Proposed Birmingham Pub moves forward

By Kevin Elliott

Birmingham planning commissioners on Wednesday, February 24, unanimously recommended approval of site plans and a special land use permit to allow The Triple Nickel, 555 S. Old Woodward, to change its name and operate under new ownership as Birmingham Pub.

The Joe Vicari Restaurant Group purchased The Triple Nickel last year following the permanent closure of The Triple Nickel in March last year. The Vicari group, which owns Andiamo restaurants and Joe Muer Seafood, will offer homemade comfort food at the new establishment.

The Triple Nickel was started in 2010 using an economic development license, thus requiring Vicari to obtain a special land use permit and approval from the city commission for name changes and ownership transfers. 

Changes to the building include new signage on the exterior, including a second-story building identifier that would read “Birmingham Pub,” to provide better visibility. Minor interior changes, such as new tables and some new seating arrangements will be made.

“The layout isn’t going to change anything,” said Joe Shallal, attorney for the Vicari Group. “If you’ve visited, you’ll have what you’ve already seen there.”

Vicari said last year that decorating would be done by David Savage, of Savage Design, as he was aiming to lighten up the space with new fixtures, paint, wallpaper and carpet. Some improvements will also be made to the second floor area.

The planning board unanimously approved recommending the request and site plan with conditions that signage meets all zoning requirements. The issue will go before the Birmingham City Commission for a public hearing on March 22.