City Winery Targets 2027 Opening for Detroit Venue Near Michigan Central

City Winery plans to break ground on a Detroit location in Corktown before 2026 ends. The doors should open in 2027. The company purchased the site south of Michigan Central back in 2022, paying roughly $2.34 million.

"We're going to do it," said Michael Dorf, founder and CEO of the New York-based chain, according to Crain's Detroit. "We're just putting our money together."

The wine, restaurant, and live music venue chain snagged the property before securing financing. Why? Strategic value. Dorf said the company bought it without money lined up.

"I love the property," he said. "I'm very excited about the location."

City Winery is scrambling to raise nearly $10 million as part of a bigger capital push, funding several new spots. Columbus, Scottsdale, and Toronto are among the markets getting attention.

The fundraising took more time than anyone wanted. The hospitality industry faces tough economic conditions right now. Dorf said drinking habits are shifting, and big names in live entertainment are squeezing smaller players.

Building a venue usually requires eight to 10 months, which means the doors could open sometime in 2027 if they start when planned. The Detroit spot would create jobs for about 100 workers.

Dorf said activity around the site has exploded since they bought it. Ford Motor Co.'s work on Michigan Central Station and the technology district nearby changed everything. A new soccer stadium in Corktown for Detroit City FC is coming, which makes the site even better.

The chain runs 12 spots and produced around 7,000 shows last year. Chicago has been one of the strongest markets. Pittsburgh and St. Louis both opened in 2024, and they're performing well.

Each venue operates as a working winery, restaurant, private event space, and live music spot, hosting hundreds of shows every year. The company books all its own shows.