Ten years can change the face of a city, but it takes a certain kind of vision for a place to become part of its fabric. In 2015, Central Kitchen + Bar opened inside the historic First National Building, right in the middle of downtown Detroit’s transformation. The idea came from Detroit native Dennis Archer Jr., who wanted a space that reflected the city’s grit and charm, yet still offered a modern, cosmopolitan experience. He wanted a restaurant that was approachable without losing its edge, elevated without feeling out of reach, and unmistakably Detroit.

“Back in 2015, Downtown Detroit was changing—fast,” said Archer. “But there still wasn’t a place that matched what I envisioned: approachable but elevated, casual but curated, grounded in the city’s soul but with a vibe that felt cosmo

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