Diablo's Closes; One-Eyed Betty's Will Feature Craft Beers

closed its doors Jan. 1, but there’s a new gal in town who should be making an appearance in the near future – One-Eyed Betty.

That is, One-Eyed Betty’s Beer Bar and Kitchen, which will be opening up in place of the Ferndale location of Cantina Diablo’s at 175 W. Troy.

Longtime Ferndale resident Beth Hussey has worked for many years as director of operations for the chain owned by Brian Kramer that includes Diablo’s in Ferndale, Cantina Diablo’s in Royal Oak, and in Ferndale and Chesterfield.

When business started slowing down at the Ferndale Diablo’s after the opening of the Royal Oak location last year, Hussey had the chance to pitch her longtime dream of opening a craft beer bar in Ferndale. One-Eyed Betty's is loosely named after her – at least in that her name is Beth.

“Really there's no story behind it at all, we just kind of liked the ring of it,” Hussey laughed. She and Kramer are acting as co-owners/partners in the new venture and Hussey said she will serve as owner-operator in the bar.

New bar to feature craft beer

The new establishment - which Hussey said they hope to have ready by the end of the month, pending any construction issues - will specialize in craft beers, with 44 craft beers on draft including local Michigan craft beer. A “respectable whiskey collection” and a “great bloody mary” will also be featured.

“It’s really the right demographic for beer enthusiasts,” says Hussey, who has lived in Ferndale for 15 years. “The craft beer segment of the market is just growing but it's been growing immensely over time. I think there's a ton of potential for it.”

On the menu will be classic beer pairings like oysters and stout or bratwurst and German beer, with staples like a great BLT and onion rings.

“It's all food that's either cooked with beer or sort of classically pairs with beer,” she said.

DDA director says re-concepting can be good idea

Cristina Sheppard-Decius, director of the , said it’s a smart business move to listen to the people and consider a different market if it’s needed.

“I think the best thing that you can do as a business owner is what they’re doing, listening to what people are saying,” she said. “Maybe a new concept and looking at a different market might be a good route for them.”

Sheppard said the owners have talked about a more open floor plan inside but she doesn’t know what the exterior will look like yet.

“I’m kind of interested to see what the final architecture design is going to be,” she said.

The hours will be 4 p.m.-2 a.m. Mon.-Fri., and 10 a.m.-2 a.m. Sat.-Sun, Hussey said.