54South Restaurant and Lounge

07/16/2026

We have finally completed our interior demolition. Many, many yards of scrap have been removed. That Wickenheiser Waste receptacle is not a permanent fixture, but it sure helped us out with our efforts! - highly recommend).

With that effort, the secrets of an 1800"s building were revealed and we had to modify a few things on our plans.

We have also completed the on-site inspection by the Michigan Liquor Control Commission. The agent was not only "by the book", but extremely helpful and encouraging for our success!

Our next step is to bring some visuals to the community so you know we are committed to not only bringing another wonderful destination to Downtown Monroe, but also to improve the streetscape in doing so. Our exterior work is scheduled to begin in about 2-3 weeks. The Beauty on the outside will then give way to the Beast that awaits us on the inside! Please follow Archer's Book Lounge as they too are working diligently to offer a new and exciting venue to Downtown Monroe. This isn't easy.

Every post of encouragement from you, the public, is helping us move forward more than you know. We will be soliciting input from a select group of you as we move forward - we want to ensure we deliver a venue that not only meets, but also exceeds your expectations. Cliche'? No. We cannot be successful unless we fulfill that promise.

Thank you all once again.

Send a message to learn more

07/13/2026

Thanks to all our new followers! Our progress can be analogous to a duck on a pond ... not much to see on the surface, but those little legs are going a mile a minute under the water!

We've had some setbacks - after demolition we found several issues that needed to be addressed once we could inspect what was "under the skin". (Buildings built in the late 1800's hold many secrets, most of which are not good).

We have pretty much finished up our Kitchen and Bar area layouts and equipment. We have now begun the quoting process. Now that those are ready, we are also working on mechanical, electrical, and plumbing designs. We are also hoping to begin on storefront demo/renovations which will at least give the building its new face and also improve the appearance of the west side of S. Monroe. St.

Thanks again to all of our followers. We are getting to a stage where we can post worthy pics and videos of our progress, as well as having some visuals for those who pass the building.

-William

Send a message to learn more

06/29/2026

Chef Sarah “Mac” -  Pappardelle pasta w/ grilled chicken & marinara … delicious!

Edited: 2 different angles with a little different lighting~Yum!

06/17/2026

Join me in making a difference! support the Angels of Hope program.

06/17/2026

Another ceiling bites the dust….

06/17/2026

C'mon folks! STOP LITTERING. The city has done a magnificent job in creating beautiful parks, outfitted with convenient and visible trash receptacles. If you can't respect our parks, then don't frequent them.
-William

06/17/2026

Today you can cast a vote today and it will be doubled! (You can vote every day). Please take about 60 seconds to vote for our Chef Sarah “Mac”. Much appreciated.

http://favchef.com/a/t/31b9504d

One chef will win $25k, a feature in Taste of Home, and a cooking experience with Carla hall.

06/16/2026

Greetings to those who have recently followed us, as well as those who have been with us since our first post. Although you may not see much progress on our venue, I can assure you that we are VERY busy with both building renovations and restaurant tasks. We expect our liquor license to be approved in the August 2026 timeframe and are nearing completion of our Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing design which will provide completion of our Construction Drawings. Interior demolition is almost complete! (The number of huge containers that have hauled out demo material is staggering). Stay with us, we're going to have an excellent venue that we are certain you will love. And don't forget to send encouraging words to Archer's Book Lounge as they recover from their recent fire and continue their renovation journey as well.

-William

Send a message to learn more

06/16/2026

Every day something totally awesome comes to Monroe. We can’t wait to be part of this once we open our doors in Downtown Monroe.

06/15/2026

Greetings! We are still moving forward with our renovations, albeit at a slower pace than we had hoped for. We are completing extensive demolition of the interior space, and there are many "surprises" that come from that when dealing with buildings built in the 1800's. We will have to do a bit more structural reinforcement and layout changes after "peeling back" existing flooring, wall, and ceiling materials.

Our MEP (Mechanical Electrical Plumbing) engineers are now able to finalize designs, which will then allow our finished constructions drawings to be submitted to the City for permit approvals.

Our liquor license is in its final stages of review, and we anticipate being approved sometime in the August 2026 timeframe.

Don't forget to vote for our very own Chef Sarah “Mac” - shas advanced to the second round of "Favorite Chef". Follow this link, sign in (Facebook ID), and cast your vote - ONE IS ALLOWED EVERY DAY so please take 30 seconds to cast your vote!

One chef will appear on the cover of Taste of Home magazine, cook with Carla Hall, and take home $25,000.