Franklin Oyster Bar & Eatery Set to Open This June: What Metro Detroit Foodies Can Expect

Known for its quaint village charm and fall cider mill traditions, Franklin is about to get a splash of coastal flavor this summer. The Franklin Oyster Bar & Eatery, a new seafood restaurant in Metro Detroit, is set to open its doors in June – bringing fresh oysters, upscale comfort food, and a lovingly restored historic venue to the community. Metro Detroit foodies and local families alike are buzzing about this upcoming June 10 grand opening. What’s so special about The Franklin (as it’s nicknamed)? Imagine savoring top-quality oysters and steaks in a 19th-century carriage house, surrounded by small-town charm and big-city culinary expertise. Let’s dive into what you can expect from Franklin’s newest dining destination.

The Franklin, Facebook

Reviving Franklin’s Historic Carriage House Charm

The Franklin Oyster Bar & Eatery isn’t just another new restaurant in Franklin, Michigan – it’s a piece of living history. Housed in a historic 1848 carriage house at 32760 Franklin Road, the building itself has been a fixture of Franklin Village life for generations. Longtime locals will recall that this white clapboard structure previously was home to the beloved Franklin Grill for 16 years, until its closure in 2024. Now, after extensive renovations, the carriage house is getting new life as a restaurant once again.

Walking up to The Franklin, you’ll notice how the redesign honors the building’s history – from the preserved colonial-style shutters and gas lanterns on the exterior, to the careful restoration of original architectural details inside. The renovation team worked closely with Franklin’s Historic District Commission to maintain the village’s historic charm while introducing fresh features. For instance, several windows were added to bathe the interior in natural light, a thoughtful update that brightens the once dim carriage house without compromising its character. Inside, you’ll find vintage touches everywhere: distinctive wallpaper, historic photographs, and antique art pieces discovered in the old carriage house and local antique shops now adorn the walls, creating a sense that the past is very much present in this eatery.

Franklin’s own history even inspired the restaurant’s concept. In the mid-1800s, many of the village’s early settlers hailed from New England – a region where oysters were a favorite delicacy. Back then, freshly shucked oysters packed in ice were shipped by rail or steamboat from the East Coast to Detroit, and Franklin’s settlers would host community “oyster suppers” to enjoy them. The Franklin Oyster Bar & Eatery pays homage to this tradition. By bringing an oyster bar into the heart of Franklin, the restaurant is reviving a bit of local culinary history alongside the building itself. It’s a fitting tribute that ties the village’s New England roots to its present-day dining scene.

As you step through the doors, it’s clear this historic carriage house restaurant blends old and new in style. The owners drew design inspiration from afar: The Franklin “blends the aesthetic of Charleston with the ambiance of Napa,” according to the team. In practice, that means you might feel the charming vibe of a Charleston oyster bar – cozy rooms in a converted old house, warm wood tones, and a relaxed southern hospitality feel – combined with the airy elegance and wine-country casual flair reminiscent of California’s Napa Valley. In fact, lead designer Nicole McGrail (who also serves as Chief Marketing Officer of the restaurant group) says the team fell in love with Charleston’s dining scene, where historic homes are often turned into eateries, and based much of The Franklin’s aesthetic on that experience. The result is an atmosphere that’s at once historic and homey, yet fresh and inviting – the kind of place that feels like Franklin Village’s own coastal getaway spot, without losing its Michigan identity.

A Team of Local Visionaries and Culinary Talent

Behind this ambitious project is a cast of Metro Detroit experts melding hospitality, culinary arts, and community-minded vision. Leading the charge is Jay Farner, a name some may recognize – he’s the former CEO of Rocket Mortgage (part of Detroit’s Rocket Companies) and a proud Metro Detroit entrepreneur. Farner, now managing partner of Ronin Capital Partners, purchased the Franklin Grill property in 2024 and spearheaded its transformation into The Franklin Oyster Bar & Eatery. Through Ronin’s new hospitality division (fittingly called Thyme and Place Hospitality), Farner has treated the project as more than just a business venture; it’s a personal mission to invest in the community and preserve a local landmark. “Our team has thoroughly enjoyed collaborating with the Historic District Commission throughout this process… this project has truly been a community effort,” Nicole McGrail noted, thanking everyone from local merchants to the Franklin fire department for their support during renovations. That community-driven approach reflects Farner’s vision of creating a gathering place that Franklin residents can be proud of.

