Construction crews have been busy inside the former Otus Supply building on E. Nine Mile Road in Ferndale, and the reason is finally clear: Bad Brad's BBQ is moving in. The barbecue chain, known for brisket that recently earned statewide recognition, is planning its sixth location at the corner of Leland Street, filling a space that has sat empty since the venue's 2023 closure.
A New Pitmaster for a Familiar Corner
Bad Brad's BBQ plans to open its sixth location at the former Otus Supply site in Ferndale, according to Crain's Detroit, which reported the chain is aiming to take over the vacant space at 345 E. Nine Mile Road. The site sits on the north side of E. Nine Mile Road at the corner of Leland Street, according to whatnow.com, which also reported that Bad Brad's recently submitted a redevelopment liquor license for the address. Owner Mike Pollard told the outlet he's aiming to open the Ferndale location by the end of this year or early 2027, though no exact opening date has been announced.
Construction work was underway at the former Otus Supply building as of October 1, signaling the project has moved from paperwork to physical buildout. Bad Brad's BBQ management did not immediately return a message requesting comment, per Axios.
From Owl-Themed Hangout to Barbecue Joint
The building has a distinct history in Ferndale's dining and nightlife scene. Otus Supply opened in 2016 as what Eater Detroit described as a whimsical, owl-themed restaurant, bar and event space, and the building also housed the Parliament Room, a small music venue tucked inside. The business announced its permanent closure effective immediately in a post on February 27, 2023, according to the same report.
Bad Brad's BBQ first opened in 2009 and has since expanded to Shelby Township, Clinton Township, Orion Township and Livonia, per the whatnow.com account. A Ferndale location would mark the chain's sixth outpost and its first foray into the city's dense restaurant row along Nine Mile. The company's Instagram bio touts itself as the home of Michigan's Best BBQ, listing its current locations across metro Detroit.
An Award-Winning Pitch
Part of the appeal for Ferndale diners may be the chain's recent culinary accolade. Mashed magazine awarded Bad Brad's the title of best brisket in Michigan, whatnow.com reported, a distinction that could help the new location stand out in a city already packed with restaurants and bars. With construction underway and a liquor license in the pipeline, the Ferndale opening appears to be moving forward even as the company stays quiet on specifics.
