As a Michigan entrepreneur and owner of the Macomb Music Theater, Lucky’s Pub and Grill, and Ultimate Sports Bar, Wally Mona has made a success out of providing his patrons with memorable experiences. On January 13, 2014, Mona will introduce a new experience to residents of the Detroit suburbs with the opening of Michigan’s first Woody’s Bar-B-Q.
Located at 13100 Hall Road in Sterling Heights, the family-friendly restaurant will showcase the same kitschy décor, service, Southern barbecue, and comfort food sides that have made the Florida-based national franchise a household name in the Sunshine State over the course of the last 33 years.
“Of course, what first drew me to Woody’s was the incredible flavor of the food,” says Mona. “Woody’s slow-smoked meats and signature sauces are unlike anything I’ve ever tasted here in Michigan. Add to that the friendly service, comfortable atmosphere, and affordable prices, and I believe we’ve got a winning combination.”
Mona and his business partner have plans to open additional Woody’s Bar-B-Q locations in downtown Detroit, Wixom, and Southfield, Michigan, within the next 6 months. The team is also in discussions with potential franchisees to expand both Woody’s Bar-B-Q Express and Woody’s traditional sit-down concepts throughout the state of Michigan.
Following its January 13 opening, the new Woody’s Bar-B-Q of Sterling Heights will be open daily from 11 a.m. to midnight for full-service dining, take-out orders with curbside delivery, and catering. The menu is comprised of Woody’s Signature Slow Smoked Baby Back Ribs, Carolina Pulled Pork, Texas Beef Brisket, Grilled Prime Ribs, burgers, wings, salads, sides, banana pudding, and more.
“We take great pride in hand-picking our franchisees based on a number of key criteria,” says Woody Mills, cofounder of Woody’s Bar-B-Q. “We believe that Wally is the ideal candidate to carry our concept into the Midwest. He not only has a deep understanding of what it takes to run a thriving business, but also truly appreciates the philosophy at the heart of the Woody’s concept. We aren’t merely serving great food to our guests; we are creating a place where friends and families can gather together. No matter what state of the nation, Woody’s Bar-B-Q works because of our involvement in the community that surrounds each of our restaurants.”
Mona and Woody’s Bar-B-Q of Sterling Heights co-owner Marc Beginin share in this belief and are committed to giving back to the community where they both live and work. For starters, Woody’s Bar-B-Q of Sterling Heights plans to partner with a local school each week. Students, their families, and friends will be encouraged to dine at the restaurant on a select evening, and Woody’s will donate 10 percent of the proceeds from the night back to the participating school.
