SavCo Acquires Former Lord Fox Restaurant Near Ann Arbor, Plans New Restaurant

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SavCo, the hospitality group behind Ann Arbor restaurants Sava’s, Aventura, and Tavolina Catering & Events, has acquired the former Lord Fox property, most recently operated as Roger Monk’s Tavern in Dixboro, near Ann Arbor.

The property will be restored as a destination restaurant, with demolition and renovation immediately following closure in August.

“Our founder, Sava Farah, lives in Superior Township, so she had been patronizing Roger Monk’s for a number of years, and daydreamed about the amazing space and wanting to get her hands on it,” says Bree Stilwell, marketing director for SavCo.

“When it became available, she struck right away and envisioned the possibilities and knew quite a bit about the history of the property. She knew how beloved it was as the Lord Fox and came to understand its history as The Farm Cupboard as well, so it hits a lot of buttons for her.”

The restaurant’s original barn structure (which opened in the 1920s) will be preserved as the main bar and a casual dining room, while the space will receive a new kitchen, dining area, and event space. Solar, LED, and sustainable building and restoration practices will be implemented wherever possible, and feasibility assessments for farming onsite are currently in progress.

The property’s surrounding acreage will be rededicated to recreational interaction with Fleming Creek, including a possible outdoor event space, lawn game areas, a natural children’s playscape and barrier-free nature walk, and additional creative amenities. SavCo is also working closely with the Huron River Watershed Council regarding preservation and stewardship of the property section of Fleming Creek, and the execution of responsible storm water runoff practices.

While SavCo is still currently developing the restaurant’s culinary program, Stilwell says the menu will be farm-inspired comfort food, with a focus on locally-sourced products, vendor/grower relationships, and seasonal fare. Because Dixboro is still very agricultural, the team plans to utilize and leverage those resources into a menu that combines roadside favorites with a fresh, healthy spin.

A grand opening is expected for spring 2018.