The Franklin Grill is full of nostalgic sentiment to many long time members of the community. After a successful 16-year run, the restaurant closed its doors at the beginning of 2024. However, the familiar ring of the lovely nickname “The Franklin” will continue to sound as the new owner revamps the space into an oyster bar. This news was first seen in Eater Detroit.
Franklin Oyster Bar & Eatery, a.k.a The Franklin, is anticipated to open by the end of the year bigger and better. Jay Farner, Detroit businessman and managing partner of Ronin Capital Partners, not only purchased the original Franklin Grill building at 32760 Franklin Road but the adjacent building at 32750 Franklin as well and will connect to latter to the main restaurant space via a shared back patio. According to the Eater, the second building will serve as a grab-and-go cafe offering sandwiches, flatbreads, salads, pastries, and coffee. The name of the cafe is yet to be announced.
The name, “Franklin” pays homage to the history of the city, whose earliest settlers were oyster-enthusiastic New Englanders. The upcoming eatery and cafe are both led by chef and partner Nick Geftos, who also helms the kitchen of BESO Detroit, another eatery owned by Ronin Capital Partners.
“In addition to grabbing a seat for perfectly shucked oysters at the raw bar, The Franklin will offer guests a variety of fresh seafood dishes, as well as steaks and a delicious burger,” said Geftos in a Fox 2 Detroit article. “Our elevated weekend brunch will pair classic breakfast favorites and an endless stream of mimosas, bloody Marys and cocktails of your choice.”