On the culinary side, The Franklin has serious talent in the kitchen. Executive Chef Nick Geftos will be at the helm of the stoves, crafting the menus and overseeing dining operations. Geftos isn’t new to high-end dining – he also serves as executive chef at BESA Detroit, an acclaimed modern American restaurant downtown. Joining him is Gerti Begaj, who will oversee the hospitality program and day-to-day service as Hospitality Director. Begaj likewise comes from the team at BESA, bringing fine-dining service experience to this new venture. Together, Geftos and Begaj form a leadership duo that blends big-city restaurant pedigree with a love for local community dining. The Franklin is essentially in the hands of people who know how to wow Detroiters’ palates but also understand the importance of friendly, down-to-earth service in a village setting.

Drinks will be a big part of the experience too, and that’s where Bar Director Jim Leonard comes in. Leonard has crafted a creative cocktail program for The Franklin, designing a rotating menu of about 15 signature drinks. In a fun twist, the cocktail list is divided into “Shaken” and “Stirred” categories – so whether you prefer a bright, shaken cocktail or a smooth, spirit-forward stirred libation, you’ll find options to suit your taste. (Think along the lines of refreshing gin fizzes versus perfectly chilled martinis, although specific concoctions are still under wraps.) Leonard’s bar will focus on quality and balance, complementing the food with drinks that are as thoughtfully prepared as the dishes. And of course, The Franklin will offer a curated selection of wines – a nod to that Napa influence – and likely some local craft beers, ensuring every guest has a beverage of choice to raise a toast with.

Rounding out the team, as mentioned, is Nicole McGrail, who not only led the interior design vision but also handles marketing – ensuring that the restaurant’s look and feel resonate with Franklin’s character. It’s worth noting that this project is just the start: Farner’s team is also opening a cozy café next door called Polly’s later this year, further building on the idea of creating a community hub. But at The Franklin Oyster Bar & Eatery, it’s the combined expertise of people like Farner, Geftos, Begaj, Leonard, and McGrail that will shape your dining experience. They’re a blend of savvy real estate and business insight with culinary and hospitality excellence – a recipe for a restaurant that’s professionally run yet filled with personal passion.

The Franklin, Facebook

Seafood, Steaks and a “Burger for Life”: The Menu Highlights

At the heart of any great restaurant is the food, and The Franklin’s menu is poised to delight both seafood lovers and those craving classic American fare. As an oyster bar and seafood restaurant, you can expect fresh ocean flavors – but the offerings go well beyond the raw bar. Here are some of the menu highlights that Metro Detroit diners can look forward to:

