John Kallabat and Bill Opre knew they were taking a risk when they launched the Canopy Lounge in Brighton.
It was 2022. They’d started renovating the empty 6,000-square-foot space that Kallabat owned next to the Canopy Bottle and Gourmet Shoppe in 2020, but the pandemic (along with building material shortages and liquor licenses delays) prolonged the path to opening.
Four years later, the restaurant at 206 E. St. Paul St. has not only survived those barriers, but has carved out a permanent niche in the area’s often-changing business scene.
The building, once an auto parts shop, provides an intimate, relaxing atmosphere. The main space has a large stone fireplace, couches and lounge seating, and a bar. It also draws heavily on the themes of conservation and hunting, which is reflected in both the menu and the decor — an element that’s especially personal for Opre.
“I grew up with a father that was the outdoor writer for The Detroit Free Press, so I grew up hunting and fishing all over the state of Michigan, and we expanded from there and went all over the world,” said Opre, now a real estate broker on top of being co-owner of the Lounge.
The business incorporates USDA-rated meat into the menu, including duck and venison backstrap imported from Colorado. The restaurant also hosts several wild game dinners each year, with fresh, diverse options ranging from elk medallions to quail. The next dinner is scheduled for September, and customers must purchase tickets in advance.
“It’s the best wild game dinner you’ll ever experience,” Opre said. “It’s plated. It’s wonderful stuff.”
The eatery’s executive chef, Andy Sheets, owns C.C. Catering and even worked at the original Canopy Restaurant, a former dining establishment that inspired the name for the lounge.
“We started out the first few months as a small-plate restaurant, and we quickly realized that wasn’t (going to work),” Opre said. “Our portions are wonderful. … I think it’s the best bang for the buck.”
In addition to the main dining area, the Canopy Lounge has a private room for birthday parties, anniversaries and other events. It’s also started offering regular comedy shows, live music, themed buffets and line dancing lessons through Debbie Does Dancing on Tuesdays.
It’s not always easy being located off the beaten path, which has kept the business from regularly offering meals before dinner — but the lounge is now open 4-10 p.m. seven days a week. Opre also pointed out the added benefits of abundant parking and affordable prices.
“We like to say that we have incredible food without the (prices of) Main Street,” he said.
— Ari Hickman is a recent graduate of Brighton High School and a freelancer for The Livingston Daily. Contact the newsroom at newsroom@livingstondaily.com.
This article originally appeared on Livingston Daily: Canopy Lounge offers wild game, unique menu in Brighton
Reporting by Ari Hickman, Special to The Daily / Livingston Daily
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By Ari Hickman, Special to The Daily | USA TODAY Network
