New and forthcoming restaurants and eateries announced or now open in July include a legendary skateboarding opening a Detroit restaurant, a viral doughnut shop with sweet and savory doughnuts come to Dearborn and a local burger joint known for locations inside gas stations, opening its 10th location. Well-known metro Detroit chefs and restaurant owners are behind announcements of new or forthcoming eateries.
Here’s a sample of new and forthcoming restaurants and eateries.
A Toda Madre
Skateboarding legend Tony Hawk has partnered with a well-known Detroit chef to open his first Detroit restaurant. A Toda Madre, a Mexican restaurant, is set to open in 2027 in Detroit’s Little Village on the east side. Hawk partnered with George Azar, the notable chef behind Flowers of Vietnam in Southwest Detroit, to open A Toda Madre.
According to an Instagram post ATM will open at the Shepherd, a Romanesque-style church turned multidisciplinary arts hub east of Indian Village.
Aurora Detroit
Owners of two Oakland County eateries known for Italian fare are bringing the concept to a location in downtown Detroit. Prime Concepts announced on Monday, July 20, the opening of Aurora Italiana Detroit adjacent to Grand Circus Park. Aurora Italiana Detroit will open later this year inside the historic Michigan Oriental Theater, formerly occupied by Pao, which closed in 2025. In 2024, Pao made People Magazine and OpenTable’s list of “The 50 Most Beautiful Restaurants in America.”
Prime Concepts operates two Aurora Italiana locations, one in West Bloomfield and another on Union Lake in Commerce Township that was formerly It’s a Matter of Taste.
First Watch
This popular Florida-based breakfast and brunch chain opened an Allen Park location on July 20 at Fairlane Green, an area casually referred to as “The Hill.” First Watch is known for its vast selection of breakfast, brunch and lunch items, including its sweet-and-spicy bacon called “Million Dollar Bacon.” This First Watch is on the site of the former On The Border Mexican Grill and Cantina, which closed more than a year ago. Allen Park marks the 12th First Watch location in Michigan.
Homies
A doughnut shop, known for its specialty sweet and savory offerings is coming to Dearborn. Homies is located at 23780 Michigan Ave., just east of Telegraph and on the north side of the street. The building is painted a colorful blue and pink with Homies also in blue and pink lettering. Homies is known for its sweet and savory doughnuts, with more than 30 varieties. A touted savory doughnut is its pizza doughnut topped with cheese and pepperoni.
Louisiana Creole Gumbo
The new location of Louisiana Creole Gumbo is now open for carryout only. After more than 52 years on Gratiot near Eastern Market, the Louisiana Creole Gumbo restaurant closed in 2023 as it prepared to expand to this new, larger location and a few blocks northeast. Known for serving red beans and rice, jambalaya, gumbo and other Cajun- and Creole-style signature dishes, the new Gratiot location at 2830 Gratiot Avenue in Detroit. The restaurant is open noon-6 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday for carryout. A fall opening is expected for dine-in service.
Olga’s Fresh
Olga’s Kitchen launched Olga’s Fresh in Troy. The iconic Michigan restaurant chain owned and operated by Michigan-based Team Schostak Family Restaurants (TSFR) new Troy location is billed as one with a new “service model, refreshed menu and an updated look.” Its Troy location at 770 E. Big Beaver Road is billed as a “blueprint for Olga’s future,” according to a news release. It’s open for dine-in, carry out, curbside and delivery. Olga’s Fresh features new fast-casual counter ordering where customers can order new items like roasted vegetable and garlic hummus bowl, the harissa chicken bowl or the harvest salad featuring quinoa and edamame or create your own bowl. Olga’s, traditional menu items are also available.
Orijin Bakery
The Pulpo Group, owners of highly acclaimed The Dixboro Project as well as Sava’s, Aventura, is getting ready to open its newest concept.
Orijin Bakery at 617 E Liberty St. in Ann Arbor is slated for an Aug. 19 opening, according to an Instagram post. Behind the bakery project is the Pulpo Group founder, Sava Farah along with Dixboro Project’s executive pastry chef Jin Capobianco-Gorian. At Orijin, expect laminated pastries, savory bread, seasonal coffee creations and custom cakes.
JD’s Bistro
Co-founded by actor and Michigan native Jeff Daniels, JD’s Bistro in downtown Chelsea delayed its opening. The new restaurant was announced in November 2025 with an expected spring opening. An opening with a lineup of musicians was to start July 29 and lead to a grand opening celebration taking place Aug. 26-29, according to Free Press reports.
JD’s Stage Bistro, according to the Instagram post, decided to reschedule the performances as they fine-tune operations. More than a dozen bands and artists were scheduled to play at JD’s Stage Bistro ahead of the grand opening celebration. All the artists that were scheduled to perform agreed to revised dates according to a social media post. Jeff Daniel’s and a special guest are expected to perform Aug. 26-29 for the bistro’s grand opening.
JD’s Stage Bistro is at 117 ½ S. Main St. and next to the Chelsea Bakery. Jeff Daniels famed Purple Rose Theatre is just around the block from the bistro.
Taystee’s Burgers
This chain got its start in a Dearborn gas station a dozen years ago. In July it opened its 10th location. Taystee’s Burgers are known for their signature sauce, like a mayo-based Thousand Island dressing, 100% halal beef patties and huge assortment of toppings. Taystee’s Monroe location, also in a gas station, is its 10th in southeast Michigan.
A few more restaurant news quick bites …
Two metro Detroit restaurants are on the new season of the Fox network’s “Kitchen Nightmares.” The reality show is where host, famed chef and TV celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay works with restaurants that are struggling or have management, food, or overall issues and comes up with a fix. Clips show longstanding Boodles Restaurant and several employees in Madison Heights. Also to appear on the show is the now-closed Firenze’s Restaurant & Pizzeria, a longtime Warren eatery.
Contact Detroit Free Press food and restaurant writer Susan Selasky and send food and restaurant news and tips to: sselasky@freepress.com. Follow her on X, formerly Twitter: @SusanMariecooks. Subscribe to the Eat Drink Freep newsletter for insider scoops on food and dining in metro Detroit.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: ‘Tony Hawk’ partnering with local chef on a new dining spot in Detroit
Reporting by Susan Selasky, Detroit Free Press / Detroit Free Press
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By Susan Selasky, Detroit Free Press | USA TODAY Network
