Novi Grants Liquor License to Japanese Steakhouse

The Novi City Council granted one of its three remaining liquor licenses to Genji Japanese Steakhouse, a restaurant set to open in West Oaks, at its meeting Monday night.

The business will move into a 10,000-square-foot building that has sat vacant for several years. It is currently being renovated.

Council members agreed that the restaurant was a unique enough business that it is deserving of a license; the council is careful about granting its remaining licenses because the city is only allowed to give out a certain number of them based on the city's population.

The city now has two licenses remaining.

To receive a license, the city asks applicants to demonstrate that the business would provide a good or service that is not presently available in the city or that is unique to the city, that the business would foster economic growth or development, and that the business represents an added financial investment by a long-term business or resident with ties to the city.

Council members agreed that the investment the owners are making in Novi and the fact that it is family owned make it qualified to receive the license.

Genji is owned by the four Pi brothers, who already have restaurants located in Midland and Saginaw.

The family has purchased the restaurant property, as well as an adjacent warehouse. The warehouse will be used to house a catering business and an import business. The total estimated investment the family will make is $7 million, and they estimate the business will create 110-160 new jobs.

Council member Andrew Mutch said although Genji might not be unique to Novi since the city already has several Asian restaurants, he said the business qualifies for a license because of its economic investment.

"I think the totality of what you bring to the table — the location, the investment, the jobs, and what that will do for that area...I think speaks in favor of this," Mutch said.