Downtown Detroit is about to get a taste of the South, thanks to Joe Louis Southern Kitchen's latest expansion. The popular local chain, named after the iconic boxing champion and led by his son Joe Louis Barrow II and restaurateur Johnny Cannon, is set to open its third location at 1528 Woodward Ave. in April 2026.
The new restaurant will be a significant addition to downtown Detroit, boasting about 4,000 square feet of space that can seat over 80 diners. The menu will feature the chain's signature chicken and waffles, as well as other Southern-style brunch dishes that have made Joe Louis Southern Kitchen a staple in the city.
According to Barrow, opening a new location downtown is a way for his family to give back to the city that shaped his father's life. "Detroit helped shape my father," he said. "Preserving his name and keeping his legacy alive in the city he loved means the world to me and my family."
Cannon echoed Barrow's sentiments, stating that bringing their homestyle cooking to downtown Detroit feels like a natural progression for the homegrown brand. The new location will not only serve as a hub for sports fans but also offer an element of history and flavor to the city's entertainment, shopping, and dining districts.
The original Joe Louis Southern Kitchen opened in 2021 at 6549 Woodward Ave. in Detroit's New Center area, followed by a second location in Southfield. With this new downtown outpost, the restaurant aims to solidify its place as a beloved institution in the city.
The new restaurant will be a significant addition to downtown Detroit, boasting about 4,000 square feet of space that can seat over 80 diners. The menu will feature the chain's signature chicken and waffles, as well as other Southern-style brunch dishes that have made Joe Louis Southern Kitchen a staple in the city.
According to Barrow, opening a new location downtown is a way for his family to give back to the city that shaped his father's life. "Detroit helped shape my father," he said. "Preserving his name and keeping his legacy alive in the city he loved means the world to me and my family."
Cannon echoed Barrow's sentiments, stating that bringing their homestyle cooking to downtown Detroit feels like a natural progression for the homegrown brand. The new location will not only serve as a hub for sports fans but also offer an element of history and flavor to the city's entertainment, shopping, and dining districts.
The original Joe Louis Southern Kitchen opened in 2021 at 6549 Woodward Ave. in Detroit's New Center area, followed by a second location in Southfield. With this new downtown outpost, the restaurant aims to solidify its place as a beloved institution in the city.
! it's amazing that joe louis southern kitchen is bringing some southern vibes to the d town scene 
. and can you believe they're named after joe louis himself? what a cool way to pay homage to the boxing legend 
. i'm all about supporting local businesses, especially when they have such tasty grub like chicken & waffles on the menu 
. it's awesome that the owners are doing their part to give back to the city that means so much to them 
. can't wait to try this new spot in april 2026!
. The new location is gonna be HUGE (literally!), and I love that they're keeping the homestyle cooking vibes going 
. But what I think is really cool is how this expansion will bring some Southern charm to the city's entertainment and shopping districts 
. Detroit needs more restaurants like this, you know? They're not just serving up food, they're sharing a piece of history and culture that's gonna make the city an even more awesome place to visit 
. And can we talk about how awesome it is that Joe Barrow II is keeping his dad's legacy alive in such a meaningful way 
my stomach is growling just thinking about it 
cant wait in april 2026!!
so they're opening another location in detroit downtown and it's gonna be huge! 
can't wait to try their chicken and waffles 
my only concern is how much they'll be able to handle with all the traffic in that area 
but overall, i'm hyped for this new spot! 
Downtown Detroit just got a whole lot tastier, can't wait to try it out!" 
. The idea of having 4,000 sq ft to seat like, 80 people is pretty cool too, that's like a big ol' room for everyone to chill and enjoy some grub.
️ or more laid back with just good food and people watching? And I'm guessing the chicken & waffles will still be a hit