After a seven-month renovation project that shuttered one of Detroit's most popular restaurants, Kuzzo's Chicken & Waffles on the Avenue of Fashion will finally reopen Saturday, despite mounting concerns over the spread of the novel coronavirus.

"Kuzzo’s reopening comes at a concerning health crisis with the Coronavirus (sic) pandemic and the encouragement of social distancing," the restaurant said in a statement issued Friday. "However, we are thrilled to open our doors, be a safe and comforting space to diners, a place for inspiration, source of pride, and provide a calm and relaxing environment during these challenging times"

Kuzzo's owner Ron Bartell took the disruptive streetscape reconstruction along this stretch of Livernois Avenue as an opportunity to shutdown and re-tool.

The seven month-long project included a complete $350,000 renovation of the kitchen designed to improve the back-of-house workflow and capacity, new artwork in the dining room by Detroit artist Desirèe Kelly and extensive staff training aimed at alleviating the long wait times at the highly trafficked restaurant. The popular menu has remained unchanged.

“In addition to the physical improvements and renovation at Kuzzo’s, the most important improvements come in the form of talent acquisition and the investment in training and development to enhance customer service,” said David Rudolph, senior managing partner at D. Ericson & Associates Public Relations, and publicist for Kuzzo’s Chicken and Waffles in the statement.

Kuzzo's debuted in 2015 to immediate acclaim and fanfare, with waits for tables pushing two hours during peak times.

The restaurant, best known for its chicken & waffles, made the Freep's annual Best New Restaurant List and became a fixture on Democratic political campaigns courting black voters.

It's reopening comes just a few days after the state's Democratic primary and at an uneasy time for restaurants grappling with the fallout of the spread of the new coronavirus.

"The health and safety of our customers and staff is our top priority at Kuzzo’s Chicken and Waffles," the restaurant said in a statement. "During this time of heightened vigilance, Kuzzo’s is dedicated to maintaining a safe and welcoming place for our community and dining guests. We are closely monitoring the evolving situation regarding COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus, and following CDC guidelines to proactively protect the health and well-being of our diners and staff.

"We will frequently be cleaning all public spaces and surfaces, encouraging staff who are ill to take sick days, and reminding everyone about the importance of frequent handwashing practices."

Kuzzo's will open to the public at 9 a.m. Saturday.

Kuzzo's Chicken & Waffles: 19345 Livernois, Detroit. 313-861-0229 and kuzzoschickenandwaffles.com

Send your dining tips to Free Press Restaurant Critic Mark Kurlyandchik at 313-222-5026 ormkurlyandc@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @MKurlyandchik and Instagram @curlyhandshake. Read more restaurant news and reviews and sign up for our Food and Dining newsletter.