Local Chain Joe Louis Southern Kitchen to Expand Downtown Presence with Iconic Location
Detroit's culinary scene is about to get a taste of nostalgia as popular local chain, Joe Louis Southern Kitchen, prepares to open its third location in downtown Detroit. The restaurant, named after the city's boxing legend and champion, Joe Louis Barrow, is set to bring its signature chicken and waffles along with other Southern-style brunch dishes to the heart of the city.
The brainchild of bar owner Johnny Cannon and a nod to his father-in-law, Joe Louis Barrow II, who led the original location in 2021, this expansion marks a significant milestone for the brand. "Detroit helped shape my father," said Barrow, "and preserving his name and legacy here means the world to me and my family." The new restaurant aims to honor that legacy while giving back to the city that played host to its beloved founder.
Slated to open at 1528 Woodward Avenue in April 2026 – just in time for Tigers Opening Day – this new location will be about 4,000 square feet, seating over 80 diners. Located in a property owned by Dan Gilbert's Bedrock, the restaurant is positioned to become an integral part of downtown Detroit's entertainment and shopping districts.
As a local staple, Joe Louis Southern Kitchen has already made its mark in the city with two successful locations – one at 6549 Woodward Avenue in New Center and another at 29649 Northwestern Highway in Southfield. This new expansion will cement its place as a beloved dining destination for fans of Southern cuisine in Detroit.
With Cannon's vision to share Joe Louis' legacy with an even broader audience, the restaurant is poised to become a must-visit destination in downtown Detroit. The addition of this iconic location promises to bring history and flavor to the city's vibrant entertainment, sports, and shopping districts.
Detroit's culinary scene is about to get a taste of nostalgia as popular local chain, Joe Louis Southern Kitchen, prepares to open its third location in downtown Detroit. The restaurant, named after the city's boxing legend and champion, Joe Louis Barrow, is set to bring its signature chicken and waffles along with other Southern-style brunch dishes to the heart of the city.
The brainchild of bar owner Johnny Cannon and a nod to his father-in-law, Joe Louis Barrow II, who led the original location in 2021, this expansion marks a significant milestone for the brand. "Detroit helped shape my father," said Barrow, "and preserving his name and legacy here means the world to me and my family." The new restaurant aims to honor that legacy while giving back to the city that played host to its beloved founder.
Slated to open at 1528 Woodward Avenue in April 2026 – just in time for Tigers Opening Day – this new location will be about 4,000 square feet, seating over 80 diners. Located in a property owned by Dan Gilbert's Bedrock, the restaurant is positioned to become an integral part of downtown Detroit's entertainment and shopping districts.
As a local staple, Joe Louis Southern Kitchen has already made its mark in the city with two successful locations – one at 6549 Woodward Avenue in New Center and another at 29649 Northwestern Highway in Southfield. This new expansion will cement its place as a beloved dining destination for fans of Southern cuisine in Detroit.
With Cannon's vision to share Joe Louis' legacy with an even broader audience, the restaurant is poised to become a must-visit destination in downtown Detroit. The addition of this iconic location promises to bring history and flavor to the city's vibrant entertainment, sports, and shopping districts.
I'm low-key thinking that Dan Gilbert's Bedrock is tryin' to own the whole downtown scene, you feel me? This new location on Woodward Avenue is literally right next to the old Tiger Stadium, like, what are the chances? It's almost like they're planning somethin' big... or tryin' to erase the history of the original Joe Louis Barrow II. 
I ain't sayin' it's all bad, but you gotta wonder what's really goin' on behind the scenes. 
like we really need more generic Southern comfort food joints cluttering up Woodward Avenue. can't they just pick a unique concept or cuisine for once? 
anyway, i guess it's cool that it'll be opening near Comerica Park, but 4k sqft is super spacious - what's the point of having an empty seat when there are people waiting to get in? 
Just another reason to love Downtown Detroit – Joe Louis Southern Kitchen bringing that Southern charm 
️ and this new location is gonna bring the noise 
. I mean, who doesn't love a good brunch spot that's also got some real history behind it? It's dope that they're keeping Joe Louis' legacy alive and giving back to the city. And can we talk about the location for a sec? Woodward Avenue is already lit 
with all the cool shops and restaurants, but this new spot is gonna take it to the next level 
. I'm low-key hyped for April 2026 and can't wait to get my eat on at this new location 
!
but for real tho, its cool that its gonna be in a bedrock property, and dan gilberts all about Detroit, so i'm lowkey hyped for this new spot. cant wait to try their fried chicken and waffles, sounds like a win-win
it's gonna be so sick to have another spot to grab a plate of chicken and waffles in detroit 
cant wait for apr 2026 to roll around and get a taste of this new location 
. The history behind this restaurant is so cool - can't wait to try their signature chicken and waffles 
! Downtown Detroit is already so awesome, but with this new location, it's going to be a total game-changer 