Brownie's Returns to the Nautical Mile

The well-known Brownie's is returning to the in the Shores this spring in the location of the former restaurant.

The Andiamo Restaurant Group is in the process of renovating the restaurant with hopes of opening the new incarnation of Brownie's by Memorial Day weekend.

Before the Nautical Mile became for known for its string of unique and diverse eateries, Brownie's was one of the top destinations along the Lake St. Clair waterfront in St. Clair Shores.

Nearly 14 years ago, the original Brownie's, located at, closed to make way for the .

"We brought back the name, great service, atmosphere and food," said Terri Honkanen, manager of the restaurant.

Renovations just recently began on the restaurant, with extensive remodeling occurring throughout. The boat that protruded out of the front of the restaurant was removed.

Honkanen said additional information about renovations will be released shortly, but she did reveal that the well-known Brownie burger will return to the menu, along with the Brownie's Brownie sundae featuring Sanders chocolate.

Additional menu items include fresh fish, soups, salads and pizzas and will be overseen by the Andiamo culinary team, Honkanen said.

Brownie's is the latest in a string of additions to the Nautical Mile in recent months. Mexican Bistro, also owned by the Andiamo Restaurant Group, opened earlier this year. moved into the former Big Boy at Nine Mile and Jefferson earlier this year after a substantial remodeling. on the Water, owned by Mike LeFevre, who is a former owner of the original Jack's, is expected to open this week.

Last year, and Burgers were among the new businesses to locate on Jefferson.

The future of Dockside Jack's was in question since last fall, when the restaurant closed for winter. A sign along Jefferson stated it would reopen in April, but now has been replaced with a notice that applications are being accepted.

"It is exciting for the Nautical Mile," said Donna Flaherty, president of the Nautical Mile Merchants Association. "Brownie's will be a destination for those who dined at the original Brownie's and those who grew up hearing about Brownie's."