Fans of Eph's sandwiches, have no fear: although its current Downtown location will be transformed into Foran's Deluxe Diner, the deli will eventually reopen at the Bohemian National House and, in the meantime, favorites will continue to be available on the new menu. Owner Tim Tharp, who also is the proprietor of the next-door
Grand Trunk Pub, (formerly called Foran's Irish Pub) says his new spot will focus on "gourmet comfort food" that is locally-sourced. "If it's not from Michigan, we'd really rather find something else," he says.
To complement the railroad history exemplified at Grand Trunk Pub, a former GT ticket office, the diner's decor will be Art Deco. Its metal facade will remain, with new signage designed and fabricated by Tharp and local artist Amanda Box. The giant Eph's pickle will not stay, nor will much of the historic artifacts currently displayed on the walls.
Tharp's decision to rename his pub -- from Foran's to Grand Trunk Pub -- was not taken lightly, so the diner's moniker next door is meant to "keep the Foran's name alive on the block."
Foran's Deluxe Diner's menu for the time being will combine Eph's and the pub food next door, eventually forming its own identity over time. "I don't want to alienate customers that want a deli sandwich," says Tharp, although he aims for a "really full-scale menu." To start, the diner will be open Monday through Friday 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. with dinner hours forthcoming.
Foran's Deluxe Diner is at 608 Woodward; Grand Trunk Pub is just north at 612.
Source: Tim Tharp, Grand Trunk Pub and Foran's Deluxe Diner
Kelli B. Kavanaugh
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