Mikey “Mike B” Brown was an inspiration to many, taken too soon.
That’s how the slain Detroit restaurateur, nightlife figure and father of five was remembered by his brother several days following his fatal shooting outside a cocktail bar on the city’s west side.
Remembrances poured onto social media after Brown and two others were shot about 4:30 a.m. Feb. 28 in the area of 15789 Schaefer. Brown died, and updates on the conditions of the two others were not available as of March 3. No arrests or suspects had been announced.
Brown was behind the “Sloppy” restaurant brand.
He opened his steakhouse, Sloppy Chops Restaurant, in 2020 on West McNichols off the Lodge Freeway and served up lamb chop specials that locals loved.
The seafood restaurant Sloppy Crab, which was renamed the Crab Sports Bar, followed on East Jefferson Avenue near the Renaissance Center. Besides the dish for which it was named, it also served up a nightlife atmosphere.
“Mike B” also had two clubs at one point, recalled his brother, Myron Brown, 47. Myron Brown noted his big brother opened his first venture at 30 years old and was 51 when he died.
For many, owning businesses seemed out of reach, Myron Brown said. “Mike B” Brown showed it was possible.
“He inspired a lot of people to have a business,” Myron Brown said, later adding: “He just inspired a lot of people to be great.”
The elder brother’s work ethic came young, inspired by his mom, Eyvone Jones, according to the younger brother.
The elder Brown was an athlete at Southfield-Lathrup High School, and he got a scholarship and played basketball in college, his little brother said. The little brother recalled “Mike B” Brown being “the man” in his neighborhood growing up; he recalled the elder brother getting his first job as a golf caddy and buying his first car.
Mike B Brown also worked on an assembly line at a Chrysler plant before leaving to achieve his business goals.
“Nobody could believe the energy he had,” Myron Brown said.
Mike B Brown pushed his younger brother, too, encouraging him in their youth to stay out of trouble and get back on track if his grades slipped, Myron Brown said. The elder brother later gave food to the homeless and to senior living facilities during the COVID-19 pandemic.
A people person, “Mike B” Brown had a great smile and laugh, his brother said. He was always cracking jokes and bringing the party, even just in his own backyard.
Myron Brown said there are dangers that come with being so social.
The younger brother was alerted to the shooting in the early morning hours when he got a call from a friend of “Mike B” Brown and scrambled for clothing to put on.
Though Myron Brown didn’t want to get into too many details with the police investigation underway, he said the family did not believe his brother was targeted in the shooting.
Mikey “Mike B” Brown leaves behind a wife, Sherese Brown, and five children, Laiya, Mikey Jr., Brooklyn, Denim and Chance. The youngest is in elementary school and the oldest is in their 20s, Myron Brown said. Mike B Brown was also one of seven siblings, with five still living.
Everybody is still in shock.
Myron Brown described his brother as a mild-mannered man and not one to fight.
The family is seeking justice, and police have previously asked anyone with information on the shooting to come forward.
A balloon release in Mike B Brown’s honor is scheduled for noon on March 8 at the Sloppy Chops Restaurant at 13226 W. McNichols Road.
Funeral planning was still underway as of the afternoon of March 3, but the service and repast are expected to be well attended.
“My brother was famous,” Myron Brown said. “My brother’s a legend.”
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Slain Detroit Sloppy Chops’ restaurateur Mike Brown was dad, ‘legend’
Reporting by Darcie Moran, Detroit Free Press / Detroit Free Press
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