In September, Ginopolis' Bar-BQ, located in downtown Brighton, hosted a fantastic Restaurant Review for the Hidden Lakers in their speakeasy venue. Many residents had no idea that they had this private event space below the restaurant and were pleasantly surprised! Hidden Lakers enjoyed a complimentary meal and dessert, and Stroll Hidden Lake sponsors Roofing PD and Osburn Services, covered everyone's drinks for the evening.

 

Melissa Ginopolis and her catering manager, Kaylena, went above and beyond to accommodate this last-minute event for Hidden Lakers! They put together a Hidden Lake Barnyard Special that included the G House Pulled Pork Slider, Dry Rubbed/Slow Smoked Ribs, Brisket, Famous Mac & Cheese, House Slaw, Honey Butter Cornbread and a delicious Chocolate Peanut Butter Brownie. A few neighbors expressed how they've had a lot of barbecue cuisine from around the states and are very particular — Ginopolis' Bar-BQ received rave reviews from all who attended. 

Eileen Vacca shared, “The food was outstanding, the service was excellent and the portions were huge. A wonderful night with neighbors. Thank you so much for organizing, Jenni, job well done! Thank you to Melissa also, we will most definitely return!”

 

Ginopolis' Bar-BQ opened in 1967 when the brothers and their father, George Ginopolis, purchased Capraro's restaurant in Redford Township. The brothers purchased Oba's Bar in Farmington Hills in 1979 and built Ginopolis' there, opening it in 1982. It had become one of metro Detroit's most famous eateries, attracting celebrities and critical acclaim. In late 2019, they opened their newest restaurant in downtown Brighton and closed down the Farmington Hills location.

 

On the Brighton restaurant's walls are some memorabilia from their Farmington Hills restaurant. Sports jerseys, including one worn by retired Detroit Lions running back Barry Sanders, a pair of Muhammad Ali's boxing gloves, and many photographs. Peter Ginopolis and his brother Johnny Ginopolis operated the Farmington Hills location for nearly four decades. "It was one of the hottest places, and I formed relationships with big celebrities, like Frank Sinatra, and we had a lot of famous guests. Bob Hope, Liz Taylor, Muhammad Ali, Chuck Daly, Sparky Anderson," Peter Ginopolis said. "It was home for all the sports stars, especially back in the '80s, from coaches to players, and we hosted parties like the 1984 World Series."

 

Their mission today is the same as it has been since 1967; every guest who chooses Ginopolis leaves happy! Great food, great service and a great place for the entire family. Four-legged family members are welcome on their patio, and their guests enjoy live music in the summer. Peter Ginopolis explains, "We are geared up for families and singles — it's a fun place." He said his family has moved to Brighton to be hands-on. "One of us will be here all the time," he said. "It's important to us to be here with the customers." They provide amazing barbecue that is smoked fresh daily, "low and slow," to perfection. Ribs, brisket, pork and chicken are sure to please. Many non-smoked entrees are available as well. Special menu for the little piggies. They offer a full bar, appetizers, soups, salads, sides, entrées, desserts, happy hour and daily specials. They also provide catering for on or offsite events.