A local chef from an acclaimed Detroit restaurant is starting a new chapter in northern Michigan.
Sarah Welch plans to open a restaurant next year in Traverse City, stepping away from her executive chef role at the popular restaurant Marrow.
Marrow, located at 8044 Kercheval Avenue, opened in 2019. Welch plans to leave her role at the restaurant at the end of April, but she will retain an ownership share in the business. She also co-owns the seafood-driven eatery Mink in Corktown.
Welch wrote on Instagram that “with most relationships, you either grow closer or you grow apart. As the Marrow brand continues to grow beyond the four walls of Kercheval, it has become something I no longer want to be at the helm of.”
She simultaneously announced that she and husband Cameron Rolka (also the chef at Mink), signed a purchase agreement and got pre-approval on a loan for their venture in Traverse City. Welch said she will be doing pop-ups and events across the state (and beyond) to drum up excitement for the new concept.
“If you’ve enjoyed your experiences at Marrow and Mink then envision this as a lovely hybrid of the two,” she wrote.
The name of the new concept has not been announced yet, but they are planning to open at 430 E Front Street. The space is currently occupied by Pure Essence Salon.
The restaurant is targeting a 2026 opening.
Follow Welch on Instagram @chefwelch.
