Thanks to Detroit News for this:
When restaurateur Patti Kukula started making plans to open Dox Grillhouse restaurant in St. Clair Shores, she said having the support of the city’s residents was of the utmost importance.
“I walked and knocked on every door down this street and that street and asked what people thought and showed them the plans,” said Kukula, adding that the response was overwhelmingly positive. “The boaters are going to love it.”
Kukula and Dox Grillhouse co-owner Anthony Mancini broke ground in January and built the building, which is on Jefferson just north of 10 Mile, from the ground up. The plan is to open to the public Dec. 9.
“I think what people are going to be surprised at is how unique it is. One thing that Anthony has always done, and he’s really the brains behind a lot of the look, is he’s traveled all over the country,” said Kukula, explaining that Dox will have a coast-to-coast kind of vibe from the massive menu to the many colorful pieces of artwork.
Above all, though, this is a Nautical Mile restaurant. That means a lot of outdoor seating, live music and DJs, boat drinks and an approachable menu that appeals to a wide audience with a lot of Italian, Mexican and American cuisine. There is also a lot of colorful, statement art work on the walls. Some has been imported from Florida, but several pieces are done by Detroit-based artist Joey Salamon whose artwork has been seen in restaurants and murals all over town.
“All our food is homemade … we’re going to do everything from burgers to lamb chops here,” said Mancini, who also owns Celina’s Sports Bar in Madison Heights. He and Kukula also owned Delmar, a rooftop bar and restaurant in Greektown that closed in 2023 after a few years of business.
Mancini grew up in St. Clair Shores and Kukula is a native of nearby Roseville.
Dox Grillhouse has a bar area with loads of televisions for watching sports, a half-circle bar with posh, backed barstools, high-tops, traditional low-table seating and a dog-friendly patio on the main floor. There will be a corner for live bands and a private dining area. On the second level, there’s a rooftop bar with open air seating and a DJ booth.
It seats just over 400 people all together, and from the right angle you can see one of the canals off Lake St. Clair from the restaurant, but it is not directly on the water.
The cuisine will be classic bar food, plus steaks, burgers, big salads, tacos, soups and some vegetarian and gluten-free options. Chef David Schrepferman said he expects wings to be a big seller.
“I’m excited to cook some steaks, pastas, pork chops, lamb chops,” said Schrepferman, a veteran of area kitchens. Along with serving dine-in guests, there will be a dedicated station for picking up carryout orders.
“It’s going to be great for date night, get a nice steak and some drinks” said Kukula. “But we also want moms and dads and kids and birthday parties.”
Kukula said they hope to be able to feed guests of their next door neighbors, Baffin Brewing Company, which has no kitchen. In return, Dox will also dedicate two of their taps to Baffin beer. It’s another way Kukula says they hope to have synergy with the community.
Mancini has plans to open more Dox-branded restaurants in the future, but it was important for him to open the first in the Shores.
The grand opening is expected to be held on Dec. 09, 2024.
Dox Grillhouse
25225 Jefferson Ave. (at 10 Mile rd)
St. Clair Shores, MI
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