There’s a bar in Boston where everybody knows your name.
Fortunately, Bob Higgins of Clarkston made sure the same thing is available here in Michigan. Some would say Higgins is a man in the restaurant business. Higgins, however, says he is and always has been in the people business.
‘They’re like family,? Higgins says about his regular customers at the Oxford Inn in Royal Oak as he gestures toward a wall filled with charicature drawings.
Higgins explains the drawings, saying they are of his regulars. Their pictures adorn the walls and Higgins keeps their birthdays on display as a reminder.
‘Sometimes if they move out of state, I’ve taken (their drawing) down and they take it with them… it’s a keepsake,? Higgins said.
Higgins moved to Clarkston three years ago, but for the last 18 years made quite a name for himself as the owner of the Oxford Inn. He found his niche serving people like they were members of his own family and creating an environment where strangers could grow into friends.
Higgins worked for many years in highway construction. Eventually though, his personal tastes changed his career.
‘I’ve always enjoyed going out to dinner and I would always be fussy about where I went,? said Higgins. ‘I always wanted to have a place where people would come on a regular basis either to celebrate their birthday, their anniversary, I’ve even had people get engaged here.?
Higgins said his target customers have always been ages 45 and up at the Oxford Inn, but recently he began catering to the next generation.
Three years ago, Higgins built expansion onto the Oxford Inn with its own bathrooms, bar, patio and fireplace.
A conversation with his son, Weston, got Higgins thinking about the future of his business. Weston, 31, lives in Los Angeles, but whenever he is in town to visit, Higgins said he would look for a nice comfortable environment to hangout for people his age. This is when Higgins had the idea to turn the expansion to the Oxford Inn into something different, a lounge where people tired of the club scene could come and have a fun and relaxing evening.
‘I wanted to target a business-professional, like 28-45 years old, so I started watched trends with that to see what was going on,? Higgins said. ‘I want you to relax. I want you to come in and be able to unwind, relax and be with some friends.?
After a year of planning and lots of work, he was able to convert the addition into the Metro Lounge, and celebrated the grand opening six weeks ago. Already, Higgins is seeing the addition catching on.
‘I got lots of people who come from Clarkston once a week for my ribs,? Higgins said.
Rare is the visit to Metro Lounge or Oxford Inn when Higgins is not on hand working in some fashion. Whether he’s helping serve sushi, mixing one of his famous martini drinks at the bar or interacting with his guests, Higgins said he tries to be as involved with the daily workings of his business as much as possible.
‘I’m at every table. I’m watching what’s going on with food. I’m in the kitchen. If one of the cooks didn’t show up, I could be cooking on the line. If something happens with the dishwasher I could be washing dishes, I could be anywhere,? he said.
Higgins and his wife Mary have been together for 15 years. The couple has two children, Page, 12 and Courtney, 10.
Higgins said over the years he was offered several opportunities to move to the Clarkston area ? a friend suggested opening another branch of the Oxford Inn in this area and Higgins was asked about opening a restaurant in the area when great Lakes Crossing Mall was built ? but he waited until three years ago to make the move, seeing a large benefit for his daughters.
‘My wife always has wanted to move to Clarkston, plus Clarkston Schools are excellent,? Higgins said. ‘So we’re out there with the girls and they’re in the school system and it’s the best school system that I’ve ever seen.?
Higgins said people will occasionally question why he would continue to drive from Clarkston to Royal Oak, but he says the drive is worth the time an energy.
‘The whole community of Clarkston, it’s sort of like you have the country but a little bit of the metropolitan.? Higgins said. ‘I like the amount of property you have (in Clarkston). It’s a nice area, a good area to raise children,? he said.
So the drive will continue for Higgins as he spends his mornings home in Clarkston and his evenings making new friends, seeing old friends ? and making soon-to-be friends feel at home in Royal Oak. The Metro Lounge is open 6 nights a week from 4 p.m. ? 1 a.m. and is located at 1214 South Main Street in Royal Oak. For more information, call 248-543-5619.