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Grandma Bob's pizzeria to open second location in Detroit's West Village

Grandma Bob's pizzeria to open second location in Detroit's West Village

Money Moves Detroit, MI local

A District 5 council member's review of alcohol-serving businesses on Kercheval now includes the planned West Village pizzeria.

October 19th, 2026: City review sought for West Village alcohol businesses

Overview

Updated Oct 18

Grandma Bob's is still preparing its second location at 8044 Kercheval in West Village, the former Marrow space. The Corktown pizzeria has not announced an opening date; an October report said early December was the target.

The expansion now shares attention with a city review. In October, District 5 Council Member Renata Miller asked regulators to check zoning compliance and neighborhood impact at several alcohol-serving businesses on Kercheval, including the planned Grandma Bob's. Two Birds owner Kara Green told ClickOnDetroit her business was being scrutinized despite operating with approvals.

Why it matters

If this second location succeeds, it gives West Village a dining anchor and signals Detroit's restaurant revival is moving beyond downtown and Corktown.

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Key Indicators

2
Grandma Bob's locations
Total number of Grandma Bob's locations after this opening.
8
Detroit Optimist Society venues
Operating venues under the group before this expansion.

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People Involved

Dave Kwiatkowski
Dave Kwiatkowski
Co-owner of Grandma Bob's and Detroit Optimist Society
Planning the West Village opening; the new location is among businesses named in a council-requested review of alcohol licenses on Kercheval
JK
John Kwiatkowski
Co-owner of Grandma Bob's; runs the Detroit Optimist Society with his brother Dave
Overseeing the group's expansion into West Village

Organizations Involved

Grandma Bob's
Grandma Bob's
Restaurant
Expanding to West Village; the planned location is named in a city review of alcohol-serving businesses on Kercheval

A Detroit-style pizza and bar spot known for deep-dish square pies, boozy shakes, and a modern, colorful interior.
DO
Detroit Optimist Society
Hospitality group
Parent company for Grandma Bob's and seven other venues

A Detroit-based hospitality group operating bars and restaurants including Sugar House, Wright & Company, and Grandma Bob's.

Timeline

2019 October 2026

6 events Latest: October 19th, 2026 · 3 weeks ago
Tap a bar to jump to that date

  1. City review sought for West Village alcohol businesses

    Latest Government

    District 5 Council Member Renata Miller asked city regulators to review whether bars and restaurants on Kercheval, including Grandma Bob's planned second location, are operating as licensed. Crain's Detroit Business reported the request on Oct. 19; Miller defended it at a council meeting reported by ClickOnDetroit on Oct. 26.

  2. Opening narrowed to early December

    Announcement

    The Detroit Newsroom reports Grandma Bob's hopes to open the West Village location in early December, with renovation underway to enlarge the dining room, add private-party space, and expand the menu.

  3. West Village location details revealed

    Announcement

    Hoodline reports the new location at 8044 Kercheval is expected to open this fall, with a larger dining room, more menu items, private party space, and outdoor patio seating.

  4. Second location announced in West Village

    Announcement

    Grandma Bob's will take over the former Marrow space at 8044 Kercheval, its first expansion beyond Corktown.

  5. Spread Dough series begins

    Community Event

    Grandma Bob's starts a monthly chef takeover series, donating proceeds to local charities.

  6. Grandma Bob's opens in Corktown

    Opening

    Brothers Dave and John Kwiatkowski launch Grandma Bob's on Michigan Avenue, serving Detroit-style pizza.

Scenarios

1

Grandma Bob's West Village opens to long lines and strong reviews

Likely Resolves by End of 2027

Discussed by: Local food critics and Detroit residents on social media

The restaurant completes renovations in the spring and opens to a positive reception. The proven menu, established brand, and neighborhood demand lead to steady business and a growing customer base in West Village.

2

West Village opening delayed by construction or permitting

Possible Resolves by Q2 2027

Discussed by: Local business watchers

Permit approvals, contractor delays, or unforeseen building issues push the opening beyond the initial target. The announcement remains, but customers wait months longer than expected.

3

Grandma Bob's cancels the second location

Unlikely Resolves by End of 2026

Discussed by: Food bloggers tracking restaurant development

Financial difficulties, a change in strategy, or a breakdown in the lease agreement lead the brothers to abandon the West Village plan. The space goes back on the market.

4

City review delays or conditions Grandma Bob's West Village license

Possible Resolves by Jan 31, 2027

Discussed by: West Village business owners and Detroit city regulators

The council-requested review of alcohol-serving businesses on Kercheval finds zoning or licensing issues that hold up Grandma Bob's opening or attach conditions to its liquor license.

Historical Context

One moment from history that rhymes with this story — and how it unfolded.

2011-2024

Detroit Optimist Society's growth from a single bar to eight venues (2011-present)

John Kwiatkowski opened the Sugar House craft cocktail bar in Corktown in 2011. The Detroit Optimist Society formed around it in 2014 and added Wright & Company, then expanded to six more venues, including Grandma Bob's in 2019.

Then

The group became a fixture of Detroit's bar and restaurant scene, with venues spanning cocktails, diners, and pizza.

Now

Each new location helped anchor a different Detroit neighborhood and drew customers to emerging areas.

Why this matters now

This pattern of gradual, neighborhood-focused expansion mirrors the West Village move—a proven operator betting on an up-and-coming area.

Sources

(8)
+2
The Detroit News Becker Home Advisors Blog Eater Detroit Hoodline Detroit Newsroom WhatsOpening Crain's Detroit Business ClickOnDetroit