Downtown Ferndale is about to get a smokin’ new addition, literally. A beloved local restaurateur is doubling down on her hometown’s culinary scene by opening a barbecue joint in the heart of the city. Dana Taucher, longtime Ferndale resident and owner of the popular Syndicate cocktail lounge, is bringing Smokehaus Ferndale to life in a familiar spot on Vester Street. This new barbecue restaurant will take over 177 Vester St., a venue locals might remember as the former M-Brew hangout (and more recently the short-lived Scout Vester bar). With Smokehaus set to fire up its smokers soon, Ferndale diners can look forward to a missing flavor finally being represented downtown: authentic barbecue.

Syndicate Ferndale, Facebook

A Hometown Entrepreneur Doubles Down on Ferndale

Taucher isn’t just any business owner; she’s a hospitality veteran with deep local roots and a passion for Ferndale’s community. In her early 30s, Taucher already has a formidable resume: she spent over a decade opening and managing restaurants for a Metro Detroit burger bar group, even helping launch 17 eateries in 15 years. In 2023, she realized a long-held dream by opening Syndicate Ferndale, a cocktail-forward restaurant and lounge at 140 Vester Street. Syndicate quickly became a downtown favorite, known for its witchy, cool vibes and ambitious craft cocktail menu that changes seasonally, thanks to the creativity of Taucher and her team (her bar manager, Janel Dunn, has already crafted eight unique cocktail menus to date). The lounge’s atmosphere is modern and upscale, perfect for date nights or a girls’ night out, and it even features local art and a back-room pool table for a cozy, eclectic touch.

Interior of Syndicate Ferndale, Taucher’s first restaurant at 140 Vester St. in Ferndale. Its success, built on craft cocktails, seasonal menus, and a strong community vibe, has paved the way for her new venture across the street.

  


Taucher’s success with Syndicate has given her the confidence and community support to expand. “It’s really done better than I expected,” she says of Syndicate’s first couple of years, noting that the bar has retained the same phenomenal staff since day one. Having a reliable team in place meant Taucher could step back from daily operations and focus on growth. Now she’s seizing the opportunity to invest further in Ferndale. In fact, when the landlord who owns both the Vester Street property and another vacant restaurant space on Nine Mile Road approached her about taking over both leases, Taucher didn’t hesitate. She signed on to revitalize 177 Vester (now Smokehaus) and also took over the former Bobcat Bonnie’s location at 240 W. Nine Mile, a well-known corner spot that closed in June after the Bobcat Bonnie’s gastropub chain shuttered its locations. In Taucher’s eyes, running multiple businesses in the town she calls home is “a dream come true”, and she’s proud to be part of Ferndale’s continuing evolution.

For more on Detroit’s iconic Grey Ghost burger, see our guide ‘Detroit’s Iconic Grey Ghost Burger Is Coming to Ferndale, Here’s When’


City officials have taken notice of Taucher’s growing investment in downtown. Roger Caruso, Ferndale’s Community & Economic Development Director, highlighted how Taucher’s efforts align with the city’s priorities. “The city of Ferndale prioritizes investment in the business community, and that story has evolved with Dana Taucher,” Caruso said. Her establishments have quickly become iconic in Ferndale, contributing significantly to the local scene. In Caruso’s view, Taucher’s expanding footprint, from craft cocktails to barbecue, is a win for the whole community. And Taucher herself couldn’t be happier: “I fell in love with Ferndale when I found it in 2019… I’m super excited to be a part of the community. I love the people here,” she shared, explaining that while she once considered moving to Detroit, Ferndale’s friendly, less frantic vibe was more her speed.

Syndicate Ferndale, Facebook

Smokehaus Ferndale: Barbecue Revival on Vester Street

Taucher’s newest venture, Smokehaus Ferndale, is poised to fill a tasty void in the local dining scene. “There’s not a lot of barbecue around,” Taucher noted when discussing why she chose this concept. “We had Lockhart’s in Royal Oak, but it closed. We’ve got good burger joints, Italian, oysters… lots of pretty good stuff in Ferndale, but no barbecue. I wanted to bring in something people would be interested in trying, something that I think is missing.” Indeed, Metro Detroit has mourned a few BBQ spots (Royal Oak’s beloved Lockhart’s BBQ shut its doors after 15 years), so Ferndale’s timing for a new smokehouse is perfect. Smokehaus Ferndale aims to be that “missing” piece, offering authentic barbecue with Taucher’s personal twist.