Fresh Raw Oysters: The star of the show is, of course, the oyster selection. Guests can grab a seat at the dedicated raw bar for perfectly shucked oysters on the half-shell. Whether you’re an aficionado of East Coast brine or West Coast sweetness, slurping these fresh oysters – perhaps with a squeeze of lemon or a dash of mignonette – will be a must-try experience that pays homage to Franklin’s oyster-loving history.
Seafood Specialties: Beyond oysters, The Franklin will offer a variety of fresh seafood dishes crafted by Chef Geftos. While the exact dishes will rotate with the seasons, you might find creations featuring succulent shrimp, flavorful crab, or the catch-of-the-day prepared with inventive twists. The idea is to bring a taste of the coast to Metro Detroit, whether it’s a classic Maryland-style crab cake or a creative Great Lakes fish entree. Seafood is delivered regularly by trusted purveyors to ensure peak freshness.
Premium Steaks: For those who prefer turf over surf, fear not – the menu features premium steaks that put it in the running to be one of the best oyster bars in Michigan for steak lovers, too. In other words, you can enjoy a juicy filet or a hearty strip loin alongside your oysters. The kitchen is sourcing top-quality meats (including Wagyu beef from a specialty farm in West Michigan), so steak aficionados and landlubbers will have satisfying options.
The Franklin Burger: Every great neighborhood spot has a signature burger, and Chef Geftos is pulling out all the stops for The Franklin’s house burger. In fact, he’s so proud of it that he quips he hopes “everyone freaks out over the burger, and it’s our burger for life,” meaning he wants it to become an instant classic. While details are under wraps, expect a delicious gourmet burger (likely made with a special blend of beef, perhaps even that local Wagyu) dressed to impress. This could very well become Franklin’s most talked-about burger – one that will have you coming back just for another bite.
House-Made Pastas & Salads: Rounding out the menu are seasonal pastas (think handmade ravioli or linguine with seafood), crisp salads, and even vegetarian and vegan entrées. The restaurant aims to offer something for everyone. So if someone in your group isn’t into oysters or steak, they’ll still find enticing choices – perhaps a vibrant farm-to-table salad or a creative veggie-forward dish – all prepared with the same level of care.
Elevated Weekend Brunch: In addition to dinner, The Franklin Oyster Bar & Eatery plans to serve an elevated weekend brunch that’s sure to become a local favorite. Picture classic breakfast comforts (like fluffy pancakes or eggs Benedict) served alongside seafood brunch specials (maybe a smoked salmon frittata or crab cake benedict). And don’t forget the brunch cocktails – in fact, brunch will come with an “endless stream of mimosas, Bloody Marys, and cocktails of your choice,” as Chef Geftos promises. Sunday Funday in Franklin might just reach a whole new level.

One thing that really sets The Franklin’s menu apart is the emphasis on sourcing locally and sustainably. Chef Geftos has made it a priority to work with Michigan farmers and suppliers to get the freshest ingredients from nearby. Many ingredients will be seasonal and local, meaning the menu can evolve through Michigan’s growing seasons. For example, produce will come from Detroit’s Eastern Market via Del Bene Produce, and from local farms like Geddes Farm (Saginaw) and Fisheye Farms (an urban farm in Detroit). The beef for that signature burger and steak cuts is supplied by Stonefall Farms, an artisan Wagyu producer in West Michigan. And for the seafood, they’re partnering with premium distributors like Fortune Fish & Gourmet and Motor City Seafood to ensure that everything from the oysters to the salmon is as fresh as possible when it arrives on your plate. This commitment to local sourcing means you’ll literally be getting a taste of Michigan in many of the dishes, and it supports regional businesses – a win-win for the community.

With a menu curated for quality over quantity, Chef Geftos plans to keep the selection focused and frequently updated. So each time you visit, you might see new dishes or seasonal twists, but you can also count on a few staples (oysters, that burger, and steaks) always being available to satisfy the cravings of regulars. It’s a careful balance between creativity and comfort that should make The Franklin a place you can visit often without tiring of the offerings.

The Franklin, Facebook

Craft Cocktails, Fine Wine & a Unique Two-Bar Experience

Great food deserves great drinks, and The Franklin is gearing up to deliver on that front with an impressive beverage program. The restaurant’s layout actually features two bars on the main floor – one dedicated to crafting cocktails and pouring drinks, and the other specifically for freshly shucking and serving oysters. This dual-bar setup means you might belly up to the 10-seat marble-topped bar for a pre-dinner cocktail, or wander over to the raw bar counter to watch skilled staff shuck oysters in front of you. It’s an immersive experience for food and drink lovers: you can chat with the bartender about the latest cocktail creation, then swivel over to see the oyster shucker deftly opening shells – a little bit of culinary theater right in the dining room.

