A new Ferndale restaurant is in the works that aims to offer a unique and fresh dining experience in an open, family-friendly environment.

Ferndale City Council approved a redevelopment liquor license Monday night for Ferndale Public House, a new restaurant being planned at 241 W. Nine Mile Road.

It will be located in the former space of Josephine's Creperie and Bistro, which has been closed since January 2011.

Ferndale Public House is being opened by the owners of Woodward Imperial, a new taco bar that opened earlier this year.

Owner Jeff King said during Monday night's council meeting that the name Public House relates to what he hopes the new business will represent: community. "We are interested in community," he said.

Though they will serve alcohol, King emphasized that Public House is focused on food and will be a family-friendly "gathering place for adults and children."

Described as American family style, the menu will include fresh, locally sourced and affordable choices, with weekly specials including vegetarian options. Proposed hours are 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. Monday through Sunday.