Location & Atmosphere:

The restaurant will open at 177 Vester St., conveniently across the street from Syndicate (talk about an easy commute for Taucher!). Longtime Ferndale folks will recall this two-story building’s past life; it was the cabin-themed M-Brew café and arcade for years before closing in 2020. More recently, it housed Scout Vester, a spin-off bar by the Bobcat Bonnie’s team that unfortunately lasted only a few months before closing last winter. Now Taucher is breathing new life into the venue. She’s investing about $200,000 in the remodel, though major construction isn’t needed thanks to the “absolutely beautiful kitchen inside” left behind. Unlike its M-Brew incarnation (which had an “Up North cabin” décor and even old pinball machines in the basement), Smokehaus will embrace a more polished “suburban garage” vibe, think casual and comfortable, with an open layout and communal feel, like a neighborhood backyard BBQ hangout but indoors. The old arcade games and counter-service setup are gone; instead, expect full table service, traditional seating, and a family-friendly atmosphere where everyone feels welcome.

Inside the former Scout Vester (left) and the exterior of 177 Vester Street (right), which will soon house Smokehaus Ferndale. Taucher is transforming the once rustic M-Brew space into a polished, garage-style barbecue joint with indoor seating and an outdoor patio.

Crucially, Smokehaus will make full use of that spacious existing kitchen and even add some new toys. An “awesome” smoker will be installed outside to ensure the aroma of hickory-smoked meats wafts down Vester Street. Taucher is planning for about 100 seats inside plus around 50 seats on the outdoor patio, so there will be plenty of room for both cozy dinners and larger groups. And unlike some trendy spots that open quietly, Smokehaus intends to hit the ground running with multiple service options: dine-in, carryout, and catering will all be available. “We’re going to have an awesome to-go program… we’re going to smoke everything under the sun and do a ton of catering,” Taucher said enthusiastically of her plans. In other words, whether you want a quick BBQ dinner at home or need a smoked brisket spread for your block party, Smokehaus aims to deliver.

For more on Ferndale’s gourmet sandwich scene, see our guide ‘Tall Trees Cafe: Ferndale’s Newest Destination for Gourmet Sandwich Lovers’

   

Menu Highlights: From Brisket to Cauliflower “Burnt Ends”

Of course, a barbecue joint lives or dies by its menu, and Smokehaus is pulling out all the stops to offer a mix of classic smoked meats and inventive sides, including options for vegetarian friends. An early peek at the draft menu reveals mouth-watering platters where you can mix and match your preferred smoked proteins and sides. Here are some standout items Taucher and her head chef, Ross Flack, have been perfecting:

  • Slow-Smoked Meats: Traditional BBQ favorites like brisket, pulled pork, roast beef, pork belly, juicy chicken, and house-made sausages, all smoked low and slow until tender and flavorful. True to its name, Smokehaus will literally be smoking as much as possible in-house, including some more unexpected items (read on!).

  • “Burnt Ends” Cauliflower: In a creative twist, vegetarians won’t be left out of the BBQ fun. The menu includes cauliflower burnt ends, where cauliflower florets are treated with the same love as brisket, smoked, caramelized, and packed with bold flavor. It’s an on-trend nod to plant-based dining that even meat-eaters might devour.

  • Comforting Sides: No barbecue is complete without sides, and Smokehaus plans to deliver a variety of homemade sides. Think smoked gouda mac ’n’ cheese, creamy yet with a hint of smoke; a tangy avocado-chayote slaw for a fresh crunch; braised red cabbage and even spicy kimchi for a little global fusion; plus staples like a classic wedge salad, cornbread, and more. These sides go beyond the usual coleslaw and beans, showcasing Taucher’s creative culinary touch.

  • Sauces & Extras: Barbecue aficionados can look forward to a lineup of house-made sauces to accompany their meal. Whether you like a sweet molasses BBQ sauce, a spicy vinegar kick, or something mustard-based, Smokehaus will have you covered. The team knows that in barbecue, the sauce can be just as important as the smoke.

  • On-Trend Sandwiches: For those who prefer their BBQ between bread, Smokehaus will offer items like a pickle-brined, hand-battered fried chicken thigh sandwich, capturing that juicy, crispy magic of great fried chicken with a pickle tang. They’re also planning a smoked cheeseburger (because why not smoke everything?) and even a cauliflower “steak” sandwich for a hearty vegetarian option. It’s clear the menu is designed to be inclusive, hearty enough for dedicated carnivores but with intriguing options for those who don’t eat meat.

Overall, Taucher describes the concept as “backyard barbecue in your garage, hanging out” – a place with laid-back charm that serves seriously good food. Disposable newspaper menus, picnic-style presentation, and a casual come-as-you-are feel will all contribute to that vibe. But behind the relaxed atmosphere is a well-oiled operation: full service waitstaff to take care of you, and a keen eye on quality and consistency in the kitchen. Taucher’s team is even planning to incorporate a large outdoor smoker right on site, which means the rich scent of barbequed meats will announce Smokehaus’s presence long before you see the sign on the door.

