Steve & Rocky’s, a popular American cuisine restaurant in Novi, is no more.
The restaurant shut its doors for good at 43150 Grand River Ave. on March 4, closing out a chapter that began in 1999.
When the restaurant re-opened three days later, it had a new name and ownership team.
Robert Loomis, Steve & Rocky’s former general manager, bought out his old bosses and took a controlling interest in the longstanding eatery, now known as Brentwood Grille.
While many changes are afoot, much remains the same. Brentwood Grille’s new owners plan to preserve much of the DNA from their predecessor.
“It’s an honor to carry on the legacy of Steve & Rocky’s and to introduce Brentwood Grille to those that have been loyal to this restaurant for decades,” Loomis, the new managing partner, told Detroit Metro Times in a recent interview.
Loomis brings 40 years of restaurant and hospitality expertise to his new role. He also boasts familiarity with the beloved Steve & Rocky’s brand.
He began working there in 2019, overseeing operations as the GM.
Novi city leaders greenlit the swap in ownership last month. Council members approved a transfer of the business license and a sales permit from Steve & Rocky’s to Loomis’ company, RJ Loomis Productions, according to minutes from the Feb. 6 city council meeting.
Officials said Brentwood will largely keep the same menu to maintain consistency in Novi’s town center, which is dotted with restaurants and several other businesses.
“While a new name has not been determined, the new owner plans to continue Steve & Rocky’s long and distinguished tradition of operating an upscale restaurant with a relaxed atmosphere,” the proposal last month stated.
Loomis and his team will also keep the same staff, including former co-owner Steve Allen, according to the Metro Times. They inherit a restaurant that holds a capacity of about 240 patrons. The menu includes daily catches like grilled salmon, sauteed perch and sea scallops; roasted duckling and lamb chops; along with an assortment of steak cuts, barbecue St. Louis ribs, pan seared pork chops, braised beef and short ribs.
