4 New Restaurants in the Works in Downtown Rochester
Mind, Body, Spirits is getting new life. So is Fortesa. And the rumors are true: Fuse Lounge is turning into a Chinese restaurant.
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There's a lot of restaurant news to report, so let's get to it. Here's what we know right now about four new restaurants coming soon to downtown Rochester.
The Meeting House
Where it's planned: 301 S. Main Street, in the site of the former Mind, Body & Spirits, which closed last spring.
What's on the menu? The resturant will serve lunch and dinner Tuesday through Sunday. Planned menu items include Pad Thai Tacos, Great Lakes Perch, Truffle Mac and Cheese and pizza and sammys. The Meeting House will cook with local, sustainable and humanely raised ingredients.
What's the status? The owners have submitted an application to Rochester City Council for a liquor license. A public hearing on the application will be held July 23.
What else we know: Our Around Town Laura has talked to the new owners and will bring us a full preview soon!
The Chapman House
Where it's planned: 311 Walnut Boulevard, in the historic building that last served as an interior design firm.
What's on the menu: The restaurant will serve French-inspired cuisine.
What's the status: The restaurant is undergoing renovations, and the owners are working to preserve the historical aspects of the building.
What else we know: We have plans to take a tour of the building's interior this week. Read about the restaurant in French-Inspired Restaurant Coming to Life in Downtown Rochester.
Mama Mia
Where it's planned: 543 N. Main Street, Suite 311, in the site of the former Fortesa restaurant, which closed earlier this year. The space is above Limelight and overlooks the Paint Creek.
What's on the menu: Described as an Italian/Tuscan grille, the restaurant will have full bar service and serve lunch and dinner seven days a week. Menu items include appetizers like Shrimp Scampi and Mussels Pomodoro with Fresh Basil and items like Ten Vegetable Minestrone and Lobster Ravioli in a Sherry Lobster Sauce with Carmelized Shallots.
What's the status? The owners have submitted an application to the Rochester City Council for a liquor license transfer. A public hearing on the application is planned for July 9.
What else we know: The restaurant will employ between 30 and 40 people.
Chinese restaurant (unnamed)
Where it's planned: 227 Main Street, in the site now operating as Fuse Lounge. The bar has been purchased and the new owners plan to turn it into a Chinese restaurant.
What's on the menu? The restaurant will serve Chinese food and have a full-service bar.
What's the status: The owners have applied to the Rochester City Council for a liquor license. A public hearing on the request will be held July 23.
What else? The restaurant will employ about 10 people and feature nightly entertainment.
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Fuse Lounge
227 S Main St, Rochester, MI (Fuse sign faces Main Street, but entrance is located at rear of building.)
Susan Masiak
6:33 am on Tuesday, June 26, 2012
Momma Mia, the Chapman House and the Meeting House sound wonderful. I am delighted there are more restaurants coming to town; have always thought we needed more innovative places to eat in around here!
Christine Laikind
7:44 am on Tuesday, June 26, 2012
We also have "sweet island yogurt" opening up next to Firebrick Gallery and Pottery Studio! Self serve yogurt place!
David Gifford
7:57 am on Tuesday, June 26, 2012
I like the idea of a Chinese restaurant down town, depending on how they do the interior. I hope somethings sticks in the Fortesa location. It is a perfect spot on the river but nothing seems to stick for long. I am curious about the Meeting House and what the atmosphere/motif will be like. As far as the Chapman house I am glad to see it updated. I feel that Walnut is our undervalued "second Main Street" that is home to more parking lots than businesses it seems.
Kristy Burford
8:34 am on Tuesday, June 26, 2012
I am so thrilled there are more restaurants coming to town- we need it!!!!! Our downtown has so much potential it's sad there are not more exciting places to visit. I moved from downtown Chicago and Rochester is a wonderful place to live BUT it needs to step into this decade!!! It's boring. Our stores are dull and restaurants need to have more excitement, energy, and ambiance! I hope these new spots can bring all that and great food! Birmingham KNOWS what to offer we should take some ideas and create that same vibe- give people a reason to stay in town and bring people a reason to visit our town. I run to birmingham every chance I get for shopping and dining. I wish we had that vibe here.
Michele
9:00 am on Tuesday, June 26, 2012
Kristy - you've crystallized my thoughts! Couldn't agree more!
Laura Cassar
1:58 pm on Tuesday, June 26, 2012
It's interesting, Kristy, because quite a few of the new restaurants are being started by Birmingham investors.
Don Wolanchuk
11:50 pm on Saturday, November 24, 2012
Oh really? Birmingham is boring.....and the parking is terrible. Why do you think somerset is sucking the life out of Birmingham. Forte gone....Townsend getting ratty. No art galleries....When was the last time you shopped or spent any money downtown..lets face it Kristy....moving from downtown Chicago to Rochester explains why you are so bored.....a very unfair comparison...Michele thoughts cyrstallized???? ya rite
Michele
9:01 am on Tuesday, June 26, 2012
Thanks for the update, Kristin! Foodies like me love reading about this!