The cocktail menu is a labor of love by bar director Jim Leonard. Rather than a run-of-the-mill drink list, Leonard has designed about 15 signature cocktails that will rotate seasonally, ensuring there’s always something new and intriguing to sip. Cocktail enthusiasts will appreciate the menu’s clever organization into “Shaken” and “Stirred” sections. In the mood for something light and refreshing? Perhaps a shaken cocktail with summer fruits or herbs will hit the spot. Craving a spirit-forward classic? Then a stirred cocktail – maybe a twist on an Old Fashioned or Manhattan – could be your choice. This format nods to cocktail culture in a fun way and encourages guests to explore different styles of mixology. While specific drink recipes haven’t been revealed, expect a mix of reinvented classics and original concoctions using top-shelf spirits, fresh ingredients, and a dash of creativity. If Leonard’s cocktails are as thoughtfully executed as the rest of the concept, you can count on them being Instagram-worthy and perfectly paired to the food.

Wine lovers won’t be left out either. With the ambiance of Napa Valley in mind, The Franklin will likely offer a curated wine list featuring selections that complement briny oysters and hearty steaks alike. You might find crisp white wines (imagine a cold Muscadet or a bright Sauvignon Blanc) ideal for oysters, alongside bold reds (a Cabernet or Pinot Noir perhaps) to sip with steak. The team has hinted at a “curated selection of wines and handcrafted cocktails” anchoring the beverage program, so quality is the focus. And being a community-minded spot, we can expect some Michigan craft beers and maybe even local ciders on the drinks menu, giving a nod to the broader Metro Detroit brewing scene.

Another delightful aspect of The Franklin’s drink and dining experience is the physical space designed for it. The main bar area with its L-shaped counter features brass-lined shelves holding an array of spirits – a design touch that adds old-world elegance. Meanwhile, the oyster bar counter lets curious guests watch as oysters are expertly opened and plated on ice. This setup not only provides entertainment, but also assures you of the freshness and care going into each serving. It’s somewhat rare to have a restaurant with separate bars for cocktails and raw seafood; this configuration is a sign of how much emphasis The Franklin is placing on doing both aspects really well.

If you wander upstairs, you’ll find even more to explore. The second floor of the carriage house has another bar and additional seating, used for overflow on busy nights or for private functions. This gives the place flexibility – you might host a private cocktail party or event upstairs, complete with your own bar, while regular service hums along below. There’s even a separate private dining room available for more intimate gatherings or special occasions. So whether you’re stopping in for a quick drink and oysters at the bar, enjoying a full dinner, or attending a private event, The Franklin has a space suited for it. And every corner of it is designed to make you feel welcome, well taken care of, and maybe a little pampered by the fine food and drink.

Design & Atmosphere: Charleston Meets Franklin’s “Town That Time Forgot” Vibe

When you step into The Franklin Oyster Bar & Eatery, you might momentarily forget you’re in suburban Detroit and feel like you’ve been transported to a charming coastal town. The design and ambiance of the restaurant draw heavily from the charm of Charleston, South Carolina, while keeping one foot firmly in Franklin’s own historic character. The result is an atmosphere that’s quaint, stylish, and comfortable – the kind of place where the setting enhances the meal as much as the seasoning.

The building itself, as noted, is a 177-year-old former carriage house, and retaining its historic integrity was a top priority. During renovations, the team made sure to highlight original elements like exposed wood beams and the building’s unique architecture, but they also made changes to improve the dining experience (such as installing additional windows for more light). The interior layout consists of a series of intimate dining areas rather than one huge hall – a byproduct of the structure’s origins – which gives diners a sense of coziness. It almost feels like dining in someone’s beautifully decorated home, with each room offering a slightly different vibe.

A key design feature is the use of tasteful, vintage-inspired decor. For example, the walls feature distinctive wallpaper with a classic motif (the kind you might find in an elegant old Charleston manor), alongside rich navy-blue wainscoting and wood paneling that accentuates the building’s bones. Antique light fixtures cast a warm glow in the evenings, and there are thoughtfully placed pieces of Franklin history on display. In fact, many of the photographs and artifacts decorating the restaurant were discovered in the carriage house during renovation or sourced from nearby antique shops. These might include old black-and-white photos of Franklin Village from a century ago, or framed maps and documents that tell a story of the area’s past. Dining at The Franklin, you’re literally surrounded by local history on the walls, which creates a conversation starter and a sense of place you won’t find in a typical chain restaurant.

