Photo Courtesy of DCFC.
Your Metro Detroit Chevy Dealers and the Detroit City Football Club are partnering up to highlight a local small business every week with the Detroit Small Biz City series. This week’s business is The Block, an event space that is known for its happy hours, wide ranging menu and fun events.
Stephanie Byrd, director of The Block and Garden Theater, grew up in a business-minded family. Her family has owned businesses in Detroit for more than 30 years and always knew that she wanted to continue that family legacy with her own business. She and her sister were given that opportunity when their father passed down The Block to them, and they’ve turned it into a go-to happy hour hangout.
Byrd said that her father’s goal was to restore a block in Detroit that was seemingly overlooked and create an atmosphere where people could have a casual place to relax, enjoy some drinks and catch some live entertainment. The Block has been successful with giving Detroiters that easy-going escape over the years, but this past year was especially challenging with the pandemic forcing the venue to close and re-open several times.
“It’s been a challenge of course, and everything has been pretty out of whack with Covid, but we are grateful to have the opportunity to continue the family legacy,” Byrd said.
The Block reopened its doors this past week with carryout and delivery options five days a week. Many of the restaurant’s popular happy hour specials will be available for delivery including their bacon Brussels, spinach dip and their bottle of Black Girl Magic Rosé from the McBride Sisters. Other specialities will also be available including the salmon BLT, shrimp and grits and shotgun shrimp.
Along with the unique menu and casual atmosphere, Byrd said that she’s always wanted to be a part of the fabric of Detroit and fill a void she saw in casual entertainment. The city has been important to her and her family for decades and said that it’s the city’s richness and culture that has always appealed to her.
“We always knew we wanted to be a part of the city and to give back in a meaningful way,” Byrd said.
The Block is currently open for carryout Wednesday through Sunday from noon until 8 p.m. You can also find the restaurant on DoorDash. For your chance to win a gift card to The Block, be sure to visit Detroit City FC’s Facebook page, and like and share the Block Small Biz City post to be entered to win!