Jessica Story
9:25 am on Tuesday, June 26, 2012
I am so excited to try out these new restaurants!
Barbara Nelson
9:40 am on Tuesday, June 26, 2012
None of these sound all that exciting or creative. Italian and Chinese? But I guess they would fill a need to have more places to eat. We shall see.
we shall
David Gifford
9:55 am on Tuesday, June 26, 2012
Barbara, I think you're right. Bad Brad's BBQ opened on 23 Mile and Mound and has yet to obtain their liquor liscense and yet they are packed every night because of their amazing food, great prices and unique atmosphere. The Vinsetta Garage in Berkley has an hour wait at all times because they put a lot into their menu. When you just say "italian food, chinese food and french food" it doesn't sound that exciting. I'm sure the Meeting House will do well to fill the need of the growing Vegan / Vegitarian population if it can sustain itself. Rochester is a great town for restaurants, but not for parking. There is plenty of it, but many people don't know parking lots exist more than a block off Main and most don't want to walk that far to eat downtown.
Dr. Lia Tocco
12:01 pm on Tuesday, June 26, 2012
Yum! I can't wait to try these places
Rebecca Wright
9:41 pm on Tuesday, June 26, 2012
I didn't hear anything on "Dublin Fish and chips". It just opened last week on Main st., next door to "Holy Cannoli"!
ceecee
10:33 pm on Tuesday, June 26, 2012
Tell me more about Dublin Fish and chips.
Michelli
11:24 pm on Tuesday, June 26, 2012
Your absolutely right I haven't heard a thing about them recently. I almost forgot it was opening. I will have to try and stop by sometime this week. I will probably take my son there.
Frank D.
10:48 am on Wednesday, July 25, 2012
The website is updated www.dublinfishandchips.com with the Rochester data.
Today my wife and me went to "Dublin Fish and Chips" for lunch ...Just the best fish and chips we ever had in the area..Way better than the Gus O' Connor fish and chips. The batter is very tasty and crispy, the cod was tender, thick and nicely flaked, the way typical fish and chips ought to be ....
We also talked to the owner "Bob" and he was very upbeat about Rochester and the positive experience with all the "red tape" and related issues opening his restaurant.
He is looking forward to have Main Street back in operation as it used to be..
I do recommend all "Fish and Chips" lovers to visit this restaurant ...The seating is about 6 big round tables , cosy and nice Irish music in the background..The restaurant is also accessible from the West service alley..
We were told that he will apply for a beer license as well and this will make the eating experience complete....
Just try it out....
Stuart Shankster
12:48 am on Saturday, October 13, 2012
Chef Katie Hummel from thr Townsend/Birmingham. Is opening next to Gus Oconners. A new Bistro, offering fresh locally grown produce, seasonal. Working with farmers, free range chicken. Everything promises to be exceptionally fresh & highest hand picked standards. Its small, but I'm expecting it to be a huge success.
Laura Cassar
8:15 am on Saturday, October 13, 2012
Next to O'Connor's? Would that be Blackbird Bistro? I'd love to find out more, Stuart if you have contact information. Thanks!
Stuart Shankster
10:04 am on Tuesday, October 30, 2012
Hello Laura. I do have the e-address for Chef Katie Hummel formally from the Townsend/Birmingham. Also Shelly the Owner. This is a combination effort between these two. Tower pizza is still up & running, while adding the Bistro to it. This promises farm to table fresh at a reasonable pricepoint. From free range Lamb chops to Tandouri chicken. A beautiful selection of wine was chosen with the help of certified sommelier, (wine expert) Michael Cregar. The new Bar, up & running. Tower pizza going strong, & I believe the Chefs Bistro is ready to roll! It is right next door to O'conners. If you call tower pizza, ask for Shelly(owner) or Chef Katie Hummel. I'm sure they'll be delighted to speak with you. Stuart.
Stuart Shankster
10:36 am on Tuesday, October 30, 2012
Nothing but the best. Hand picked greens/freshest salads. Cajun shrimp pasta (Tandoori chicken). Local MI. Steak Sustainable "seasonal" Fish. Wild mushrooms dianne. Some Starters: roasted almonds & Marinated olives great at the Bar. Curry Mussels, Sugarcane skewered sesame Chicken. Working with local Farmers for just about everything including the Local Michigan ice cream Crepe. Just a sampling........... Stuart
Don Wolanchuk
11:41 pm on Saturday, November 24, 2012
The Hermitage Gallery just loves all these restaurants. Its not unusual to find the gallery still open on friday and saturday nights at 10 or 11pm to handle the after dinner crowds that stroll main.
Don Wolanchuk
10:57 pm on Tuesday, December 4, 2012
Caught the opening tonite of the Meeting Place...its a HIT