Owner of Lord Fox preserves tradition but aims for new feel with switch to Roger Monk's
The restaurant known as Lord Fox is getting a makeover and a new name--Roger Monk's.
Lon Horwedel | AnnArbor.com
The Lord Fox set a traditional table in Ann Arbor for decades, but as business tapered off in recent years, its owner was left in a quandary.
The historic building and reputation for fine dining and high-level service created a powerful brand in the market.
Yet other aspects - like the lack of a bar and the formal atmosphere when more and more diners want a more casual experience - hurt sales.
By spring, Erik Kolodzinski landed on a solution: A remodel within the historic space that he believes will preserve the best aspects of the Lord Fox and reflect current dining trends.
He’s changed the name to Roger Monk’s and is completing the final touches of weeks of retooling and remodeling, hoping to re-open possibly as soon as today.
“The charm is still there,” he says. “I’m just hopeful that the overall vibe is just a little more casual.”
The new aspects of the restaurant, he hopes, will revive the longtime establishment on Plymouth Road on the eastern edge of Dixboro Village.
The Lord Fox name is now part of the 4,000-square-foot building’s history. It had been named the Farm Cupboard when it opened in the 1920s. By the time Louis and Sophie Kolodzinski bought the restaurant in 1996, it was firmly established as the Lord Fox, which Erik kept after he bought it from his parents.
When the restaurant reopens as Roger Monk’s - a name chosen for its image - customers will find a bar with television and an expanded beer list.
Lon Horwedel | AnnArbor.com
But Erik also sought options to start another restaurant, looking over the years in other locations and exploring different concepts with potential business partners.
“Something always fell through,” he said.
But then he realized that - amid declining traffic at the Lord Fox - he still had the foundation in that building to create something new out of the old.
“This is something I’ve always wanted to do, but not necessarily here,” he said. “Yet I’ve always loved the Lord Fox. I’ve always loved the name and the style.”
He continued: “I said, ‘I’m going to do it myself.’ ”
Over recent years, he’s seen Lord Fox customers turn away from some of the higher-end menu items. They’d share an entrée, or buy appetizers for a meal. Some people would stop in and, realizing there was no bar seating, would just leave. Others didn’t feel comfortable in the formal setting.
“Things were changing and we weren’t changing,” he said. “… People just didn’t feel comfortable and I didn’t like that.”
When the restaurant reopens as Roger Monk’s - a name chosen for its image - customers will find a bar with television and an expanded beer list. The linen tablecloths are gone. The menu will have some favorites, but also burgers and sandwiches at lower price points.
“We’re having a little fun with the menu, but it’s still in the same style,” Kolodzinski said.
And the interior will be a blend of old (like the wood-burning fireplace) and new (the bar). He’s still finalizing the décor, focusing before that on restocking the kitchen after redesigning the menu, and finalizing construction. He did much of the work himself to keep costs as low as possible, he said.
Working in a historic home limited the number of changes he could make, but that’s OK, Erik said.
“I like the building and its history, and would rather renovate than tear it down and build a new one,” he said.
“The charm is still there.”
Paula Gardner is Business News Director at AnnArbor.com. Contact her at 734-623-2586 or paulagardner@annarbor.com.
Comments
Allan Goode
Thu, Oct 7, 2010 : 2:52 p.m.
Tough crowd! the place needed a makeover and that's what he did. I have heard that the food is great and plan to try it before writing a comment. Maybe some of you should try that. Give the guy a break, he is trying.
dr. mushroom
Thu, Sep 23, 2010 : 9:20 p.m.
WOW! After reading some of these comments it is apparent that the Ann Arbor arrogant snobbish attitude is still running rampant! Yes the name is awful and it looks like another sports bar, but jeez, what a bunch of snobs!
Arty
Thu, Sep 16, 2010 : 3:24 p.m.
Well, I for one am feeling somewhat disconcerted by the decision to move a bar into our neighborhood. Big difference between the Lord Fox( even if it was a little tired and in need of repair). Really! I don't understand why the money wasn't used to perk it up and, heaven forbid the prices lowered to reflect our recent economy. Dixboro folks like the name the Lord Fox. It gave our little quiet safe neighborhood a feeling of old town America. With style and class. When I walked by the Rodger Monk today, I saw the still tired looking building and a big sign advertising Happy Hour!! When I peeked through the window what I saw was little money put back into the building. What I saw was an ad for a western singer and weekend bar and sports grill. So, this is what I think our little quiet niche of American decency will come down to,in my opinion, I am concerned of the type of client it will draw. I don't think having a bar in our neighborhood will keep it quiet very long! I think Dixboro has taken a giant leap in the wrong direction allowing this to happen. Just my opinion is all.. I hope I'm wrong...
