SALEM TOWNSHIP, MI – The Greek-American Poulos family’s restaurant Karl’s Cabin, 6005 Gotfredson Road in Plymouth, Salem Township, a staple in the area severely damaged by a devastating fire on February 15, reopened on November 29, The Detroit News (TDN) reported.

The large, family-friendly restaurant reopened “after months of renovations, updates and restoration to a log cabin structure with two spacious dining rooms, a bar, large patio and tons of rustic charm,” TDN reported.

“It got a really nice face-lift, we’re excited to show that off,” co-owner Peter Poulos told TDN of the 75-year-old original portion of the restaurant, adding that “on the other hand, we have our second dining room, the Lodge, which is kind of an inspirational, kind of a modern vibe. So you have the contrasting two sides.”

“Poulos owns the restaurant with his brother Louis Poulos and mother Sophia Poulos,” TDN reported, adding that “the cabin side has low tables, cushy booths and a stage for live music, and is also home to the bar area with a fireplace, high-top tables and bar seating” while “in the newer lodge area, the décor is more contemporary, but still rustic chic with a stone fireplace and wooden beams.”

“The bones of the building itself are still the same,” Karl’s Cabin server Matt Alfera told TDN. “We still kept the original log cabin feel, but it’s got updated tables, chairs, carpeting and flooring, things like that, but other than that, pretty much everything else will be the same. It’s going to be pedal to the metal like nothing ever really changed.”

“The rebooted American comfort food menu has a lot of familiar favorites at approachable price points,” TDN reported, noting that “appetizers include a vegan chili, baked mozzarella sticks and a hearty, 1-pound serving of char-grilled chicken wings.”

“Among the main dishes are a classic burger, filet mignon, chicken piccata and a lot of Michigan-centric cuisine, such as pan-seared walleye, butternut squash ravioli, and a cornmeal-dusted whitefish sandwich on a potato bun,” TDN reported, adding that “there’s also a kids’ menu with grilled cheese and spaghetti with a giant meatball.”

“We really pride ourselves on this kind of family atmosphere and this dynamic of trying to wow our guests. We think our service stands out, maybe that’s our hidden secret is we take service really, really seriously,” Poulos told TDN, adding that “they have around 95 employees and the vast majority are returning after working elsewhere since the fire.”

“We knew we would not be able to reopen without them… we’re getting the band back together,” Poulos told TDN.

“Although the sizable restaurant can fit around 820 diners throughout its two rooms, reservations are still highly recommended,” TDN reported, noting that “even before the fire, Karl’s was a popular destination and there was often a wait to dine. Now that customers and regulars have had to live without it for most of 2023, it’s expected to draw big crowds this holiday season.”

Karl’s Cabin is open Monday-Saturday, 11 AM-10 PM, and Sunday, noon-9 PM. More information is available by phone: 734-455-8450 and online: https://www.karlscabin.com/.