Bienvenidos Rojo Mexican Bistro: New Partridge Creek Venue Boasts Live Music, Patio

Complete with patio, mariachi band and tableside guacamole, Rojo Mexican Bistro is the latest dining destination to open in the Mall at Partridge Creek.

A member of the Andiamo’s family of restaurants, Rojo opened in Partridge Creek two weeks ago, but marked its opening officially with a ribbon-cutting ceremony today.

The Partridge Creek location is the fourth Rojo to open in the Metro Detroit area since 2008, and the third in the last seven months. The restaurant was co-founded by Joe Vicari and Dan Linnen.

“We thought we could take this concept to different malls around the country,” Vicari, president of Rojo Restaurants, said. “It fits into the framework of (the mall’s) restaurants. They don’t have a Mexican carve out yet.”

Partridge Creek Marketing and Sponsorship Director Seok Chung agreed with Vicari and said the addition of Rojo adds to the mall’s “international mix.”

“We’re thrilled,” he said. “We have Brio for Italian, P.F. Chang's for Chinese, and general American fare with Bar Louie and Max & Erma’s. We cover all our bases.”

But with so many dining options in the mall and dozens more along Hall Road, how does Rojo differentiate itself from competitors?

“Everything we are preparing is made from scratch,” Vicari said. “Everything is brought in in a raw state, which is different than the chains where ingredients are brought in in a bag or box.”

This includes the restaurant’s guacamole, which is made-to-order tableside by Rojo staff.

“We’re only buying the best ingredients and our prices are competitive,” Vicari said.

Diners can also enjoy live entertainment Thursday through Saturday nights, with a mariachi band, acoustic guitar player who travels table to table, and a trio that plays popular tunes.

And for Michigan sun seekers, the bistro has the added appeal of a large outdoor patio and screened-in porch that can be opened during the summer and glassed-in during the winter.

Clinton Township Supervisor Robert Cannon and Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel, who attended the ribbon cutting, both said they consider the restaurant to be an “investment in Macomb County” that will “bring people to the area” and “serve as a gathering place.”  

The restaurant will also benefit the local job market by employing some 150 people, Cannon said.

Rojo is open Sunday-Thursday from 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m.-midnight. The bar is open until 2 a.m. on Friday and Saturday.