SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- Small Plates Detroit opened two years ago in one of the largest locations in Armory Square, but the tapas restaurant closed its doors last weekend.
"The business itself was successful but when I was brought on board, I think we realized we had the ability to do something unique," said Jonathan Gregory, vice president of operations.
Come fall, Syracuse diners will have a completely new restaurant to try. It will be called Aster Pantry and Parlor and while it it will in the same location as Small Plates, that's one of its only similarities. The new restaurant will feature American food, with a Victorian-inspired dining area and a lounge for drinking and socializing.
"We're going to move one side of the restaurant that's geared towards drinking and hanging out with friends, you know eating as well, but it will have a totally different feel that than the other part of the restaurant," Gregory said.
All of the food and ingredients on the menu will be from Central New York.
"Less shipped, it's a lot more fresh and it does have an impact on the quality and the flavor of the product whether it's a vegetable, protein. it makes a huge difference," said Chef Damien DiPitero.
DePitero says although the menu may include some items similar to that of Small Plates, many will be new. The menu will also change seasonally.
"We're going to start on our dinner menu and it goes all over the place from a pasta dish to a side veg. We have smaller app plates," said DePitero.
Some renovations are currently underway at Aster Pantry and Parlor. It's set to open in mid-September. You can check the restaurant's progress on its website.