Playful and artistic define both the food and ambiance at this dynamic duo, which opened at the onset of the fast-growing North Loop neighborhood's revival. The upscale Borough features an open kitchen with a bright, airy dining experience while the complementary Parlour, where guests often start and end their evening, is a low-lit, cozy setting that's all about the cocktail, albeit with upscale bar snacks.
Opened ∕ January 2013
Annual Sales ∕ $3–$4 million
Average Check ∕ $65–$70
Owners ∕ Brent Frederick and Jacob Toledo, founders of Jester Concepts
Lucia's
Minneapolis
Chef Lucia Watson opened Lucia's as one of the first true farm-to-table restaurants with a menu that changes weekly and a focus on seasonal, local foods; she was the owner/operator for 30 years until selling the restaurant to Jason Jenny in December.
Opened ∕ February 1985
Annual Sales ∕ $3–$4 million
Average Check ∕ $25
Owner ∕ Jason Jenny
Roma Café
Detroit
The same family has owned and operated this landmark Italian restaurant since 1928, and—testament to the fact that its hospitality knows virtually no bounds—guests are welcomed with complimentary valet parking and shuttle service is provided to area sports and entertainment events.
Opened ∕ 1890
Annual Sales ∕ $2 million
Average Check ∕ $36 dinner, $18 lunch
Owners ∕ Janet Sossi Belcoure
Slurping Turtle
Ann Arbor, Michigan
Attracting newbies and Asian food lovers alike with its homemade noodles, Slurping Turtle epitomizes the best of the noodle shops of Japan and, on a personal level, of Chef Yagihashi's childhood experiences. Before opening Slurping Turtle, he won James Beard Best Chef: Midwest in 2003.
Opened ∕ April 2014
Annual Sales ∕ $2 million
Average Check ∕ $24
Chef/Owner ∕ Takashi Yagihashi
Grove
Grand Rapids, Michigan
Selected as Business Insider's Best Restaurant in Michigan in 2015, Grove highlights New American cuisine with a focus on local and seasonal ingredients.
Opened ∕ September 2011
Annual Sales ∕ $2–$3 million
Average Check ∕ $53
Owners ∕ James Berg, managing partner; Jeff Gietzen, partner; Brad Teachout, director of operations; and Patrick Wise, executive chef
Café Benelux
Milwaukee
In this beer-focused European café—the bier menu has 50 pages, including three exclusives direct from the Lowlands Brewing Company in Ertvelde, Belgium—Chef Justin Fuhrman celebrates the culture and food of Belgium, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands, with signature favorites like pannenkoeken, a thick Belgian crepe.
Opened ∕ June 2011
Annual Sales ∕ $5–$8 million
Average Check ∕ $18–$20
Owners ∕ Mike Eitel and Eric Wagner
Ardent
Milwaukee
A finalist for James Beard Best Chef: Midwest this year, Chef Justin Carlisle puts a creative spin on Ardent operations. In the intimate 23-seat space, chefs serve, servers cook, and on weekend nights after two seatings of an upscale prix fixe menu, the restaurant converts to a Ramen shop, which serves 120 diners in 90 minutes.
Opened ∕ October 2013
Annual Sales ∕ $460,00–$500,000
Average Check ∕ $100
Chef/Owner ∕ Justin Carlisle
