Friday, March 16, 2007

The Whitney is looking better than ever...

We hope you’ll notice the initial changes to The Whitney. For the first time in years you can see us from Woodward. We’ve removed about 20 years of overgrowth. More improvements will be coming. Inside we’ve cleaned and scrubbed, we’re doing some painting, we’ve removed some of the excess furniture, created a new menu, are bringing in some fun and interesting new wines, have a newly energized staff, etc. We’re ready to welcome you back. Come see how we’ve changed! We reopen March 22.

12 comments:

Anonymous said...

I think what you're doing is great. I love the blogspot, you're connecting with your customer's on another level. It helps break the ice of not knowing who the "new" owners are. This gives the restaurant an inviting feeling, layered with excitement and energy. I can't wait to bring my Mom in for lunch or dinner. Thanks for taking part in the rebirth of Detroit! God Bless!

Anonymous said...

Great to hear you are opening on March 22. Will you have the fabulous Easter Brunch menu again?

Anonymous said...

It will be exciting to see The New Whitney! I was a staff member who opened it way back when! Ron and John did a great job. I hope you keep the same spirit they gave The Whitney.

The Whitney said...

To Anonymous -- are there two of you? -- and Joyce:

Thanks for the kind words and good wishes. I care deeply about Detroit and think the city is starting to look better than it has since before the '67 riots. If we can help, that's what we want to do. The Whitney is an icon -- Ron and John played a big role in making it one. We want to build on what they've done.

And, yes, we plan to have a great Easter brunch. Hope to see you there!

Unknown said...

I currently live in Windsor, Ontario and have always heard such grand things about the Whitney. A group of us from Windsor, had dinner at the Whitney's last business day and we enjoyed every minute of being there. We are very excited to see the (new) Whitney and we plan on coming back to check out the new menu and seeing all the updates!

Anonymous said...

Please get rid of the mobil award off the website; it's from 1996! I hope you invest in a team that truly can make a Mobil 4 star property. I hope the food matches the legend of the Whitney. Good luck!

Jen said...

Great idea with the blog. The Whitney is one of our favourite places, and we miss it, being here in Pittsburgh for now! We shall certainly stop in next time we're back in the D - as a photographer, I am thrilled that you've removed the overgrowth from the front and will be interested in seeing what has been done with the interior (although I hope nothing too drastic, it's got such beautiful features).

Good luck to you and The Whitney! I hope her revival is a sign of things to come for Detroit.

The Whitney said...

SweetJen --

Great to hear from you. Enjoy Pittsburgh but come visit us when you're back in Motown.

I grew up in Pittsburgh -- Shadyside to be precise. I love the 'burgh, its geography and its great little hole-in-the-wall bars. Still have some good friends there but my family has unfortunately all passed on to their "great reward". maui maybe???

We open to the public tomorrow night. Look at today's Detroit News "Projects Revitalize Midtown" for some great photos of The Whitney.

Bud

Sail said...

Glad to hear you removed the shrubs and overgrowth... I always wondered why the past owners let it get that way. The exterior of the mansion is just as important as the interior. Hopefully it will get more attention and attract more customers.

Anonymous said...

It's been several years since my husband and I dined at The Whitney -- we've been out of the loop and didn't know the restaurant had closed. So glad to read that it's reopening! And the menu looks delicious -- thank you for posting it. As it turns out, I'm trying to make a reservation, but no one is answering the number and there is no recording is picking up (I'm calling on a Saturday afternoon -- hardly a strange time to a restaurant to answer the phone). Also, the number that I was given by information is differnt from the number on your web site (no one is answering at either number). Just a tip: Please make it easier to reach you! We look forward to coming back, but at this point I think I need to look for a different restaurant for the night we're coming to Detroit (pity!). Thank you, Margaret Petersen, Ann Arbor, MI

James E. Staley said...

It has been a few months since I have been to the Whitney and I had the same problem that Margaret Peterson had, I guess it is a Ann Arbor thing. When ever I have a birthday or a special time to share with friends or family the Whitney has always been my first place to try to get get a reservation. A special friend from Bloomfield Hills is having a 50th Birthday on the 19th of April, I do hope the Whitney is really open and the next time that I call there will be some one there so I will get a answer. Dr. Htwe has family from Burma where he is from here and they deserve to go to the best restaurant in Detroit and it has always been the Whitney for me so I hope the new owner has the same wonderful food and service. I look forward to my next meal at the Whitney. Maybe the new owner will get Voice mail for the past customers that calls for reservations to their favorite place to eat in Detroit.

James E. Staley
Ann Arbor, Michigan

Anonymous said...

I am a medical student at Wayne State and live in University Towers, just behind the Whitney. Ive been admiring the restaurant architecture and I think its the most beautiful building in Detroit. I cant wait for a special event when I can finally dine there!