Joique Bell, a former Wayne State University and Detroit Lions running back, is leading an ownership group opening a new upscale sports bar Friday in downtown Detroit called Parlay Detroit.
A more than 11,000-square-foot establishment at the southeast corner of Washington Boulevard and Grand River Avenue (1260 Washington Ave.), Parlay Detroit is billed as a restaurant, craft cocktail bar, and cigar lounge.
The first-floor space in the Stevens Building was formerly occupied by The Beer Exchange. Directly across Washington Boulevard from the Stevens is the Book Tower.
The owners say it will “raise the bar” for patrons and feature luxurious, custom-made furniture combined with viewable sports tickers, large screens seen from every seat, along with a curated menu and cocktails.
“Parlay Detroit will be the go-to location for all sports fans in Detroit,” says Bell. “Our team worked really hard on every detail of Parlay to ensure a next level experience for our guests, from the energy in the room to our top-level menu and unique craft cocktails.
“We are excited to show our customers what we can provide them and know they will want to keep coming back.”
Along with Bell, the Detroit ownership team is made up of attorney Ameena Sheikh and entrepreneur Timothy Allen, along with Jared Chipman, managing partner Joel Dewberry, and attorney Alex Simpson.
The menu is being curated by Chef Nikki Steward and executed by Chef Russell Oliver, who moved to Detroit from Ohio.
Parlay Detroit also will offer a cigar lounge with a humidor, as well as VIP areas to store cigars in custom-made storage lockers. In addition, there’s a member-only lounge and a private board room.
long with individual guests, Parlay Detroit officials say they hope to attract large watch parties and a variety of exclusive space rentals.
Early next year, the establishment will add Hidden, a speakeasy and lounge in the lower level.
For more information, visit, ParlayDetroit.com.
