CONSTRUCTION TO START IN NOVEMBER ON
NEW PUB & GRILL IN DOWNTOWN FLINT

(WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2008, FLINT, MI) A press conference this morning at 10:00 a.m. announced the addition of Blackstone’s Pub & Grill, a restaurant set to begin construction in downtown Flint in November, with an anticipated completion date of March 2009.  Blackstone’s Pub & Grill is a 6,600 sq. ft. American/Irish pub located at 531 S. Saginaw St. between the new Wade Trim Building and the Mott Foundation Building. The restaurant is not only an exciting addition to the downtown landscape, but it will bring 40-60 new jobs to the area. It also pays homage to Flint’s history by carrying on the name of the last business to occupy the building—Blackstone’s Clothier. The original sign is even being refurbished for authenticity.

The décor is modern rustic with rich tones, a wood masonry bar, cobblestone and exposed steel ceiling. The exterior façade features cultured stone and inlaid panels, which will be replicated in the interior of the bar for a complimentary effect. Blackstone’s will cater to downtown business people and students of the universities. It will offer an inviting and relaxed environment to gather for lunch, happy hour, casual dining and sporting events. Plasma TVs will pepper the pub for easy viewing of entertainment and sporting events. Open air seating will be accessible during warmer weather, and the doors will open up to sidewalk so that live music can be heard during Back to the Bricks, The Crim and other summer festivals. The menu is primarily American/Irish pub cuisine—comfort food with an upscale presentation but at a reasonable price. Shepherd’s pie, Guinness stew, burgers and chicken wings are just a few of the delectable delights you will find on the menu.

The developers of this project are Dave Lurvey, Vice President of Siwek Construction, and Keith Green, an advisor for LPL Financial. Gazall, Lewis & Associates, Architects, Inc., are the architects.

“There are visible and obvious signs of development in downtown,” said Lurvey. “Being born and raised in the Flint area we wanted to participate in the revitalization of the city. The efforts of Uptown Developments and the Genesee Regional Chamber of Commerce have not gone unnoticed, and have made this effort possible.”

“There is a level of excitement that grows with each new addition to the area,” added Tim Herman, CEO at the Genesee Regional Chamber of Commerce. “This new restaurant not only continues to generate enthusiasm and a forward-thinking mentality about the development opportunities in downtown Flint, but it ultimately creates a place in the heart of the city where people can relax and enjoy good food and entertainment. With the many partners working together, this project is another fine example of Partners for Progress.”

The goal for Uptown Developments, explained Ridgway White, “is to open five new restaurants in the downtown area in the next two years. This combined with the Flint Cultural Center which serves 600,000 people annually and the many community theatres will make Flint the premier food and entertainment destination in the county.”
For more information, to review the menu or to complete an application check out Blackstone’s Web site coming soon at www.blackstonesgrill.com.

For further information contact:

Ridgway White
810-238-8668