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The Historic Karl’s Cabin Is About To Reopen

Karl’s Cabin located in Salem, just off of M14 on Gotfredson Rd, is about to reopen. The historic restaurant suffered fire and smoke damage from a February 15th fire that’s…

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Karl’s Cabin opening again on Wednesday, November 29th.

Meltdown

Karl's Cabin located in Salem, just off of M14 on Gotfredson Rd, is about to reopen. The historic restaurant suffered fire and smoke damage from a February 15th fire that's had the place closed since then. It's set to open it's doors once again to the public on Wednesday, November 29th.

“During these past nine months, the resilience and dedication of the Karl's Cabin team have been unwavering, moving past a heart-wrenching event to now a time of excitement and celebration as we greatly anticipate serving the community again, and sharing in the restaurant's renewed splendor,” said Peter Poulos, who co-owns Karl’s Cabin with his brother, Louis, and mother, Sophia Poulos.

Peter was nice enough to show me around as they prepare to reopen. He told me about the added 1,600 square feet of space that's been added onto the kitchen area. The main dinning area was hand scrubbed and re-stained. It looks beautiful! It still maintains the charm that the Cabin had, with a fresh coat of paint, stain, carpet, wood and more.

Manager, Leslie McLain told me that of the 100 employee's they had at the time of the fire, 95 are returning, with an additional 25 hired on. She also told me that the "banquet" room has now been renamed "The Lodge". You can see pictures of the new remodeled Lodge below.

You'll also notice upon arrival that the parking lot has been re-done also. Oh, and I can't forget to mention the new metal roof. With the building being down the thought was that they might as well chip away at things they'd been wanting to do to the structure for years.

Added Louis Poulos: “We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the firefighters and emergency responders from 14 departments, and all those who provided invaluable assistance during the February 15 fire, which severely damaged the service hallways and banquet room,” he said. “Their bravery and dedication ensured the safety of all and helped us rebuild Karl's Cabin with renewed enthusiasm.”

I, for one, am really excited a place I've spent a lot of time at in the past is back. That's proof by the final picture. That's Big Four thrash legend, Frank Bello of Anthrax with my wife and I, two years ago to the day as I write this.

Check out the pictures and go take in a great meal at Karl's Cabin starting next Wednesday.

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The sign that is outside of Karl's Cabin now. I guess in these types of situations you have to show some humor.


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From the newly paved parking lot. You can see the new metal roof too.


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The dinning room with new booths and furniture. Oh, and a new coat of beautiful stain as well.


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The stage where many acts have played, including one Johnny Cash many decades ago.


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The bar is back, with the original flooring as before.


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Another look from the dinning area at the historic fireplace. Yes, that's not going anywhere.


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Ok, maybe my favorite part of the bar. LOL


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Now entering "The Lodge". This is off of the bar area to the left of the main entrance.


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The new "Lodge" area of the restaurant. This was called the banquet area before.


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The fireplace and seating area inside the newly named Lodge area.


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Another angle of the area now renamed "The Lodge".


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As Peter told me, the kitchen has added around 1,600 square feet of space to serve you better.


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The outside has remained as rustic as ever,


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Karl's Cabin opening again on Wednesday, November 29th.


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And finally, a picture I took two years ago to the day. That's thrash legend, Frank Bello of Anthrax with my wife and me in November of 2021 at Karl's Cabin.

MeltdownEditor
Meltdown started on the mighty WRIF on the evening of Halloween, 1995. Technically, his first on-air shift was the morning of November 1st. Moving to the Motor City from Buffalo, N.Y., he has built a career and family. Over his almost three-decade stint at RIFF, he's had the privilege to work with some of the biggest personalities in Detroit radio history. He boasts of being just the second-afternoon drive jock in the station's illustrious 53-year history. Along with his love for rock music and attending concerts, he's also an avid Harley-Davidson enthusiast and hockey player. He plays year-round and manages to squeeze in a few charity games throughout the year. Meltdown writes about the Detroit Red Wings, rock music, and Detroit concert venues.