A new tenant could be coming to the Wattles Square shopping center on Sterling Heights’ west side.
Roots by Imperial is slated to open soon at 2135 17 Mile Road in a storefront that once housed Joe Bologna Trattoria, a popular Italian restaurant that shut down in January 2020.
Owners plan to turn the space in a 1,250 square-foot juice bar and coffee shop with dine-in seating for up to 12 people, according to site plans submitted to the Macomb County suburb.
Sterling Heights planning commissioners are scheduled to consider a special land use for the restaurant during their regular monthly meeting Wednesday.
The special land use application lists Alvin J. Mathai as the business’ owner. Madison Drain Construction, a Sterling Heights contractor, is the firm poised to lead Roots by Imperial’s reconstruction efforts.
No food will be cooked on-site, according to the site plans. Roots by Imperial will serve an assortment of fresh-roasted coffee, espresso drinks, tea, hot chocolate, iced coffees, fresh juices and smoothies. The menu will also feature fruit and veggie bowls, salads, bagels and croissants, planning records showed.
Roots aims to join a number of juice bars that have recently opened in Sterling Heights. Those options include places like Blended Smoothies and Sandwiches along Hayes Road, Juice Time and Papa Kanufa just south of 18 Mile and VARA Juice in the retail plaza along Ryan Road near 15 Mile.
What Now Detroit is not aware of a proposed grand opening date for Roots by Imperial. Restaurant officials could not be reached for comment as of Friday