Tipton Lea
Mon, Sep 6, 2010 : 7:01 p.m.
My friend and I were driving down Dixboro just an hour ago, and he commented that 'The Lord Fox' changed it's name. As we approached the sign by the bend, I began screaming the-most-awkward-possible thing it could have been: "ROGER MONKS"! He spent the rest of the ride laughing, and I wailing and moaning, 'Roger... Monks... Lord Monks... Roger Fox', and nothing is going to make this better. Unfortunately, ignorance and vacuum-gullets is what have made this country great, and not good ol' stubborn seventh-generation-type thinking, regarding modernity and progress. I am no fan of A2.com's 'excellence in thorough journalism', and now even less encouraged by the mid-western sports-bar that is now known as 'Roger Monks'. This was the only place that a stuffy, historically-inspired guy in my 20's, could get away from the pretentious-trough-dining that is burying the city. I'll be taking my top hat and bad-English-accent elsewhere.
dixborogirl
Sat, Sep 4, 2010 : 8:21 a.m.
We ate there on Thursday. The meal was excellent. The burgers are really, really good.
little bird
Wed, Sep 1, 2010 : 9:41 p.m.
I have to say, I'm a little disappointed! We were going to have our wedding dinner there, we loved the idea of an old timey formal restaurant that was quaint and special. Now its sounding a little like any ol' sports bar- give us back our linen tablecloths!
Scott
Wed, Sep 1, 2010 : 1:16 p.m.
I've ridden by there all this week on my motorcycle, and wondered "what the hell is a Roger Monk's"...now I know. Not sure if I want to stop in now....It never looks open, even though the "now open" sign is left out 24-7.... There's no way to tell if it's open for lunch (saw a few cars in the lot for dinner), and no menu posted on the internet, nothing compelling to pique my interest - how's the food? what kind of beers are we serving up today, and what's the signature dish at a Roger Monk's?....I'm rarely the "I'll just stop by and see" kinda guy, so until Rodger Monk gets serious about self-promotion, I'll just wait and see.....Im a beer fan, so Trappist beers?...blechh, on a hot summer day....
Lemmy Caution
Tue, Aug 31, 2010 : 12:43 a.m.
As per Dr Goon, this venture could nose-dive really fast. The flaming milkshake isn't quite the Bananas Foster some of us would appreciate now and again. I see the perfect evening: petting cats and walking stray dogs at the Humane Society, a nice drink and dinner at the new Lord Fox (Roger Monk's is just the worst name evah), and a netflix evening with Nurse Jackie and the family.
Dr. Goon
Mon, Aug 30, 2010 : 9:04 p.m.
Question is, now that they are are all middle-class and whatnot, will they serve table-side milkshakes? The the guy next to you can yell "I will drink your milkshake!" as you watch with baited breath your EMU lackey (dressed in Maize and Blue now, no doubt) making your dessert, mixing the drink with a hand mixer in one hand and a half-empty bottle of Hershey's in the other. Top it off with a splash of brandy and light it on fire -- Opa! "I will drink your burning milkshake!"
Lemmy Caution
Mon, Aug 30, 2010 : 6:40 p.m.
Well, I went to Lord Fox five years ago and it was fascinating though the food was mediocre. The server was like an elegant cadaver from the 1950s: I mean that in a good way. If this is to be one more UM sports bar, that would be sad and wildly uncreative. Guy Hollerin's, Carson's, and others do that within a few miles. And then there's everyone in Canton in the other direction. The new owner should parlay the vintage charm of the place and make it a romantic destination. GO BACK TO THE OLD NAME. It reminded me of the swiss mountain restos I went to as a kid. I expected wonderful fondue and a fireplace. MMM: nice feeling in our long winter. In fact, I wanted to do my November wedding reception there but the menu was sub-par and the place was tired. A2K had good ideas above. I think they should think of Terry B's in Dexter as a model: classy environs, interesting food, high price-point. And use UM jazz students for inexpensive excellent chamber jazz. Think of all the med-school/med-complex business traffic that's possible up there, in addition to locals and others! Make this spot in Dixboro a classy near-destination evening. NOT another loud maize-n-blue sports bar: that IS so covered in this market. Unless you have wicked happy hours with $2 beers, there's no chance. And, again, THAT market is covered (plus the driving issue). Roger and out.
