The Morrie proposed for Old Woodward sites

The Morrie, a casual restaurant offering live music which is being proposed for 250 and 260 N. Old Woodward in Birmingham, in the former Arther Ave. and Au Cochon locations, will come before the Birmingham Planning Board for a special land use permit and final site plan and design review on Wednesday, March 28.

The Morrie, which is a successful operation in Royal Oak at 511 S. Main Street for comfort food, drinks and entertainment in a family-friendly atmosphere, is owned by Bloomfield Hills restaurateur Aaron Belen, who also owns the fine dining establishment Bistro 82 in Royal Oak. Having brought unique dining options to Royal Oak, Belen said, “I want to give Birmingham something they don't have at approachable price points.”

Belen said The Morrie Birmingham will feature a similar menu for dinner and weekend brunch, where dinner favorites are the Morrie Burger, Nashville Hot Chicken and Kung Pao Cauliflower. Other popular items include brisket mac & cheese, loaded waffle fries, steak bites, tater tots, salads, fish, ribs and matzoh ball soup.

He said he anticipates offering lunch service for business and office workers in Birmingham with a build-your-own salad option.

“The Morrie is a Michigan-made, Michigan-run restaurant. The quality of our food is top-notch. We make our buns in-house,” Belen said.

The Morrie is known for its live entertainment in Royal Oak, which Belen is proposing for Birmingham, as well.

He has been in discussion with other tenants of The Palladium Building, such as Paul Glantz, owner of Emagine Palladium theaters, who he said is very positive about the restaurant.

“We are looking to add a complementary use to the current tenants of the building,” Belen said.

The Birmingham Planning Board meeting will take place Wednesday, March 28, at 7:30 p.m. at Birmingham City Hall.