A peek at The Morrie restaurant, coming soon to Royal Oak

The folks behind swanky Bistro 82 in Royal Oak — winner of Best Restaurant in Oakland County in this year's Best of Detroit issue — want to attract a wider range of diners, so they're coming up with a concept they hope will become a neighborhood gathering place.

The project, The Morrie, is set to open midsummer in an 8,000-square-foot, renovated space that formerly housed the Franklin Fine Wine shop at Sixth and South Main Street. Where Bistro 82 is geared more for special occasions, the new eatery would cater to people in the neighborhood. The concept is being developed by AFB Hospitality Group. 

The theme is that of a road house eatery, offering American fare, daily specials (think Burger Monday or Italian Sunday), a full bar with Michigan craft beers, and a stage suitable for live entertainment — all at a more approachable price. The interior will feature a number of high-top tables with stools, lower four tops, and sleek wood finish, according to preliminary renderings.
"Royal Oak's diversity really is something that's unparalleled — we feel like we're just adding to the wide array of bars and restaurants that are here," says Scott Sadoff, director of operations for AFB.

On the menu, expect a number of large entrée salads, an in-house bakery where fresh bread and pastries will be prepared daily, sandwiches, and burgers, as well as 12-16 draft hands. The cocktails will not be of the mixologist, "Sugar House" variety as much as straightforward classics. 

The Berkley-based AFB brought us the critically-acclaimed Bistro 82 in 2014, as well as the Sabrage night club above the high-end restaurant. In recent months, the popular establishment has also taken steps to attract more regulars, including a weekly Filet and Cabernet for $25 every Tuesday and all-day Happy Hour on Thursday.