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advertorial | AFB Hospitality Group Redefi ning Hospitality Owner of Bistro 82, the Morrie and SCL lauds staff for success. BY MAUREEN MCDONALD W hen it comes to hospital- ity, Aaron F. Belen is out to define the term in ways that delight the palate and spark the imagination. Through his AFB Hospitality Group, he's invested approximately $10 million in pleasing customers — and the crowds keep coming to his ven- ues. He credits the team for this success. "We have the advantage of wonderful talent. Many people have been with me since our first restaurant concept opened three years ago," says Belen, 34, the founder and CEO of AFB Hospitality Group with three entertainment properties in downtown Royal Oak. "Our executive chef, Derik Watson, helped us land the coveted 2017 Restaurant of the Year from HOUR Detroit magazine this year." Watson, in HOUR's April edi- tion, says, "Everything we're doing we try to do better than the next day. We either try to change it or do it better." The story raves about Bistro 82's steak tartare, grand shellfish tower and foie gras. AFB Hospitality Group also operates The Morrie, an eclec- tic neighborhood roadhouse with live music selected by Steve Trudell, son of the long- standing conductor of the Johnny Trudell Orchestra and a musician in his own right. AFB has also reopened SCL, a cocktail and nightlife concept, above Bistro 82 with a proven formula for high ratings — innovative drinks and pulsating music. With a salute to top talent, Belen recently hired three new members to its executive man- agement team, Ben Robinson as executive pastry chef for all properties, Keith Schofield as Bistro 82's general manager and Awsem Zbair as AFB's director of nightlife. Two of the three hail from MGM Grand. "As each of our venues con- tinue to expand, we have an increasing need for talented, experienced management," Belen says. "Ben, Keith and Awsem are arguably some of the most talented in their fields and will elevate every facet of the experience at our properties." Belen credits his grandfather, Morrie Fenkell, as the inspira- tion for hiring good staff and making wise business deci- sions. His grandfather was a banker who died of pancreatic cancer in 2007, but his name lives on. Because of his grandfather, Belen came home to Michigan from Hartford, Conn., where he graduated from the Barney School of Business at the University of Hartford. He could have stayed in the east where many of his friends from Cranbrook Academy relocated, but the pull of family brought him home. He has pursued a career both in commercial real estate and hospitality; he both owns and operates each of his properties. "The city of Royal Oak has been very supportive of our developments. We are extreme- ly fortunate to have the city's support and know that our vision for Royal Oak as a culi- nary destination is their vision as well," Belen says. "Our team is proud to be a trailblazer in Royal Oak, and we look forward to additional projects in the future." The vision that has borne out into a steady supply of happy customers is offering some- thing for everybody in the city of Royal Oak. Belen's concepts include upscale dining for every day of the week, a special occasion or a celebration on the weekend. Welcoming hosts invite people to stop in for a casual happy hour after work. Above Bistro 82, the cocktail lounge SLC offers many options for a nightcap and a chance to extend a wonderful evening. For those seeking a blue jeans kind of evening, Belen's recently opened restaurant, The Morrie, features eclectic roadhouse cuisine and great live music just a couple blocks away from Bistro 82. With awards from HOUR Detroit magazine, the Detroit Free Press and the Royal Oak Chamber of Commerce, many in Metro Detroit get to see these venues thriving firsthand, inspired by a proud grandfa- ther. For Belen, each of the three concept spaces are uniquely different, which balances the fun of managing the proper- ties and brings customers back for more of the great "AFB hospitality." ❖ Bistro 82 401 S. Lafayette Ave., Royal Oak (248) 542-0082 bistro82.com The Morrie 511 S. Main St., Royal Oak (248) 216-1112 themorrie.com SCL Above Bistro 82 401 S. Lafayette Ave., Royal Oak DETROITDESIGNHOUSE: VICTORIA CHERY DETROITDESIGNHOUSE: VICTORIA CHERY DETROITDESIGNHOUSE: VICTORIA CHERY SEOUNG LEE PHOTOGRAPHY Aaron F. Belen C36 celebrate! • 2017 jn