After satiating appetites across Detroit from a mobile vehicle, the Detroit 75 Kitchen is setting up permanent roots in Madison Heights with its first brick-and-mortar location. The popular food truck is known for its range of savory eats, which has historically included a Detroit-style cheesesteak and a signature strawberry lemonade. The grand opening is scheduled for Friday at 32275 Stephenson Highway, near 14 Mile, in the space of the former Madison Club Bar & Grill.
Detroit 75 Kitchen, launched by brothers Mike and Ahmad Nassar, has garnered a reputation for their no-frills culinary approach, aiming to consistently provide real food at fair prices. In a statement obtained by ClickOnDetroit, Ahmad Nassar explained their ethos: "We’re not trying to be a destination restaurant where you visit once for Instagram. We want to be the place you stop for lunch, on your way home from work, where you know the staff and they know your order. That’s what a neighborhood sandwich shop should be." The new establishment represents a significant $1.5 million investment, ready to employ 25 full-time team members.
The interior design of the restaurant evokes a retro diner vibe, complete with terrazzo-style floors, mid-century-inspired finishes, and a unique flair featuring recycled Faygo pop bottles as part of the tabletops. As reported by Deadline Detroit, memorabilia and art adorn the walls, celebrating the city's rich sporting events and food culture. A seasonal patio is in the pipeline, expected to open later this spring, which will expand the seating capacity drastically.
The Nassar brothers' journey began with feeding truck drivers from a food trailer at their family’s truck stop. The brand's rise to popularity was rapid, eventually leading to opening a pop-up location and now transitioning into a dine-in experience. According to The Detroit News, Ahmad Nassar emphasized the importance of accessibility and community, stating, "We did want to have accessibility and Madison Heights does provide that." With the dine-in location, they hope to continue serving their robust client base within a 15-minute travel radius.
In sync with the first Friday of Lent, a traditionally busy period for the business, the Madison Heights location is to also feature a specialized seafood menu. This includes the Fisher Fwy. Fish sandwich's varieties of catfish, haddock, and Lake Erie walleye, catering to the seasonal demand. Patrons can look forward to fish and chips, a shrimp po’ boy, and additional Lent specials as outlined by ClickOnDetroit.
With the restaurant opening its doors, operating hours are set from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday and beginning slightly later at 11 a.m., ending at 6 p.m. on Saturdays, providing weekend access to their fare for the first time. As the community of Madison Heights welcomes Detroit 75 Kitchen, its fervent fan base and newcomers alike can now experience the brand's dedicated offering in a new, albeit firmly planted, location.
