The Observation Deck

This morning I was watching them unload cars for Quaker Steak and Lube. The guy
delivering the cars introduced me to the construction site manager. I handed him my
business card and he invited me in for a quick look around, while we talked cars, racing
and Quaker Steak and Lube.


A large room that opens to big open seating with one garage door leading in and out of the
patio in front.


He explained to me that Quaker Steak and Lube have a racing, motorsports theme,
and that they have race cars and motorcycles. I mentioned I had been to many Quaker
Steak and Lubes, and was at one time involved in motor racing, so I was familiar with them.


This car was Mike Wallace's car in last year's NASCAR Nationwide Series. The Nationwide
Series is one step down from NASCAR Cup Cars, but are every bit as fast and hard to drive.


Mike Wallace's office, shows just how cramped the space is.


Mike Wallace, one of NASCAR's good guys.




The other car is a red Corvette. I asked why not a race car, and he said the Corvette is what they pulled out of inventory. I mentioned I have Bobby Rahal's Indy Car in my garage they could buy, he said they would call this week.

The eventual placement for these cars inside the restaurant? Hanging from the ceiling.


The office of the Corvette.


A quick peek towards the back.

As I was leaving, the site manager leaned over and told me, "Jim, I have read the Observation Deck. We are not having wet t-shirt contests at this location." I smiled, and told him,"Well I am sure my wife will be happy to hear that."

In the overall picture of Lakewood and restaurants on the Detroit Chow Line, Quaker Steak
and Lube offers yet another theme to enjoy while eating wings and burgers. Where they
fall on the spectrum of Burgers and Food in Lakewood we shall see. If they are anything
like the ones I have been to, burgers will fit in the top ten, wings in the top 5, drinks in
the top ten in Downtown, and value in the top ten.

But no wet t-shirt contests.


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...so...while sifting through their kitchen...what's the secret wing sauce ingredient?

Starting to look good. Not sure how I feel about one of those cars hanging overhead

Well, technically this is a first look outside..



You can kind of see that complementary architecture they were talking about. Note the similarity in the pediments of the two buildings. (I asked my 9-year-old daughter what the triangular roof-thing was called, and she told me it was called a pediment. Third grade "Architecture in Lakewood" unit. Lakewood schools are amazing. When we ride around now, I have two children pointing out historical landmarks and explaining who lived where and what things are called.)



Here's a closer one. It actually looks a lot more fun than this, I couldn't get any light on it riding past on my bike. The doors are shaped like garage doors, and the top strip looks like a checkered flag, with a curving muffler shaped "eat" sign.

Betsy Voinovich

If you never been to a QSL, here's an idea of what they serve:

http://lubewings.com/food/menus/May2012_Generic_QSLmenu.pdf

5 days and counting till opening!

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Quaker Steak and Lube minutes before opening.


CEO of Quaker Steak and Lube, John Longstreet was at the door welcoming us, and we then had a chance
to talk. He was excited about this restaurant and how it would work in Lakewood. His study had thought it would be a perfect for for Lakewood. And had been excited since they first came here to put a deal together in 2009. This was their 50th restaurant, and he is happy to see it open in a great community like Lakewood.

He also reiterated, NO WET T-SHIRT CONTESTS! Family dining! Deb smiled.


I did not expect the cars upside down!


Out back was a large non-patio tent thingy to welcome the guest, and have an auction to raise funds for The Lakewood Project.


Calvin, Larry the Verizon Chipmunk, CEO of Lakewood Observer, Inc. Debra O'Bryan, and Harleigh pose for a
picture. Who doesn't love Larry!


The place was packed, and everyone was talking about the Wings!


12 different varieties at the party including Atomic, and XXX Hot but you had to sign a release. They were not
so hot as to ruin your night, but, a challenge to be tackled.


Chamber of Commerce President Dian Helbig, State Rep Nickie Antonio, Dru Siley, and the founders of Quaker
Steak and Lube cut the ribbon.


Nickie with Lakewood City Council President Brian Powers.


Gregory Christian and James Crawford from the Lakewood Public Library.




People still loading up on wings.


LakewoodAlive Director Ian Andrews, Ward 2 Councilman Tom Bullock, Jim O'Bryan, Bobby


3.5 hours later the place was still filling up!


The Dolatowski Family aka Lion And Blue.


Leaving Deb and I run into Rob Masek (Lakewoodites), and Randy, his mumbling was pretty happy, that
must mean something positive as he is usually pretty angry.


You know with a belly full of wings, ribs, onion rings and chicken quesadilla in you, you have to admit it looks
OK sitting there on the Detroit Avenue Chow Line.

Welcome to Lakewood.

More photos at: http://lakewoodobserver.com/photoblogs/jim-obryan/quaker-steak-and-lube-opening




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Sunset opening night at Quaker Steak and Lube, packed!

How packed?


Really packed, boy you could not fit another car in here after sunset!


Hey what is way up in the corner?


A little tent outside and a non-patio of bikes on display. Parked bikes were on other side.

Nice, man a lot of vehicles!


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Looks really nice! Much cleaner than what was there before.
Nice to see the place packed, too. See that Bullock is still running his block, and man, I've never seen that back lot full... ever!

Curious to see how these wings will compare to the rest of the city offerings. Isn't that what the Jaycee's wing contest is for? That'll be a hoot!