Sara
Mon, Aug 30, 2010 : 4:06 p.m.
I agree with Violet, the photo they chose to run makes it look like any other sports bar. That is funny, he makes a point of saying how much he liked the name and the style, and then changes it all completely. Too bad.
Barb
Mon, Aug 30, 2010 : 12:59 p.m.
I'm willing to give it new look-see. Who cares what it's called. And while I won't defend Main Street Ventures to the death, I think @4fingers criticizing the portion size of those restaurants is hilarious. Really? We need to be getting *more* on the plate? Ugh.
4 Fingers
Mon, Aug 30, 2010 : 12:03 p.m.
Michigan48103- you really believe that main Street Ventures food is all that?? Please. Over priced, small portions and food that takes forever to get out of the kitchen. Anyway, good luck to Eric on this remake. Fine dining restaurants in Michigan have gone to the wayside. Costs for fine dining can't be supported in today's economy. I think this is a great move on his part seeing as there are no local bar/grill/casual restaurants in the dixboro area. Just serve good quality food at a fair price and friendly servers and you should do well. good luck and congrats!
A2K
Mon, Aug 30, 2010 : 9:13 a.m.
I don't care for the name at all...and a gigantic "UM" logo/flag and bar? No, No, No, No, No. I would have done this to the place: Seasonal, more contemporary "farmhouse" fare with a focus on fresh, highest-quality ingredients. Pare down the menu to 5 tried-and-true dishes and 2 special entrees a week, and better rotation of soups and appetizers. Remodel by getting rid of fussy molding, and pare it down to an austere warmth with wood, stone, and copper accents. Have theme dinners & dessert parties, remodel the old "Fox's Den" for scotch, bourbon, and wine tastings. Put in flower boxes, get a new white sign with Sepia or Navy lettering. Use small chalkboards for your menu... Gah! Sorry, but sometimes I can't stop being a designer :O)
samshoe
Mon, Aug 30, 2010 : 8:59 a.m.
Terrible name.
Michigan48103
Mon, Aug 30, 2010 : 5:33 a.m.
After living in Ann Arbor area for over 30 years, I have some wonderful memory's from going to the Lord fox, just the name sounds wonderful and exciting. Little by little the food and good service it is just gone, so it has been a few years since I have been there to eat. When you have all the wonderful places on main street like the Real Sea Food, I find no reason to drive across town to a plac called Roger Monk's, with a name like that I would think there would be Monks making and serving the food and I do not think a Monk would be a good cook when I know what I am going to get on Main street any Dennison's own restaurant, the best food and service. If someone would go out to eat by the name of a place, I do not think they will last long, that is just Ann Arbor, just talk to Dennis Serris the owner of all the best places to eat in Ann Arbor, he would tell you that good Service and Good food is #1 along with a interesting name for a restaurant.
violet
Sun, Aug 29, 2010 : 11:40 p.m.
Dining on the outdoor patio was very pleasant. The photo looks like another sports bar. I can't imagine enjoying a lunch with friends having a television going on in the background and ordering burgers. It needed to be refurbished, cleaned up and an updated menu, but a television bar. What a waste! Think I'll pass. There are many extraordinary restaurants in Ann Arbor - leave the sports bars to home game attendees and students. Unfortunately, the location isn't near the stadium.
Jo1991
Sun, Aug 29, 2010 : 9:21 p.m.
In October of 1991, my husband and I were married in my home in Plymouth (a second marriage for both). After the wedding and a dessert reception, he and I went to dinner at the Lord Fox. It was lovely then, although a bit sedate. Four years ago, for our 15th wedding anniversary, we again went to the Lord Fox; we were so disappointed! It was so dated and smelled stale inside; there was no one else there that evening. I am truly hoping that the change to Roger Monk's is a positive and inviting change (although I'm not certain what the Roger Monk image is). I will try and convince my husband to try Roger Monk's when we celebrate our 19th anniversary this October. It would be nice to feel as though it is a part of our married history and going with us into the future! Good luck!
Trepang674
Sun, Aug 29, 2010 : 8:49 p.m.
This is good news. The revamp was long overdue. I hope he is also putting in a professional wait-staff. That was really lacking in Lord Fox.
