Modern American Gastropub Central Kitchen and Bar in downtown

Restaurant to create approximately 50 new jobs, opening slated for July 2015

DETROIT, MI – Local entrepreneurs Dennis Archer, Jr. and Christopher Brochert with partner and general manager, Ken Karam, have announced plans to open Central Kitchen + Bar (Central), a modern American gastropub housed in downtown Detroit’s iconic First National Building at 660 Woodward Avenue. Slated to open in July 2015, the dining destination will feature approachable, upscale bar food from executive chef, Christina Stanco, formerly of the Roberts Restaurant Group’s Café ML in Bloomfield Township. The 3,028-square-foot street-level space is located on the Cadillac Square side of the building, owned and managed by Bedrock Real Estate Services. Central is expected to bring approximately 50 new jobs to the city’s Central Business District.

“We could not be more excited to help breathe life back into this space and open our doors in the heart of the city,” said Archer, Jr. “We have incredible partners – from Bedrock to our design and culinary teams – with a shared commitment to growing the city’s food scene in a way that is inclusive and accessible to every kind of diner.”

“From the layout and décor to the eclectic menu, Central Kitchen + Bar is another unique dining concept people will only be able to experience in downtown Detroit,” said Dan Mullen, Vice President of Leasing and Development with Bedrock Real EstateServices. “Dennis Archer, Jr. and his team are creating an inviting atmosphere withgreat food and drinks in a prime location. We can’t wait for them to open their doors.”

Designed by restaurant specialists Ron and Roman, known for their work on several of metro Detroit’s top restaurants, the concept for Central is rooted in the contrast between the building’s rich history and modern urbanity. Ron Rea and Roman Bonislawski, the firm’s co-founders, plan to include design elements that lend themselves to all occasions. Of the nearly 130 seats in the restaurant, 90 will be indoors including 18 at the bar and 12 in a lounge area. The restaurant will also have patio seating for 24 with views of Cadillac Square and Campus Martius Park. Rea and Bonislawski are the pair behind the noted restaurant designs for Joe Muer Seafood, Luxe, Legend’s and Dime Store. Construction at the site began March 16th and is on track for a scheduled July 2015 opening.

"Central is ‘central’ to the social life of Campus Martius and downtown Detroit,” Bonislawski explained. “It is urban tongue-in-cheek with vintage crystal, reclaimed searchlights and an open kitchen. Nestled among the architectural beauty of the original First National Building, we are truly reclaiming the space.”

Helming Central’s kitchen is Executive Chef Christina Stanco, whose “upscale, classic bar menu” with lunch and dinner options will offer familiar dishes crafted with the finest local ingredients. The Michigan native has been in the food industry for 11 years, having graduated from Denver’s prestigious Johnson & Wales University with an associate’s degree in culinary arts and a Bachelor of Arts in food service management. Upon graduation in 2007, Stanco remained in Denver where she worked in the kitchens of Destination Hotels and Resorts’ Inverness Hotel and Conference Center and Elways at the Ritz Carlton Denver. She also worked alongside famous chefs at noted Denver hotspots including Bistro Vendome and Osteria Marco before moving back to Michigan in 2010. Following her return to the area, the seasoned chef joined the opening team at Luxe Birmingham, where she quickly rose to the ranks of executive chef, a role she maintained for three years before making the move to Café ML.

“Central Kitchen + Bar is focused on classic, American fare with a sophisticated and modern upgrade,” said Stanco. “Food items like house blend ground beef, freshly baked bread, seasonally-inspired salads, fresh fish and lamb are taken to a new and exciting level of innovation. We’re very excited for what’s to come.”

The restaurant is currently accepting applications for bartenders, servers, hosts, kitchen staff and management-level positions. For more information on Central or employment opportunities, please visit www.centraldetroit.com.


About Central Kitchen + Bar:
Central Kitchen + Bar, opening July 2015, will feature contemporary, American cuisine in a welcoming and casual environment. Central prides itself on dishes that encompass fresh, local and seasonal ingredients alongside culinary-inspired cocktails. Among other delectable entrées, the chef-inspired menu offers a selection of crisp, colorful salads, gourmet burgers, and handcrafted sandwiches that are sure to satisfy even the most discerning foodie. Perfect for anything from a casual lunch to a night out on the town, Central is an approachable destination for those that enjoy upscale bar fare, set against the backdrop of Detroit's iconic First National Building.