New beginnings come with change, and for The Apparatus Room in downtown Detroit, change is exactly what’s unfolding. Eight years into serving the city, this restaurant inside the Detroit Foundation Hotel is stepping into a new era, one shaped by a $4 million transformation aimed at enhancing its presence while keeping its essence intact. From the moment guests walk in, the space speaks—warm lighting, open seating, and an inviting energy that tells you to sit down and stay awhile.
On Tuesday, The Apparatus Room reopened its doors after closing for renovations in late January. The updates include a freshened design, a revamped menu, and improved kitchen efficiency, all guided by a commitment to maintain the character that has made it a staple in the city’s dining scene. Executive Chef Reece Hogerheide is leading the charge with a new spring menu that leans into locally sourced ingredients, offering dishes like flank steak, roasted chicken, trumpet mushroom, and a raw bar featuring oysters, whitefish dip, and chilled lobster. Breakfast now includes sourdough pancakes and a bacon and mushroom quiche, while lunch-goers can enjoy a smash burger or a Cuban sandwich. For those seeking a weekend brunch experience, options include a salmon breakfast sandwich and chicken and waffles.
Detroit-based design firm Parini led the renovation efforts, bringing new furniture, fresh tabletops from Hamtramck-based Woodward Throwbacks, and an expanded lounge area. The design team also opened up the kitchen, giving diners a better view of the culinary artistry at work. The nearly 5,000-square-foot space has been subtly refined, not overhauled, to preserve the ambiance that regulars have come to love. With updates to the seating, furniture, menu, flooring, and intricate details that create a meaningful impact, the transformation elevates the space while preserving its signature warmth. General Manager James Dannecker made it clear that this project was about evolution, not reinvention.
“With the whole project, we didn’t want to deviate too far away from who we are. We just wanted to enhance things. People love us for a specific reason. We didn’t want to change that,” Dannecker said.
That connection to community and consistency is a major part of why The Apparatus Room remains a defining space in Detroit’s hospitality scene. Dannecker and Director of Food & Beverage David Massoni both recognize that in a competitive downtown dining landscape, staying ahead means being proactive. Massoni, in reflecting on the refresh, made a comparison to marriage—hitting that seven-year mark calls for a renewed commitment, a respark. That’s exactly what this facelift represents.
Food has always been a cornerstone of the experience, and with new refrigeration equipment and a broiler added to the kitchen, the efficiency of the space is now matching its ambition. Operating nearly 24 hours a day, seven days a week, the restaurant demands a level of functionality that supports its high volume of guests without sacrificing quality. Hogerheide’s kitchen team is delivering on that, ensuring every plate maintains the standard that has defined The Apparatus Room’s reputation.
Beyond the menu and the design changes, what remains is the feeling—the experience of walking into a place that balances refinement with approachability. The service mirrors the atmosphere, offering a blend of professionalism and familiarity that makes guests feel at home.
“This work, you don’t do it if you don’t love it,” Massoni said.
That love is visible in the details—the knowledge of the space, the attentiveness to customers, the passion for creating an environment where people feel seen and welcomed. The sommelier, the kitchen staff, the waiters and waitresses, all contribute to an experience that is rooted in hospitality, not just service. There’s a difference. The Apparatus Room isn’t just about dining; it’s about cultivating a space that reflects the spirit of Detroit.
The city’s social fabric is woven into establishments like this. A place where business meetings, first dates, Sunday brunches, and casual gatherings all converge under one roof. It’s a space where regulars are recognized, where visitors get a taste of Detroit’s evolving identity, and where the culture of the city is embedded into the food, the drinks, and the atmosphere.
Breakfast runs from 7 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. on weekdays, with lunch service from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and dinner from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. A lounge and bar service operates from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Saturday. Brunch, which features a live DJ, is available on weekends from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The Apparatus Room has never been just about what’s on the menu—it’s about how people feel when they walk through the doors. That has remained unchanged. What’s new is simply a continuation of what was already working, refined for a new chapter. Whether you’re a Detroiter looking for a familiar spot or a visitor seeking a place that captures the city’s spirit, this space offers an experience that is both elevated and deeply connected to the community.
Dannecker and Massoni have ensured that this refresh is not about chasing trends but about honoring what has always made The Apparatus Room special. A historic firehouse turned into a restaurant that embodies both tradition and innovation, it stands as a testament to what happens when care, intentionality, and love for a city guide the process.
Walking into The Apparatus Room, one thing is clear—Detroit is home, and this is a place that welcomes you back, every time.
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