Owner of Ann Arbor's Cafe Felix to open family-friendly restaurant in Dexter
Red Brick co-owners Peter and Megan Landrum stand behind the bar in their new restaurant in downtown Dexter.
Photos by Angela Cesere | AnnArbor.com
Families in Dexter looking for a simple, good meal after spending some quality time together can look forward to a new downtown restaurant by one of the owners of Café Felix in Ann Arbor.
Red Brick Kitchen and Bar is taking over the empty space at 8093 Main St. that used to be the home of Bistro Renaissance.
The family-friendly lunch and dinner restaurant is slated to open its doors Sept. 1.
Owner Peter Landrum, who has owned Cafe Felix in Ann Arbor along with his brothers for 13 years, moved to Dexter last year. His wife and her family are longtime Dexter residents, and it didn't take long for Landrum to feel at home in Dexter.
As far as prices go, Peter Landrum says that Red Brick's prices will be geared toward families.
"I like getting to know people and seeing the familiar faces," says Landrum. "I want families to come by after a baseball game with their kids. We plan to have simple, good food and a relaxing feel to the place."
Landrum and his crew have been making a few changes inside and outside the space including painting and installing railings on the back porch. He hopes to get permission to put some tables on the sidewalk in front of the restaurant and may add a Sunday brunch once the business gets going.
As far as prices go, Landrum says that Red Brick's prices will be geared toward families. Bistro Renaissance “had fabulous food, but it was just too pricey," he says.
Bistro Renaissance opened in April 2007 and closed in May of this year. According to Bistro Chef Lorin Shipps, the downturn in the state's economy had a negative impact on fine dining establishments, and the Bistro couldn't survive.
Mary Ann Falzon, executive director of the Dexter Area Chamber of Commerce, said businesses like Red Brick Kitchen and Bar choose to locate in Dexter because it offers a small-town feel and a beautiful downtown. "I think it's exciting that a new restaurant filled the space so quickly, and it's a good fit," Falzon said.
Red Brick Kitchen and Bar will be open Mondays through Saturdays for lunch and dinner.
Lisa Carolin is a freelance writer for AnnArbor.com. Reach the news desk at news@annarbor.com or 734-623-2530.
Comments
free form
Wed, Aug 18, 2010 : 8:12 p.m.
I'm definitely excited to have a new spot for lunch. Sorry to see the Bistro go, I always wanted to try the place, but am rarely on this side of town for dinner. Hopefully the Red Brick will be a nice place to escape work for awhile!
Merritt
Tue, Aug 17, 2010 : 5:50 a.m.
Glad to see a new restaurant joint going in. We rebuilt this building after the fire in 93 and it looks much the same...with wonderful improvements. I looked at the menu prices from the previous restaurant and could not even think of going in to eat.When it was Mary T's after us...it was a horribly rude experience while being family friendly. As far as the pub comments go for "dexter pub"...I think the food is simply OK....the service is pretty good...and the prices are out of range for what you get!! Good luck Red Brick...
djm12652
Mon, Aug 16, 2010 : 11:38 p.m.
@moretothestory...I guess you didn't have the burger then, or a beer. Both of which they do serve. If you want snobby attitude, try one of the really expensive digs in town. I've taken my grandson there to eat, and have gotten carry out as well as dine in, and have never...except once been disappointed...my tenderloin came out medium rare when I asked for rare...but was still delish nonetheless. I anticipate I will be receiving a high quality of food and service at Peter and Megan's new place! See you guys soon!Hmmmm...wonder if there will be Oatmeal Raisin cookies?
Rasputin
Mon, Aug 16, 2010 : 1:04 p.m.
The Landrum's managed to turn Cafe Felix into a bustling bar with live music and a good tapas menu! So, who is to say that a family oriented restaurant run by the youngest Landrum won't meet with equal or greater success? Goods luck Pete!
Kim Gardner
Mon, Aug 16, 2010 : 11:15 a.m.
Here is a link to their facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100001401564904&v=info I am looking forward to checking it out in September.
SemperFi
Mon, Aug 16, 2010 : 10:36 a.m.
Max Peters, I couldn't disagree more about Dexter's Pub. It has an excellent pub atmosphere and Peter is a superb host. The burgers and sandwiches are very good, the pizza is delicious and my kids love the fish & chips. They have a good selection of draft beers and a favorable pour of their wines. Fine dining? No. Good family pub? You bet.
