Fini’z Oyster Bar & Grill to open soon

Fat Cats will soon become Fini’z.

An ownership change at Fat Cats Oyster Bar & Grill at Plantation Square makes way for Fini’z Oyster Bar & Grill. The new owners could be in place as early as this week. Many menu items and staff will remain, but customers will see some changes.

“Different name, different environment,” said incoming owner Kerri Finigan. “Everything’s going to be new.”

Finigan has 25 years in the restaurant business in Detroit. She moved to the area five years ago, where she met husband Robert. The pair picked Fat Cats for the atmosphere it already has, which they hope to build on.

Finigan has been working at Fat Cats.

“Everybody knows everybody,” Finigan said. “It’s all the same people who are in here every day.”

Fat Cats at 4555 Charlotte Highway is a long established restaurant location, previously as Local Motion Bar & Grill. A devoted customer base appealed to the new owners, who will keep the half dozen staff members and likely expand the number to 10.

The new menu will feature oysters, mussels, salmon, grouper and tuna, along with salads and burgers.

Finigan wants more of a sit-down meal feel than bar food.

Regular customers are excited about new plans for breakfast and more menu options, but mainly for the face they already know taking ownership.

“We think Kerri will be the perfect owner,” said Joan Bundy.

Bundy ate lunch in a group of eight Oct. 15. The ladies come every other week to play bridge. They were unanimous in their support of the new owner.

“She’s a personality that needs to be doing this,” said Carol Jeane Hooks. “She knows how to treat the customer.”

Plans are to close Fat Cats on Oct. 28 and open as Fini’z the following day. Cosmetic changes will begin. Hours mostly will remain the same, open seven days a week.

This story was originally published October 15, 2015 at 3:38 PM with the headline "Fini’z Oyster Bar & Grill to open soon."