With the relatively recent openings of notable drinking and dining establishments Cellarmen's and Mabel Gray, Hazel Park is increasingly becoming a go-to spot for a night on the town. Here is our conversation with Joseph and Cari Vaughn, owners of the newest joint to open on John R Road,
joebar.
Q: If you were on vacation in a foreign land, how would you describe joebar to a stranger at the bar?
A: Super chill neighborhood spot to drink, eat, and meet up with friends. Like your living room, but with a bartender and someone to make really good food.
Q: In coming up with the concept for joebar, what was it that you set out to do?
A: Create a food community for our friends, clients, and colleagues--sans any pretentious energy.
Q: What's the story with the restaurant within joebar, Frame?
A: Peter at (revolver) knows how to create dinner experiences. We are both connected to the local and national chef scene. Creating an anti-popup residency for chefs is a perfect complement to joebar. When Katoi had their fire, we decided to put Frame into beta mode and give them a home. We are happy to smell lemongrass and ginger every day when we walk in.
Q: What's your relationship with Mabel Gray like?
A: If you moved in next door to your cool sister that did everything right, made sure you didn't mess up, and let you hang with her hot friends, that's Mabel Gray to joebar. James, Sam, Paul, and Rachel have been godsends in the process. We love them!
Q: What is it about your location that made it the right spot for joebar?
A: Hazel Park is the forgotten Main Street. We love it here. It's the small town that makes you feel like you've lived here your whole life. We're home.
joebar is located at 23839 John R Rd. in Hazel Park
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