A new barbecue restaurant is opening on the Livernois-McNichols corridor in northwest Detroit.

TMO's Barbeque Pit could open as early as Saturday, said co-owner Tito Dotson, 45. He's finishing up build-out of the space, which started in late 2017. Once open, the restaurant at 7401 W. McNichols Road will mark the completion of a goal many years in the making.

"Basically, it started early on, ya know, my grandma and them throwing parties and picnics and barbecues and what not," Dotson said of how he started on the road to restaurant owner. "Then, I was assigned to cooking at the tailgates. Everyone started demanding I do it."

Dotson, a resident of north Detroit, is co-owner of the business along with his wife, Monica — hence the name TMO's. Local chef Eric Lewis will run the kitchen along with five or six other employees.

TMO's is expected to open on the long-struggling commercial corridor just as the city and partnering institutions target the area for renovation and economic development. The University of Detroit Mercy, with funding from the Kresge Foundation, opened last week the HomeBase business development hub, and the city plans streetscape improvements there this summer. TMO's is kitty-corner from Detroit Sip, which was one of the first new businesses to open in the neighborhood.

The menu is savory and basic: southern pit-style barbecue, with smoked ribs, chicken, beef brisket, pulled pork, wings and other meats. The grilled chicken sandwich wrap will be the staple item, Dotson said. Traditional sides will be offered, including mac and cheese, potato salad, beans and coleslaw. Soft drinks will also be sold. A full meal will cost about $15.

The 1,800-square-foot restaurant will have four or five tables with barstools. Dotson expects carry-out, with an emphasis on the lunch crowd, will make up most of the business. Picnic tables will be set up outside during the summer. Hours will be 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday.

Dotson bought the building in 2014 for $8,150 from Wayne County's tax foreclosure auction, according to city property records. He said he's invested nearly $200,000 into build-out.

Detroit-based HVAC contractor Desert in Alaska handled most of the construction, and Detroit-based Fonath Architects & Consultants Inc. did the design.

Dotson said he's received all the necessary approvals from the city and health department, and he's ready to play a role in the rejuvenation of the neighborhood where he grew up.

"Just a local kid from a local area trying to make a local business," he said.