Award-Winning Restauranteur Opening New Metro Detroit Eatery

GROSSE POINTE WOODS, MI — An award-winning restaurateur and Detroit area native is opening a new restaurant in metro Detroit.

Branden McRill, who is a Grosse Pointe native and earned the Michelin star at his now-shuttered restaurant Rebelle in New York, is planning to open Lola's Taco Bar in Grosse Pointe Woods.

He is teaming up with Detroit-area chef Brandon Zarb, Mel Fuechtmann and Niko Moschouris to open the taco spot. The group plans to open the restaurant in the former Boston Market space at 20195 Mack Avenue sometime this fall, according to a news release.

With the help of Zarb, Fuechtmann and Moschouris, McRill is shifting from high-end to fast-casual.

"The goal is to wow and amaze people by delivering a high-caliber experience as affordably as possible. Lola’s will blend all the lessons we've learned from fine dining with the straightforward joy of street tacos," said McRill in a statement.

Lola's Taco Bar's menu will feature street-style tacos with vegan and vegetarian options, as well as build-your-own burritos and bowls. A drink menu will include margaritas, beers and non-alcoholic options.

The group also plans to give back to the community with its "The Good Taco" initiative. Money raised from the rotating taco menu item will be donated to support schools, teams, local organizations and other charitable causes in the community, the group said.

"We’re not just opening a restaurant," Fuechtmann said. "We want to be deeply ingrained in the local scene, partnering with neighbors and enriching the neighborhood we call home."