Gastropub Featuring Seasonal Dishes, Craft Beer to Open in Detroit's Corktown Neighborhood

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Bobcat Bonnie’s, a gastropub-style restaurant that will offer seasonal sandwiches, Michigan craft beers, and cocktails, will open in July in Detroit’s Corktown neighborhood.

“I’ve always loved the idea of doing a gastropub — something that’s fresh, seasonal, and as local as possible and within a good price range,” says Matt Buskard, managing partner of Bobcat Bonnie’s.

The 3,000-square-foot restaurant, at 1800 Michigan Ave., was the former home O’Blivions Corktown Café, a lunchtime spot. Buskard is working in association with the owners of O’Blivions to open Bobcat Bonnie’s.

Buskard, the current general manager at Corktown’s Gold Cash Gold, also ran the popular Grand Rapids-based food truck, “What the Truck,” says he chose to open a restaurant in Corktown because of its fast-growing dining scene.

“Corktown is very much an area that is growing and getting a culture that is very aware of culinary trends,” Buskard says. “There’s a strong sense of value here.”

Buskard plans to offer 10 to 15 small plates, seasonal sandwiches using local bakery bread, and burgers that are ground in house. He says there will be a focus on Michigan craft beer as well as fresh and innovative cocktails.

“We want to be that spot where you come in for lunch and then you have a date night here on Friday and then maybe you stop here before the game on Saturday,” Buskard says.

Buskard says the renovations will be completely cosmetic to give the restaurant a more modern look. He says it is scheduled to open by the end of July or early August. 

To donate Bobcat Bonnie’s crowd funding campaign, click here