Despite the historic touches, the atmosphere isn’t stuffy or old-fashioned – far from it. The design balances modern comfort with vintage charm. You’ll notice plush leather banquettes in a warm caramel tone (inviting you to sink in for a long, leisurely meal), marble-topped tables that add a touch of elegance, and contemporary tableware and glassware that signal this is a modern dining establishment at heart. There’s an appreciation for craftsmanship in every detail, from the brass railings on the stairs to the custom-built bar shelves. McGrail’s design approach was clearly to make the space feel fresh and upscale yet approachable. It’s the kind of place where you could dress up for a date night or come in casually with friends – either way you’ll feel comfortable.

One especially cozy feature to look forward to is the outdoor patio and pavilion. Just behind the restaurant, the team is constructing a patio complete with a fireplace for alfresco summer dining, as well as an all-seasons pavilion that can be enclosed and heated in cooler months. This pavilion will also double as an event space – imagine a small wedding reception or a milestone birthday party under a covered structure that still offers views of Franklin’s natural surroundings. With capacity for up to 100 people outside, this patio and pavilion area will extend the restaurant’s ambiance into the open air. String lights, comfortable outdoor seating, and that fireplace will no doubt make it a popular spot on pleasant Michigan evenings. And if you listen carefully, you might hear the Franklin Village clock tower or the sounds of the nearby Franklin River while you dine outside, reminding you that you’re in the heart of a historic village.

Overall, the design and atmosphere of The Franklin Oyster Bar & Eatery promise to deliver a unique blend of historic nostalgia and contemporary cool. It’s a place where a love for the past meets an excitement for the new – much like Franklin itself, which proudly calls itself “the town that time forgot” even as it grows and evolves. Whether you’re seated indoors amidst the elegant decor or outdoors under the stars by the fireplace, you’ll be able to savor not just a meal but an experience – one that engages all the senses.

The Franklin, Facebook

A Community Gathering Place with Family-Friendly Appeal

Perhaps the most endearing aspect of The Franklin Oyster Bar & Eatery is how it’s being crafted as a community-centric gathering place. This isn’t meant to be an exclusive, special-occasions-only restaurant; the vision is for it to become a beloved local hangout for Franklin residents and a welcoming destination for visitors from around Metro Detroit. In many ways, it’s being built with families and neighbors in mind, as much as foodies and fine diners.

Jay Farner has shared that part of his inspiration comes from nostalgia for a classic small-town lifestyle. “I grew up in a little town in New Jersey where you could ride your bike downtown and get a slice of pizza or ice cream,” Farner said, noting that Franklin doesn’t have a lot of places like that currently. With that in mind, he’s aiming to create exactly that kind of spot – a place where families can bike into the village center and find something for everyone. The addition of Polly’s Café next door later this year will certainly contribute to this vision: in the mornings and afternoons, folks might stop by the cafe for coffee, pastries, sandwiches, or ice cream, then in the evenings the Oyster Bar becomes the social hub. The synergy of a café and an oyster bar with a shared patio means Franklin is getting a little “downtown” of its own where neighbors can casually meet up, kids are welcome, and there’s an option for every age and appetite.

Even though The Franklin is an upscale concept, it’s designed to be approachable and family-friendly. Parents can feel comfortable bringing children for an early evening dinner or a weekend brunch – the menu has options (and surely some non-alcoholic drinks and desserts) that will appeal to younger guests, too. The atmosphere is lively but not raucous, refined but not pretentious. On any given night, you might see a group of friends toasting with craft cocktails at the bar, a couple on a date sharing oysters, and a local family enjoying a Friday night meal together after a Little League game. That mix of clientele is exactly what the team is going for: a true community melting pot.

