West Bloomfield-based real estate investment and management company Barbat Holdings has acquired It’s a Matter of Taste at 2323 Union Lake Road in Commerce Township, according to a press release shared with What Now Detroit. Prime Concepts Detroit, Barbat’s hospitality group, is converting the restaurant into Aurora on the Lake and anticipates to complete renovations in early 2025.
“The acquisition of this stunning lakeside property perfectly positions us as we continue to grow our real estate holdings along with expanding our hospitality offerings,” said Joe Barbat, chairman & CEO of Barbat Holdings in the statement. “We’re excited to bring the Aurora Italiana brand to the Commerce Township community and create new traditions and memories at Aurora on the Lake.”
The acquisition takes immediate effect and the transition between concepts will not lead to any extensive closure as most of the work being done is cosmetic, according to Stolion Liti, Managing Partner and Director of Operations at Prime Concepts Detroit, adding that since the restaurant only opens Wednesday through Sunday, the schedule gives the team ample time to work on renovations on Mondays and Tuesdays.
According to the press release, employees of It’s a Matter of Taste can choose to remain at Aurora on the Lake. They will be joined by experienced team members from Aurora Italiana, who will support all restaurant and culinary operations.
It’s a Matter of Taste is Barbat Holdings’ latest acquisition. The company has acquired and developed many prominent properties around southeast Michigan and has played an active role in downtown Detroit’s resurgence, with developments including the former Briggs Hotel, The Gabriel Richard, St. Regis, Philip Neudeck building, the Michigan Oriental Theater, and the GAR Building, now home to Sexy Steak, a popular upscale steakhouse and Castle Hall, Detroit’s premier private event space.
