The Seven, a new design-driven event venue located in Ferndale, is set to open April 17 and offer cuisine and hospitality in a single experience.
Located at 915 E. Drayton St. between Woodward Avenue and I-75, the venue represents a major capital investment in metro Detroit’s hospitality and event infrastructure.
The space — created to challenge the traditional event model — is a deliberate departure from the practices that have long defined large-scale event spaces, according to the principals.
Developed by Tom Violante Jr., former owner and operator of the gourmet grocery store Holiday Market in Royal Oak, and Patrick VanLehn, his business partner and co-founder of Sushi Kabar, The Seven spans 21,000 square feet of space across two floors.
Violante and VanLehn acquired the property for approximately $2 million and invested “several multiples of that amount” in the renovation. The Seven is expected to create 40 full and part-time jobs to operate the venue.
The Seven was designed in collaboration with Krieger Klatt Architects in Royal Oak and Studio H2G in Birmingham, with interiors developed in collaboration with several local contractors, many located within the immediate area of The Seven.
The construction took place over the course of 18 months, with 345 General Contracting serving as the project’s general contractor.
With a show kitchen at the center of the venue’s culinary program, the space is designed to provide a culinary theatre experience while being supported by the 3,000 square foot main kitchen.
The food and beverage program is led by Chef Matt Barnes, who previously worked at Vertical Detroit and the London Chop House.
Sound, video, and lighting details include 90 multi-zoned speakers designed to deliver optimal audio quality and clarity throughout the space, along with a 20-by-10-foot LED video wall that provides for customized visual displays.
The Seven also features the capability to accommodate drive-in access to display vehicles or large equipment. There is seating capacity for 250 guests, and 375 people for strolling receptions.
Other features include:
- Seven Bar & Lounge — 2,500-square-foot central social anchor of the main floor and directly adjacent to the main ball room.
- Point Bar & Lounge — 2,500-square-foot upper mezzanine perch directly overlooks the main stage with elevated sightlines across the venue.
- Outdoor Patio — 2,500-square-foot of programmable exterior space.
- Show Kitchen — 300-square-foot open concept; chef-forward culinary theater integrated into the event floor.
- Main Kitchen — 3,000 square feet; supports Show Kitchen
- Club Room and Salon Suites — private gathering spaces for intimate smaller staging or groups
- Founders Lounge — designed for executive or VIP programming
The Seven currently is accepting bookings for private events. The venue also can host curated, ticketed events.
For more, visit thesevenevents.com/.
