Ypsilanti Crossroads Bar & Grill expanding, adding up to 10 jobs
Editor's note: Jesse Thomason's title has been changed.
Ypsilanti's Crossroad's Bar & Grill is expanding after receiving an $11,000 grant from the city's building facade and rehabilitation program, according to Concentrate Media.
Partner Jesse Thomason told Concentrate he plans to add a 1,200-square-foot rooftop deck with a seating capacity of 50-75 to his business located at 517 W. Cross St.
Thomason said he decided to create a deck because he has an outdoor service permit on his business liquor license and the city doesn't recognize the backyard as a "business zone."
Thomason also has plans to expand his staff by adding at least two more employees.
"if the deck goes through, I'd be able to bring on anywhere between five and eight new positions, which would stay on even when the deck is closed because there's going to be lots of events here in the future," he said.
Read the full story here.
Comments
Grimey
Sat, Dec 1, 2012 : 11:41 a.m.
Drug dealers in the area is nothing new. Mr. Thomason seems to have a record himself for delivery of a controlled substance... http://mdocweb.state.mi.us/otis2/otis2profile.aspx?mdocNumber=763926
Jesse Peter Thomason
Fri, Aug 24, 2012 : 1:46 a.m.
My statment could be misleading if taken out of context. I have partnered with Yiannis to rebuild this wonderful establishment. My job title would be, Manager. Thank you AnnArbor.com for this wondeful article and coverage.
Jesse Peter Thomason
Thu, Aug 23, 2012 : 7:58 p.m.
*Non-Alcoholic *Person Please feel free to drop in, get the tour, and to talk about anything.
Jesse Peter Thomason
Thu, Aug 23, 2012 : 7:49 p.m.
Hello To All. Jesse Peter Thomason Here. To clarify everything for everyone. The Crossroads Bar And Grill Is Owned By Yiannis Christodoulou. He is my partner, and a very good friend of mine. I have been here working on this building for four years now. We have done so much as a team to make this a better destination than ever before. This strip of Ypsilanti on campus has had a very rugged past. There is no hiding that. We try to accomodate all walks of life here in Ypsilanti. Not every day is perfect, nor is any person. There is going to be crime everywhere you go, every city, every state, every country. We have been very fortunate to be able to call on the authorities in times of need. We have been very good about operating during the legal hours. We do have an after hours permit on our liquor license that allows us to sell food and non-alcholic beverages from 2:30am to 5:00am. We have had to recently insititute a dress code, like many other restraurants and bars in the South Eastern Michigan area have done. We have a wonderful environment here and we respect EVERYONE who comes in the door. We have been deterring the loitering with the assistance of local law enforcement. Our establishment is up to code with the city, the health department, and the liquor control comission. The future of this place depends on the efforts of the community. We want people to feel safe here. This future project, will allow us to expand, and to offer more jobs. This upper deck space, will be monitored properly and will be built in a way that will not be able to result in any negative outcomes. I can not speak for what other people do, but I can represent myself, the staff, this business, and all of the patrons who love coming here. We are trying our best to change the rumors and negatives of the past. This place has changed drastically in the four years that I have been here. Anyone is welcome to come and talk to me in peron.
bobslowson
Fri, Aug 24, 2012 : 4:16 p.m.
Well said Jesse
Honest Abe
Thu, Aug 23, 2012 : 4:07 a.m.
I am requesting Katrease Stafford and A2.Com to confirm the actual owner of "Crossroads". When you realize you're reporting inaccurate information, please revise or delete this story.
Honest Abe
Thu, Aug 23, 2012 : 12:48 a.m.
Jesse Thomason does not have any type of liquor license. That liquor license belongs to someone I actually know, personally - Yiannis Christodolou AKA:"Yanny". Since when did Mr. Thomason become the owner? Yanny owns the building and the liquor license, so take a wild guess who actually owns the bar? I ask A2.Com to find out for themselves who owns Crossroads! I tell you this much, "Jesse Thomason" does not! I know people who know this guy, and he does not have two nickels to rub together. I actually own businesses in Ypsilanti and rental properties. And again, this guy does not own any bar business or any other legit business in Ypsilanti. If so, please tell me what he owns and where it is located. By the way, even though Yanny owns this joint, it needs to be a tighter ran ship. Perhaps Mr Thomason is a mere manager, Maybe? Owner - NO!
