green Space Cafe along with beer and cocktails.
Owner Joel Kahn had this to say about the first few weeks of business: “Ferndale is a city that is fearless in honesty, diversity and setting new trends. Green Space Cafe says, ‘Let’s get real’ about gourmet nutrition, kindness to animals and concern for the environment. It’s a perfect match.’ ”
Green Space Cafe is located at 215 W. Nine Mile Road.
Otus Supply Gastropub: The owners of Toast in Ferndale and Birmingham are opening a 10,000-square-foot bar, restaurant and music venue in the new year. The space, previously occupied by the Oakland/Livingston Health Service Agency, has been undergoing major renovations significantly delaying the planned spring 2014 opening. The menu will be inspired by the Great Lakes.
Otus Supply is located at 345 E. Nine Mile Road.
Photo by Laura Cassar
Daily Dinette and Pop’s: What was once a Buffalo Wild Wings and retail store front (Twisted Shamrock) will become a unique two-part restaurant, offering Ferndale its first 24-hour dining service. Owned by the Kramer Restaurant Group — also owners of Ferndale’s One-Eyed Betty’s, among other restaurants — Pop’s will seat 200 and offer wine-centric Italian, while Daily Dinette will seat 60 and serve casual dining and a lot of coffee options around the clock.
The Daily Dinette is scheduled to open Jan. 18 with Pop’s soon after.
“The Kramer Restaurant Group loves Ferndale,” vice president of operations said Beth Hussey, vice president of operations. “We’ve enjoyed great success here. It’s a tight-knit community and we love the people. That’s what it’s all about.”
Pop’s and Daily Dinette are located at 276 and 280 W. Nine Mile Road.
Southern Belles Bistro: The new restaurant took over Rainy Day Hobbies retail space this past year with plans of opening in September. A new opening date has not been announced. The bistro plans to serve breakfast, lunch and dinner inspired by southern cuisine.
Southern Belles Bistro is located at 22939 Woodward Ave.
Public House: Ferndale’s popular bar-with-a-side-of-sliders that opened in 2013 has taken lease control over its neighboring space leading to much speculation on what will go in the former furniture store.
Public House is located at 241 W. Nine Mile Road.