Critically Acclaimed Bistro 82 Gets an Older Sibling

The old Franklin Fine Wine location is getting a $250,00 renovation for its new life as an American bistro with a dance floor. (Patch file photo)

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The owners of the critically acclaimed Bistro 82 French restaurant received the go-ahead this week from the Royal Oak City Commission to open a sister restaurant, a bar and grill with a dance floor aimed at more mature customers than those who typically frequent their downtown hotspot.

The City Commission on Monday approved owner Aaron Belen’s plan to open the yet-to-be-named upscale hamburger restaurant and nightspot in former Franklin Fine Wine store, 511 S. Main.

Birmingham architect Kevin Biddison, who is designing the new restaurant, said the property “should hopefully look 10 times better” than the existing structure, which he described as “bunker-like,” The Daily Tribune reports..

Belen spent $2 million for the property, and is putting another $250,000 in improvements into the new venture targeting adults who like to dance, but can’t find a venue that suits their tastes in Royal Oak.

“Mr. Belen is trying to attract a slightly older, more mature clientele base than is seen in Royal Oak establishments,” Royal Oak Police Lt.Mike Frazier told newspaper. “(He) feels this group is uncomfortable dancing with the younger generation and is underserved in Royal Oak.”

The menu will include gourmet hamburgers and other American bistro fare, and will offer the “same level of quality” as the original restaurant, minority owner Scott McDonald told the City Commission.

Alcohol will make up about 65 percent of the sales at the restaurant, which will offer seating for 242, plus outdoor seating for 18.