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In Detroit’s culinary scene, few dishes have achieved the iconic status of the Grey Ghost burger. Since 2016, this double-patty masterpiece has captured the hearts—and taste buds—of diners across the city. Now, the burger that helped define a dining movement is stepping into a new realm. The team behind Grey Ghost, Four Man Ladder Hospitality, is opening a fast-casual restaurant in Ferndale, bringing their signature burger to a fresh audience in a format designed for convenience and efficiency. This exciting venture not only expands the group’s footprint but also signals a shift in the way Metro Detroiters experience high-quality food.
Grey Ghost Detroit, Facebook
A Burger That Redefined Simplicity
The Grey Ghost burger is much more than a menu item—it’s a culinary phenomenon. With its two griddled patties, perfectly melted American cheese, shredded lettuce, tangy special sauce, and lightly caramelized onions, all nestled in a sesame seed bun, it represents the best of what a burger can be. Diners have the option to elevate this classic further with toppings like bacon and a runny fried egg, creating a dish that’s indulgent yet approachable.
What sets this burger apart is its unwavering commitment to quality. The patties are crafted from a custom blend of beef, ensuring a rich, flavorful bite every time. For the Ferndale location, the team is partnering with Fairway Packing in Fraser to replicate the same high standards that earned the Grey Ghost burger its devoted following. Chef and co-owner John Vermiglio summed it up best, saying, “Its simple preparation and exceptional ingredients resonate with our guests.”
A New Chapter: Fast-Casual Dining in Ferndale
The decision to open a fast-casual restaurant marks a significant step for Four Man Ladder Hospitality. Known for creating innovative, full-service dining experiences, the group is now venturing into uncharted territory. The new restaurant, housed in a 1,000-square-foot brick building at 22305 Woodward Avenue in Ferndale, will focus on a streamlined, scratch-made menu designed for takeout and local delivery. Catering services for larger events will also be offered, making it a versatile addition to the area’s dining scene.
Although the restaurant’s name has yet to be revealed, the focus is clear: delivering the same high-quality food that made Grey Ghost a household name, in a more accessible format. Vermiglio and his team see this as the first step in a broader expansion. “This is a great opportunity to bring the Grey Ghost experience to even more people,” he noted.
Crafting a Menu for Efficiency and Flavor
While the Grey Ghost burger will remain the centerpiece, the menu will feature new additions designed to complement the fast-casual concept. A chicken sandwich and a variety of sides will round out the offerings, catering to a range of tastes and dietary preferences. The team’s dedication to using scratch-made, high-quality ingredients ensures that every item on the menu will reflect the same level of care and attention that diners have come to expect.
Though details about the sides and potential specials remain under wraps, the emphasis on flavor and simplicity is likely to shine through. The goal is to provide a dining experience that’s both convenient and memorable, whether customers are grabbing a quick lunch, picking up dinner for the family, or catering a work event.
Why Ferndale?
Ferndale’s unique blend of community charm and urban vibrancy makes it the perfect location for this new venture. Situated on the west side of Woodward Avenue, the restaurant is poised to attract a diverse audience, from busy commuters seeking a quick meal to locals looking for a reliable go-to spot. The city’s reputation as a hub for creative and culinary innovation aligns seamlessly with Four Man Ladder Hospitality’s vision.
The move into Ferndale also reflects a larger trend among restaurateurs who are exploring new ways to engage their customers. By expanding beyond Detroit’s Brush Park neighborhood, the team is tapping into a broader market while maintaining its roots in the region’s rich culinary tradition.
A Legacy of Excellence: The Four Man Ladder Team
Four Man Ladder Hospitality has built its reputation on creating memorable dining experiences that combine bold flavors with approachable concepts. Founded by chefs John Vermiglio and Joe Giacomino, beverage expert Will Lee, operations specialist Michael Gray, and an unnamed business partner, the group has consistently pushed the boundaries of Detroit’s food scene.
Their flagship restaurant, Grey Ghost, opened in 2016 to widespread acclaim. Located in the heart of Brush Park, it quickly became a destination for diners seeking inventive dishes and expertly crafted cocktails. The success of Grey Ghost paved the way for subsequent ventures, including Second Best, a nostalgic ‘90s-inspired bar, and Basan, an izakaya-style restaurant near Little Caesars Arena.
This track record of innovation and quality sets the stage for their latest project. By entering the fast-casual market, the team is poised to reach new heights while staying true to the principles that have defined their brand.
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Grey Ghost Detroit, Facebook
Ferndale and Beyond: Looking to the Future
The Ferndale location is just the beginning of what Vermiglio and his partners hope will be a larger expansion. The fast-casual format offers scalability, allowing the team to open additional locations in the future. This aligns with industry trends that see more restaurateurs embracing affordable, streamlined concepts without compromising on quality.
While the immediate focus is on the Ferndale restaurant, the potential for growth is clear. The team’s ability to adapt and innovate positions them well to meet the evolving demands of modern diners.
The Design: Blending Functionality with Style
Although construction is just beginning, the restaurant’s design is expected to reflect the group’s commitment to thoughtful, customer-focused spaces. With a layout optimized for takeout and delivery, the space will prioritize efficiency while maintaining a welcoming atmosphere. Given the team’s history of creating visually striking environments, it’s likely that the Ferndale location will feature elements that nod to the Grey Ghost brand’s character.
A Culinary Renaissance in Metro Detroit
The launch of this fast-casual concept is part of a larger culinary renaissance sweeping through Metro Detroit. Restaurateurs like Sandy Levine and establishments like Marrow are redefining what it means to dine in the region, blending creativity with accessibility. From grab-and-go butcher shops to neighborhood bars, the focus is on creating experiences that resonate with today’s diners.
For Four Man Ladder Hospitality, the new Ferndale restaurant is an opportunity to contribute to this movement while carving out its own unique space. The combination of a legendary burger, a scratch-made menu, and a focus on convenience positions the Grey Ghost brand for continued success.
Anticipation Builds for Summer 2025
As the summer 2025 opening approaches, excitement is building among fans of the Grey Ghost burger and the Detroit dining scene as a whole. The Ferndale location promises to deliver a fresh take on a beloved classic, offering diners a new way to experience the flavors that have defined Four Man Ladder Hospitality’s success.
With construction underway and the vision for the menu taking shape, the future looks bright for this bold new venture. Whether it’s the first of many locations or simply the next chapter in an already impressive legacy, the new fast-casual restaurant in Ferndale is sure to make waves—and plenty of delicious burgers—when it opens its doors.
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