Another high-profile restaurateur has just signed on to Alan Glazen’s Operation Light Switch campaign to populate the Waterloo neighborhood of North Collinwood with new bars, restaurants and entertainment options. Melissa Cole, owner of the seven-year-old Detroit-Shoreway hotspot Luxe Kitchen and Lounge (6605 Detroit Ave., 216-920-0600), will take possession of the shuttered Chloe's Kitchen Diner (400 E. 156th St.), which is located a few doors down from the gallery at Waterloo Arts.
“Yes, we are committed,” confirms Cole, who is shooting for a late-spring opening. “I along with much of my family are from the East Side. It’s a neighborhood that is really close to home in many ways.”
While very early in the planning process, Cole envisions a “fun, true farm-to-table” eatery that will rely on local farmer's markets as well as an on-site kitchen garden to drive a chalkboard-driven menu of specials.
“It’s still very young in the process but I can feel what I think belongs there and can be embraced by the community,” says Cole. “Like Luxe, I envision a place where people are comfortable and know they’re getting the best possible product that we can put on a plate and serve.”
The restaurant joins Glazen’s already open Waterloo Brew, the forthcoming Millard Fillmore Presidential Library (15615 Waterloo Rd.) from Flying Monkey owner Tom Bell, and a new Mexican concept from the owners of Luchita’s.
Talking to those involved, it seems as if the N. Collinwood neighborhood is beginning to feel a lot like the Detroit Shoreway neighborhood did back when folks like Cole were first investing in the area.
“I love the grit that’s there, I love the art that’s there, I love the energy that’s there,” Cole says. “I can’t wait to be a part of it. Me and Alan Glazen are really the same people.”
Speaking of Luxe: Cole and company currently are wrapping up a top-to-bottom freshening up of the seven-year-old restaurant. Following a mini-shutdown, the restaurant will reopen this Thursday, November 20.
“We’re doing a refresh here at Luxe,” notes Cole. “It’s time.”
Guests can look forward to new paint, new tables, new chairs, new floors and a new fall menu. To thank the community for its continued support, Luxe will be hosting an open house with free snacks on Friday, November 28th.
“It’s been seven years of being so supported and loved by the community,” Cole says. “It’s just a way to thank people for all the years of support.”