Syndicate Ferndale, Facebook

Ferndale’s Dining Scene Gets a Fresh Spark

Taucher’s barbecue project comes at an exciting time for Downtown Ferndale, which has been buzzing with new energy and changes. In the past year, the city’s dining and entertainment scene has seen constant evolution, and Taucher is very much a part of keeping it fresh. Just as Smokehaus fires up its grill, a few other notable newcomers are making waves nearby: for instance, the Sidecar Slider Bar recently slid into the old Public House space on West Nine Mile, and Detroit’s acclaimed Grey Ghost team is bringing a burger-focused Little Ghost carryout spot to Woodward Avenue. It seems every corner of Ferndale is getting a new culinary twist, from sliders to sushi to (finally) slow-smoked BBQ.

What sets Taucher’s venture apart is the homegrown, locally-rooted spirit behind it. She lives in Ferndale, bought property here, and genuinely cares about the community’s growth. While some restaurateurs might chase trends or hop neighborhoods, Taucher is choosing to invest again right across the street from her first business, a strong vote of confidence in the Ferndale market. It hasn’t gone unnoticed by locals that an empty building is being revived and a gap in the food scene is being filled, all by one of “our own.” That’s the kind of development that residents tend to embrace warmly.

Timing-wise, Smokehaus’s debut is highly anticipated this summer. Taucher originally hoped to swing open the doors in July to coincide with Ferndale’s annual Pig & Whiskey festival (a popular downtown BBQ and music fest). Though the festival’s future in Ferndale is uncertain, organizers recently announced the event will leave Ferndale after 2025 due to regulatory changes. Smokehaus is still on track for a late summer opening (targeting August). In any case, there will be plenty of hungry festival-goers at other summer events like the Woodward Dream Cruise and the DIY Street Fair come September, and Smokehaus aims to be ready to serve them ribs and pulled pork sandwiches to their hearts’ content.

Taucher’s dual presence on Vester Street, with the cocktail lounge on one side and the BBQ joint on the other, might just make this tucked-away block east of Woodward one of the hottest little stretches in Ferndale. Fun fact: her Syndicate bar and the upcoming Smokehaus will even face each other on Vester, creating a friendly “Taucher corner.” Just down the road, the well-known Valentine Distilling Co.’s Belle Lounge is a neighbor, which could make this area a perfect dinner-and-drinks circuit for locals exploring on a weekend night. One can easily imagine a couple grabbing craft cocktails at Syndicate, then wandering over to Smokehaus for a plate of brisket and mac ‘n cheese, all without moving the car (speaking of which, Ferndale’s updated parking system means you’ll need to remember your license plate number at the new kiosks, but that’s a small price for world-class BBQ within walking distance!).

  

Looking Ahead: More on the Horizon

Even as she pours her energy into getting Smokehaus off the ground, Taucher has another ace up her sleeve for Ferndale. As mentioned, she has also taken over the former Bobcat Bonnie’s space on West Nine Mile Road, across Woodward from Vester. That high-profile corner spot (240 W. Nine Mile) had been a Bobcat Bonnie’s restaurant until it closed for good on June 2, leaving a prominent vacancy downtown. Taucher hasn’t yet decided on a concept or name for this location, and she’s smartly not rushing it. First things first: get the barbecue joint up and running. She has indicated that once Smokehaus is open and humming along, she’ll turn her attention to the Nine Mile project, likely starting in earnest by October. For now, all we know is that whatever goes into that space will be Taucher’s third concept in Ferndale, extending her mini-empire and further solidifying her stake in the community. Given her track record, Ferndale foodies have good reason to be excited for what she’ll dream up next.

For more on modern Japanese dining in Ferndale, see our guide ‘Discover TigerLily: A Taste of Japan in Downtown Ferndale’


In a city that prides itself on reinvention and community, Dana Taucher’s story stands out as a beacon of local entrepreneurship. She saw potential in Ferndale’s old buildings and under-served niches, and with Syndicate and now Smokehaus, she’s turning that potential into thriving destinations. It’s a development driven not by an outside investor or a big restaurant chain, but by a neighbor with a vision, someone who chats with patrons, cares about her staff, and calls Ferndale home. As Smokehaus Ferndale prepares to light its fires and welcome its first guests, one thing is clear: this is more than just a new restaurant opening. It’s one of Ferndale’s own bringing something special to the table, making the community a little richer (and tastier) in the process. And judging by the mouth-watering scents soon to emanate from 177 Vester, Ferndale’s downtown is about to get even more deliciously vibrant.


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