Max Peters
Mon, Aug 16, 2010 : 10:27 a.m.
Great news. A family friendly restaurant is one where we can go without getting scowled at and the kids' food isn't yellow and ridiculously expensive. On moving to Dexter, we had high hopes for the Dexter Pub, and after three tries, we've concluded that it's just awful.
SemperFi
Mon, Aug 16, 2010 : 10:12 a.m.
"Absolutely thrilled!" was my wife's response when finding out about the new restaurant in Dexter. The Bistro was fabulous with excellent food, service and ambiance. Unfortunately didn't survive the economy. I expect the Red Brick to be an instant success. DJM, I couldn't agree more about your comments on family dining. We've taken our kids to fine restaurants since they were very small and have always stressed the importance of appropriate behavior in public places. It works. Of course, adults need to exhibit the appropriate behavior, too.
djm12652
Mon, Aug 16, 2010 : 9:44 a.m.
@Bob Martel,knowing the Landrums and their Chef...believe me it will not now, or ever be likened to a "Chucky Cheeze". There are some people in our area that believe having their children exposed to fine dining and quality cuisine is part of growing up, these "families" have also taught their children manners, and how to behave when visiting these types of establishments. So don't worry, enjoy the great food I expect they will have, and know that no furry cartoon characters will be running around with balloons.
silverwings
Mon, Aug 16, 2010 : 9:43 a.m.
"Family values" are one thing. "Family-friendly" is another thing, not sinister. However, I would agree than when the same term is used for Chuck E. Cheese and this place, it's getting a little vague.
Morgan
Mon, Aug 16, 2010 : 9:40 a.m.
Is this location that used to be Mary T's? Looking forward to trying it out in Sept.
Jay Allen
Mon, Aug 16, 2010 : 9:10 a.m.
Dexter has a very nice, quaint, downtown area and this will be a nice place to go. Congratulations. As far as family friendly goes, how in the world does one make a leap from a misused buzz word to a 1st Amendment violation? LOL I guess people really do not understand what the 1st Amendment is and to whom it protects us from.
ToddAustin
Mon, Aug 16, 2010 : 8:32 a.m.
It will be great to have another choice in Dexter where we can take small children and which won't explode our budget on a single meal. The photos look enticing. I look forward to a web site with more details!
Bob Martel
Mon, Aug 16, 2010 : 8:30 a.m.
Hmmm, Paul. I generally share your concern with the misuse of the "Family" moniker by some in our society but in this case I think that you were overly sensitive. I knew exactly what they meant: reasonable prices where you would not be afraid to take the kids. However, as someone who does not have kids, I hope that this place is not so "family friendly" that it turns into an upscale neighborhood Chucky Cheeze! After all, adults need to eat too!
C6
Mon, Aug 16, 2010 : 8:28 a.m.
Oh good, another dining choice in my new home town... We've already started giving up on our former Ann Arbor spots and Red Brick will certainly help to continue the shift of our culinary center of attention to the west and keep us closer to home. We can walk to here. Welcome.
Top Cat
Mon, Aug 16, 2010 : 7:51 a.m.
"What does 'family-friendly' really mean?" Paul, it is like rock and roll music. If I have to explain it to you, you wouldn't understand. Those of us that had or have children, know the answer.
Rachael
Mon, Aug 16, 2010 : 7:17 a.m.
Glad to see coverage of this, I was excited to see a restaurant go in so soon after Bistro Renaissance closed but haven't been able to find out many details. I just wish there was more information like a website or Facebook/Twitter page.
Indicat
Mon, Aug 16, 2010 : 5:34 a.m.
Yay!!! Good luck to the Landrums! Looking forward to the opening!
Paul Taylor
Mon, Aug 16, 2010 : 5:23 a.m.
I cringe at the use of the phrase, "family-friendly." What this establishment is, is family-oriented. "Family-friendly" is an overused buzzword that has, in recent history, served as cover for individuals and groups dedicated to undermining individual freedoms, specifically those related to the First Amendment. I realize that this will seem wildly off-topic for this story, and perhaps even antagonistic, but stories like this one beg the question, "What does 'family-friendly' really mean?"