Plymouth man opens Bun & Patty Co., a craft gourmet burger paradise
Ben Barnes holds a fresh-off-the-grill gourmet burger at his recently-opened Bun & Patty Co. restaurant.
It’s only fitting that Plymouth resident Ben Barnes is launching his second fast-casual food brand this week and studying toward a Master’s degree in Divinity because those who have tried Barnes’ menu staples describe them as, well, heavenly.
Nine months after launching Farmers Barn Pizzeria at 40420 Five Mile Road in Plymouth, Barnes’ craft gourmet burger restaurant Bun & Patty Co. officially opened for business Sept. 30 at 37621 Five Mile Road in Livonia — directly next door to his second Farmers Barn location.
The business’s hours of operation are 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday with dine-in and delivery options available.
“We’re closed on Sundays so our employees can rest and spend time with their families,” Barnes explained.
His plate is full
Barnes is also the general manager of two French Toast Bistro restaurants in Canton and Plymouth — and he is also working on securing the before-mentioned Master’s degree in Divinity from Duke University, so his cup runneth over with ambition and success.
“Bun & Patty Co. is a family-friendly, fast-casual, craft gourmet burger restaurant that uses the best ground beef available, artisan buns and fresh produce,” Barnes said, when asked to describe his new venture.
“When you order a burger here, you’re not getting anything you’ve tasted before. You’re getting a burger made from the best, freshest ingredients possible.
“People in this area embrace mom-and-pop places like this. There are already a couple popular burger restaurants in Livonia; we want to be the next household name everyone goes to when they want a good food.”
Bun & Patty Co. celebrated a soft opening on Sept. 24 as it opened with abbreviated hours of 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. up until its official opening on Monday.
“The feedback we’ve received so far has been fantastic,” said Barnes. “Our customers like that we take our time cooking their burgers; we don’t just slap some meat on a bun and throw it at them.”
More than just burgers
In addition to scrumptious gourmet burgers, Bun & Patty’s menu is stocked with a variety of chicken sandwiches, Philly Cheesesteaks and made-to-order milkshakes.
Barnes said the development of a new brand is a fun adrenaline rush.
“Once we came up with the name, we drew up some ideas for a logo, then picked one,” Barnes said. “We wanted it to be eye-catching, but more simple than our yellow and red Farmers Barn character. It’s really a fun process.”
Barnes is currently the co-pastor with his father, Ben Barnes Sr., at Redford’s In His Presence Ministries.
“After 40 years as a pastor, my dad will be retiring next year and I’ll be taking over,” Barnes said. “But I will still be a presence at my restaurants because I have such a passion for making good food.”
Growing empire
Barnes’ gradually-growing fast-casual restaurant empire may be adding a third brand soon, he revealed.
“I have another idea we’re kicking around,” he said, smiling.
Meaning more heaven-on-earth food is heading to metro Detroit — not soon enough for Barnes’ growing legions of satisfied customers.
Ed Wright can be reached at 734-664-4657 or edwright@socialhousenews.com.