Dot
Sun, Aug 29, 2010 : 6:37 p.m.
1bigbud "He (eric) Must have big bucks behind him" Doesn't sound like the case. "Hes still finalizing the dcor, focusing before that on restocking the kitchen after redesigning the menu, and finalizing construction. He did much of the work himself to keep costs as low as possible, he said" The place has been slow or dead for a long. Seems like a last ditch effort to get the business going. "Working in a historic home limited the number of changes he could make, but thats OK, Erik said" Is this area a Historic District? What are the limitations otherwise? The name appears to mean nothing. But then, they can shuck the old image (reviews) with a new name. Restaurant business is tough, even for the best of 'em.
Elaine F. Owsley
Sun, Aug 29, 2010 : 6:17 p.m.
Shouldn't it have been Roger the Monk, or Monk Roger? I mean, if he wants to connect it to monks/beer/Trappists, etc.
a2doc
Sun, Aug 29, 2010 : 4:32 p.m.
Unfortunately it all sounds a bit weird. At least the Lord Fox was a recognizable "local brand" even if it had gone down hill recently. Roger Monk's just sounds bizarre - why not Hank Marvin's etc.?! Those DIY skills had better be pretty special to compete with some of the downtown eateries. Shame, I liked that Lord Fox name.
xmo
Sun, Aug 29, 2010 : 1:01 p.m.
So who is Roger Monk and what kind of image are they trying to create? "a name chosen for its image" I think of an Abbey when I hear the word "Monk". Maybe Paula can enlighten us on the name?
1bigbud
Sun, Aug 29, 2010 : 12:34 p.m.
He (eric) Must have big bucks behind him It will take a long time to get the customers back The ones the Food chased away last time around SOS we will see
Craig Lounsbury
Sun, Aug 29, 2010 : 11:11 a.m.
I hope it goes well too. But I'm not sure what he means by "...he believes will preserve the best aspects of the Lord Fox and reflect current dining trends." Other than the address which arguably is not a "best aspect" what other "best aspects" remain intact? He even changed the name despit saying "Yet Ive always loved the Lord Fox. Ive always loved the name and the style." Again I wish him well and hope its a smashing success. It just seems the article reads a little contradictory.
xmo
Sun, Aug 29, 2010 : 10 a.m.
I hope it works! I plan to stop by for a drink one of these days just to check it out. And who is Roger Monks? C.O.O./ Exec. V.P. at Modern Shoe Company in Boston area. Seems like a silly person to be name a food place after!
Tii
Sun, Aug 29, 2010 : 9:28 a.m.
Strange name. Doesn't relate to a restaurant at all.
ChelseaBob
Sun, Aug 29, 2010 : 9:28 a.m.
That's a weird story. I was there last year and everything was beat up and dirty and the service was not good. Food was poor. And the bar was still there, so that's not right either.
Elaine F. Owsley
Sun, Aug 29, 2010 : 8:27 a.m.
Maybe he should have called it Roger Fox - at least that is some tie to the old restaurant, which was wonderful until that last few years. Yes - what about the basement bar?
Paula Gardner
Sun, Aug 29, 2010 : 8:22 a.m.
More on the name: There is no "Roger Monk." Erik says he chose the "Monk" part because of the link to beer-making - Trappist monks make what's been called the world's best beer. (I'm nowhere close to a beer expert - if anyone wants to add more to that, please do!) He told me: "I like the sense of history there." But he also didn't want to just call it "Monk's" so added the "Roger" part to give it more personality and further distinguish it from the Lord Fox.
AndyYpsilanti
Sun, Aug 29, 2010 : 7:52 a.m.
I second that question, Elaine. That line in the story is totally out of context, and left unexplained, makes no sense at all.
Elaine F. Owsley
Sun, Aug 29, 2010 : 7:14 a.m.
Who is or was Roger Monk and what was his image?
A2 N8ive
Sun, Aug 29, 2010 : 7:08 a.m.
I LOVED the elegance and style of the Lord Fox as I was growing up. I tried taking my husband there a few years back and was appalled at how far we though it had sunk!! It seemed more a cheap (and lousy) diner than great restaurant!! I sincerely hope the Kolodzinskis are able to have a successful go. The Ann Arbor area is really making a mark on the restaurant scene lately- Eve's, Zingerman's, Kerrytown's Sparrow, Grange, etc. I hope Roger Monk's is as successful. BTW, there WAS a bar area downstairs, what happened to that?