News Summary
Detroit marks ten years of significant culinary growth since its dining scene expanded between late 2014 and 2015. Notable restaurants like Selden Standard, Standby, and Sister Pie have emerged, highlighting the city’s revitalization. These establishments reflect Detroit’s resilience and creativity in the food industry, establishing a vibrant community hub, attracting food enthusiasts, and contributing to the city’s dynamic flavors. As they celebrate this anniversary, these restaurants consider their journey and their lasting impact on Detroit’s rich culinary culture.
Detroit is celebrating a decade of culinary growth as it marks ten years since a pivotal expansion in its dining scene. The vibrant period, characterized by a surge in restaurant openings, spanned from November 2014 to December 2015, a time when the city was revitalizing itself post-bankruptcy and on the brink of new political leadership. During these years, numerous establishments that have since gained national attention began to take root.
Among the notable restaurants launched during this transformative time are Selden Standard, Standby, Sister Pie, Kuzzo’s Chicken & Waffles, Chartreuse Kitchen & Cocktails, Vertical Detroit, and Mabel Gray. While Sister Pie is currently undergoing reconfiguration, the rest of these culinary spots are still thriving, showcasing the city’s resilience and passion for food.
Selden Standard has established itself as a staple in Detroit, known for its farm-fresh American cuisine. It has maintained its status as one of the best restaurants in the city, with Chef Andy Hollyday repeatedly nominated for the prestigious James Beard Award in the “Best Chef: Great Lakes” category, reflecting the high standards and consistent quality that diners have come to expect.
Kuzzo’s Chicken & Waffles, founded by former NFL player Ron Bartell, quickly became synonymous with the chicken and waffles craze across Metro Detroit, appealing to a broad audience with its comfort food offerings. Meanwhile, Mabel Gray in Hazel Park has not only garnered a loyal fanbase but also expanded its operations in 2024, converting an outdoor patio into a chic indoor wine cave, demonstrating adaptability to consumer trends.
This decade of culinary success also witnessed the rise of unique events at Mabel Gray, such as burger week and vegan tasting menus, leading to high demand for reservations. Standby, a cocktail bar located in the Belt, has turned into a vibrant gathering place, known for its innovative cocktails and recently opened an adjacent open-air bar called Skip. This establishment has also collaborated with celebrity chef Matty Matheson to introduce exciting new menus and food options.
Vertical Detroit is recognized for its upscale dining experience and impressive wine selection, earning accolades from Wine Spectator. Chartreuse Kitchen & Cocktails, renowned for its farm-to-table approach, has redefined creativity in dining and set a precedent for what guests can expect in contemporary restaurants.
Central Kitchen + Bar joined the restaurant scene in 2015 with a mission to blend Detroit’s rich history with a cosmopolitan future. Under the guidance of founder Dennis Archer Jr., the restaurant has become a community hub, drawing a diverse clientele, from office workers to concert-goers. Its menu cleverly balances accessible items with unique culinary creations, leading to a reputation for an energetic Sunday brunch atmosphere.
The evolution of the surrounding downtown area since 2015 is noteworthy, with Central Kitchen + Bar playing a significant role in this transformation. There has been a focus on fostering local partnerships and sustainability within its offerings, contributing positively to Detroit’s culinary identity.
This 10th anniversary serves as a marker for reflection, as many of these celebrated restaurants consider their culinary journey and their impact on the city. They’ve become integral to Detroit’s culture, offering residents and visitors alike a taste of the city’s dynamic flavors and a testament to its endurance and revitalization over the past decade.
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Additional Resources
- Detroit News: In Hindsight, 2015 Was a Magical Year for Detroit’s Dining Scene
- Detroit Free Press: Restaurant of the Year 2022
- Michigan Chronicle: Central Kitchen + Bar Celebrates 10 Years
- Eater Detroit: Best New Cheap Eats
- Detroit Free Press: Restaurant of the Year 2015
- Wikipedia: Detroit
- Google Search: Detroit dining
- Google Scholar: Detroit restaurants
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Detroit
- Google News: Detroit cuisine
Author: STAFF HERE DETROITMI WRITER
DETROIT STAFF WRITER The DETROIT STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREDetroitMI.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Detroit, Wayne County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Movement Electronic Music Festival, Detroit Grand Prix, and America's Thanksgiving Parade. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Detroit Regional Chamber and Focus HOPE, plus leading businesses in automotive and healthcare that power the local economy such as General Motors, Ford Motor Company, and Henry Ford Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREGrandRapids.com, HERENorthville.com, HERENovi.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
