Melody Baetens

The Detroit News

Michigan-based beer bar HopCat will open its sixth in-state location in downtown Royal Oak in the first few months of 2017.

The location will take over a 11,700-square-foot space where Woody’s and Onyx restaurants are at 208 W. Fifth. Those businesses will close in October and, according to a press release issued Friday, employees at those to businesses will have first crack at applying for work at the HopCat – Royal Oak.

“Royal Oak is a city with a lot of soul – from cool shops, restaurants and nightlife, to its great neighborhoods,” said HopCat founder Mark Sellers, CEO of BarFly Ventures, in the release. “I don’t like cookie-cutter places, so those who have visited HopCat – Detroit or another location will find a different vibe in Royal Oak.”

HopCat – Royal Oak will have three levels, a private events room and a rooftop beer garden. BarFly Ventures will team up with the landlord Innovo Development Group, LLC to invest $3.5 million into the space.

HopCat’s restaurants are known for their massive craft beer options – “no Bud, no Miller, no Coors,” Sellers told The Detroit News when he opened HopCat Detroit in Midtown in December 2014. The signature item is “crack fries,” seasoned fries usually served with a cheese sauce.

HopCat – Chicago opened earlier this month, and HopCat – Kalamazoo is opening Oct. 8. More than 130 employees will be hired at the Royal Oak restaurant. Interested workers should e-mail a resume to jobs@hopcat.com.

mbaetens@detroitnews.com

(313) 222-2402

Twitter: @melodybaetens