From Famous Chicken Sliders to Pizza: Visual Proof of Dino's Iconic Ferndale Menu
In December 2018, Crain's Detroit Business reported that Bach had listed both Dino's Lounge and his community craft-beer hall, M-Brew Ferndale, for sale. Bach cited a desire to simplify his commitments and relocate full-time to northern Michigan, where he owned Belle Bistro in Gaylord. The announcement sent shockwaves through Ferndale's business improvement district, raising concerns that outside corporate developers would buy the prime Nine Mile real estate.
Two months later, Bach changed course. In February 2019, he officially took both properties off the commercial market, confirming that negotiations with potential buyers did not match his vision for the neighborhood's character. Instead, Bach committed significant private capital to a comprehensive restaurant renovation designed to modernize Dino's infrastructure while updating the interior design.
| Timeframe | Operational Milestone | Strategic Impact |
|---|---|---|
| 2002, 2010 | Launch of Dino's Lounge on Nine Mile | Pioneered late-night dining and high-volume weekend brunch in downtown Ferndale. |
| 2014 | Opening of M-Brew on Vester Street | Expanded Bach's hospitality presence with Michigan-made craft beer and recreation-centric dining. |
| December 2018 | Listing of Dino's and M-Brew for sale | Proposed an operational exit to northern Michigan that triggered public concern over local redevelopment. |
| February 2019 | Sale canceled; facility overhaul launched | Reinvested capital into kitchen overhauls, aesthetic updates, and the introduction of stone-fired pizzas. |
| September 2020 | Federal lawsuit against business insurance carrier | Challenged pandemic-era business interruption denials, setting a benchmark for independent Michigan taverns. |
The post-2019 upgrades gave the room warmer lighting, upgraded draft lines, and improved seating arrangements. These modifications helped the room handle both boisterous sports crowds and casual family dinners, bridging the gap between Ferndale's rowdy bar legacy and its evolving demographic of young families.