Jesse Peter Thomason
Thu, Aug 23, 2012 : 9:01 p.m.
Feel free to come talk to me. As a fellow community member, I would like to get to know you, and to take any advice that you may have.
Honest Abe
Thu, Aug 23, 2012 : 4:02 a.m.
oh, I almost forgot. Who was talking about code and code compliance? Freudian slip on your part Brian?
brian
Thu, Aug 23, 2012 : 3:47 a.m.
Relax, worry about your own business and rental properties. Should we call the city to see if you are in compliance with all the city codes?
Honest Abe
Thu, Aug 23, 2012 : 2:44 a.m.
@Ahi, good to know. I can also tell you that he does not own any bars in Depot Town either. Just saying.
ahi
Thu, Aug 23, 2012 : 2:16 a.m.
The original article places Crossroads in Depot Town too. I am guessing the problem is Concentrate Media rather than Thomason.
xmo
Wed, Aug 22, 2012 : 10:44 p.m.
Ypsilanti must be run by Anti-Business Progressives: "city doesn't recognize the backyard as a "business zone.""
Jesse Peter Thomason
Thu, Aug 23, 2012 : 9:09 p.m.
It just happens to fall into the residential zone. Although, there is direct acess from the rear of the restauraunt, and it is a nice space with a patio and picnic tables, it just doesnt qualify for use. Hopefully this roof top deck, will be far better than just an outdoor seating area, and will be able to be used even during rainy days because it will be covered 75% of the way.
StopCrying
Wed, Aug 22, 2012 : 6:18 p.m.
The bars close at 2am. The crowd from 2am-4am has nothing to do with the bar. Why don't you instead be happy that there is actually a business on that corridor that is still open and on top of that, expanding.
notta
Thu, Aug 23, 2012 : 12:52 a.m.
not hating at all, just stating hard facts. in fact cross roads has been such a problem lately it will most likely end up like brandys or the wooden nickle.
thedudeabides
Wed, Aug 22, 2012 : 8:15 p.m.
Notta probably is hating, but Crossroads wouldn't be the first bar in the history of Michigan, or Ypsi, or W.Cross to serve after 2am. In fact, that is usually the best time......
notta
Wed, Aug 22, 2012 : 6:10 p.m.
are you kidding me!!!! this place is a haven for thugs and drug dealers. Dont believe me, drive past there at 4 am well after closing hours and dozens of thugs will still be hanging out drinking. I hope im wrong but there will be a shooting if the current trend continues. look at the amount if fights and disorderly calls are dispatched to the cross street/ ballard/ perrin area.
Honest Abe
Thu, Aug 23, 2012 : 4:20 a.m.
Brian seems pretty defensive of Crossroads. I can tell he is some young kid sticking up for his buddy.
Honest Abe
Thu, Aug 23, 2012 : 4:19 a.m.
I wonder how long it will take before some drunk bafoon tosses someone off of the roof deck?
brian
Thu, Aug 23, 2012 : 3:45 a.m.
Tell me how many thugs have caused crimes during the operating hours of that restaurant? Not after operating hours.
Jay Thomas
Thu, Aug 23, 2012 : 1:04 a.m.
I had a friend who lived in that area and while it is student central it is also crime central. Every type of crime you could imagine... although I was only accosted once and witnessed a drug deal, I wouldn't want to live there.
Honest Abe
Thu, Aug 23, 2012 : 12:39 a.m.
Angry moderate: Notta is nailing it on the head! the cops are their constantly, they allow people to loiter out front, I have saw drug deals happen at the front door and large groups of troublemakers after close.
Angry Moderate
Wed, Aug 22, 2012 : 6:22 p.m.
Crossroads is nice. Never had any problems with the crowd there.