The project’s execution also underscores its community focus. From day one, Farner and his team engaged with local stakeholders to ensure the restaurant fits Franklin’s character. They collaborated with the Historic District Commission, as noted, to nail the design, and even local business owners and the fire department lent support during the renovation. It’s a revival that the whole village has had a hand in, which creates a sense of ownership among the community. Residents watched this familiar old building get carefully restored over months, and anticipation has been building. There’s a feeling that The Franklin is for Franklin – a place created not by some distant corporate entity, but by neighbors and invested locals. That’s a powerful element that will likely translate into loyal support from day one.

From a Metro Detroit perspective, this new restaurant also puts Franklin on the map as a dining destination. Food enthusiasts from Birmingham, Bloomfield, Farmington Hills, and beyond will now have a reason to take a short drive to Franklin Village to check it out. And when they do, they won’t just be spending an evening at a restaurant – they’ll get to stroll through one of the area’s most picturesque historic villages. Maybe they’ll arrive a bit early to peek into the quaint local shops or walk over to the Franklin Cider Mill (in season) before dinner. The Franklin Oyster Bar & Eatery thus serves as a bridge between Franklin and the wider Metro Detroit foodie community, inviting more people to discover this “town that time forgot” and support its local economy. Increased visitors can benefit other merchants in the village as well, truly making the restaurant a catalyst for community vibrancy.

With the capability to host events in the upstairs dining room or the outdoor pavilion, The Franklin is poised to become a venue for celebrations too. Imagine a wedding in Franklin – a couple could get married at the historic Franklin Church up the road and then host an intimate reception or rehearsal dinner at the Oyster Bar’s beautiful pavilion or private dining room. Or picture birthday parties, bridal showers, book club gatherings on a weeknight – the restaurant’s versatile spaces make it ideal for all sorts of community life events. Farner has even suggested the pavilion could accommodate around 100 people for special events, which means Franklin finally gains a new spot for larger community gatherings that previously might have been held out of town.

All told, The Franklin Oyster Bar & Eatery is shaping up to be much more than just a place to eat – it’s poised to be Franklin’s new communal living room, a place where stories will be shared, friendships forged, and memories made over plates of oysters and glasses of wine. It’s the kind of addition that strengthens the social fabric of the village, ensuring that the historic charm of Franklin isn’t just preserved in buildings, but alive in its day-to-day social scene.

Opening This June – Plan Your Visit

The countdown is on: Franklin Oyster Bar & Eatery is slated to welcome its first guests on June 10, 2025. With soft-opening previews and trial runs in the weeks leading up, the staff will be well-prepared to deliver a top-notch experience from day one. If you’re as excited as we are about this new venture, now’s the time to start planning your visit. Gather a few friends for a summer night out, or pencil in a weekend brunch with the family. This is one opening you won’t want to miss.

For those wondering where to eat in Franklin, MI as the summer kicks off, The Franklin Oyster Bar & Eatery is about to jump to the top of the list. It combines everything that Metro Detroiters love: a compelling story, great food and drinks, a beautiful setting, and a friendly neighborhood vibe. Whether you’re a seafood aficionado eager to sample the best oyster bar fare, a history buff who appreciates the 1840s architecture, or simply someone who enjoys discovering new restaurants in Franklin, Michigan, this place offers a little something for everyone.

So mark your calendars for June and get ready to experience Franklin’s newest pride and joy. Pull up a chair at the oyster bar, soak in the historic atmosphere, and feast on the incredible flavors coming from Chef Geftos’s kitchen. By the end of your meal, you might just feel like a Franklin local, chatting with neighbors at the next table and already planning your next visit. The Franklin Oyster Bar & Eatery is set to make a splash – and the welcome mat is out for the community. Don’t be surprised if this charming spot quickly earns a reputation among the best oyster bars in Michigan, not just for its food but for its heart and hospitality.

Come for the oysters, stay for the stories – and become part of the new chapter in Franklin’s history that’s about to unfold. We’ll see you at The Franklin this June, hungry and ready to savor all it has to offer!