A brand-new sports bar, restaurant, and cigar lounge called Parlay Detroit, co-owned by former Detroit Lions player Joique Bell, is set to open its doors this week, taking over the space that was previously occupied by Detroit Beer Exchange. The grand opening for Parlay Detroit, located at 1260 Washington Boulevard, is scheduled for Friday, November 15, and is eagerly anticipated by local sports and dining enthusiasts.
Covering more than 11,000 square feet at the high-profile intersection of Washington and Grand River, the venture is a partnership that includes not only Bell but also attorney Ameena Sheikh and her husband, Timothy Allen, as well as investor Jared Chipman and managing partner Joel Dewberry, along with attorney Alex Simpson, according to a detailed media release. The culinary experience is crafted by Chef Nikki Steward, founder of the cannabis culinary entertainment brand, the High End Affair, with the kitchen under the guidance of Ohio chef Russell Oliver, who has made the move to Detroit specifically for this exciting opportunity.
While specific details about the new menu were not disclosed as of Tuesday, November 13, the media release highlights that Parlay Detroit will feature a sophisticated cigar lounge that includes a humidor and private VIP areas, each equipped with custom-created lockers for storing cigars. Additionally, a speakeasy and lounge is projected to open on the lower level in 2025, expanding the venue’s offerings. The location had been vacated in January 2024, after the Detroit Beer Exchange made the decision to close permanently following two-and-a-half years of operation, as reported by the Freep.
Mike’s Famous Ham Place Sold
In an exciting transition, a former Detroit police officer, Kimberly Lambert, along with her husband John, has taken ownership of Mike’s Famous Ham Place, the beloved lunch counter located on Michigan Avenue, which has been a staple in the community for decades. The outgoing owners, Mike Muftari and his wife, Yvet, are scheduled to complete their final shifts on November 27, according to BridgeDetroit. Lambert shared that she first learned about the shop’s sale through a BridgeDetroit story and has been preparing for the new ownership since October by working alongside the current staff at the diner.
Mike’s Famous Ham Place originally started as Lile’s Ham Sandwich Shop, which opened in 1965 and became a gathering spot in the neighborhood. After Lile’s transitioned to its Dearborn location, where it was cherished until its closure in June 2023, Mike Muftari seized the opportunity to take over the space, renaming it after himself. Historically, Detroit has been regarded as a ham sandwich haven, hosting modest lunch counters often run by Albanian immigrants, offering hearty ham sandwiches, split pea soup with pork, and affordable breakfasts that served the working-class population for generations. Today, Mike’s remains one of the few such cherished establishments left in the region.
What can guests expect from the culinary experience at Parlay Detroit?
**Interview with Joique Bell, Co-Owner of Parlay Detroit**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Joique. Parlay Detroit is set to open this week, and there’s a lot of excitement in the community. Can you share what inspired you to open this unique sports bar, restaurant, and cigar lounge?
**Joique Bell:** Thank you for having me! The idea came from my love for sports and great food, combined with my passion for creating memorable experiences. After my time with the Lions, I wanted to stay connected to Detroit and provide a space where fans can gather, enjoy good food, watch games, and even unwind with a premium cigar. It was important for us to create an inclusive atmosphere that caters to various tastes.
**Editor:** It sounds like you have a fantastic team behind this venture. Can you tell us more about your partners and their roles?
**Joique Bell:** Absolutely! I’m thrilled to be working with a talented group that brings a wealth of experience. Ameena Sheikh and her husband, Timothy Allen, are key partners in this project, alongside investor Jared Chipman and managing partner Joel Dewberry. We also have attorney Alex Simpson in the mix. It’s a diverse team, and each member brings unique skills that contribute to making Parlay Detroit a standout destination.
**Editor:** The culinary experience seems to be a highlight, especially with Chef Nikki Steward and Ohio chef Russell Oliver onboard. What kind of flavors and dishes can patrons expect?
**Joique Bell:** While we’re keeping some details under wraps for the grand opening, I can tell you that Chef Nikki Steward’s creativity will shine in our menu, blending traditional favorites with innovative twists. We’re focused on delivering high-quality ingredients and flavors that will satisfy any palate. I believe it will be an unforgettable experience!
**Editor:** In addition to the food, the sophisticated cigar lounge sounds intriguing. What should guests look forward to in that space?
**Joique Bell:** Our cigar lounge is designed for connoisseurs and casual smokers alike. We have a beautiful humidor filled with a wide selection of cigars and private VIP areas with custom lockers for storage. It’s all about creating a relaxing space where guests can enjoy their cigars in comfort and style, making it the perfect complement to their dining or sports-watching experience.
**Editor:** Lastly, I hear there are plans for a speakeasy and lounge on the lower level set to open in 2025. Can you give us any hints about what to expect there?
**Joique Bell:** The speakeasy will have a vintage feel, with a focus on craft cocktails and a unique atmosphere. We’re working on some exciting concepts that will elevate the experience further. It’s all part of our vision to make Parlay Detroit not just a place to grab a meal, but a full entertainment destination for our guests.
**Editor:** That sounds fantastic! Thank you for sharing with us, Joique. We can’t wait for the grand opening on November 15!
**Joique Bell:** Thank you! We’re looking forward to welcoming everyone to Parlay Detroit and creating lasting memories for our community.
