One could say business growth is fluid in Midtown Detroit, where the development glass is more than half-full . . . of craft beer.
The neighborhood, already the site of brew pubs and other specialty-beer destinations, now will gain a craft beer retailer.
Ferndale's 8 Degrees Plato beer store, open since 2011 on West 9 Mile, is building out at a Cass Avenue storefront just north of Petersboro Street, opposite the Burton Theater. The business could open as early as June in a building that was the site of Showcase Collectibles, an antique and curio shop.
Tim Costello, a former standup comic who owns the business with his wife, Brigid Beaubien, talks with Gerald Blakeslee of Hour Magazine:
The selection in the Detroit location will vary from that at the Ferndale store, Costello explains.
“It’s a different county, so our distributors may be limited in what we can stock. What isn’t changing is the basic formula that has brought us success. We will focus on craft beer and imports with a heavy emphasis on local and Michigan products. We will tailor stock levels to the taste and budgets of the area residents, but we will always carry quality products.”
Another thing that will be different: The 2,500-square-foot location will offer a minimum of 15 tap handles and a small seating area so customers can enjoy a beer or snacks while shopping. Although they will be serving beer in the store, they will maintain store hours instead of bar hours.
On Fridays, he adds, "a revolving line-up of food trucks will be around.”
-- Alan Stamm
