Pop's for Italian to expand, Daily Dinette to shrink in size

They've only been open a few months, but Pop’s for Italian and its adjoining Daily Dinette in Ferndale are in for dramatic changes starting this summer. Owner Brian Kramer, of the Kramer Restaurant Group, and crew are working on renovations to the space to provide for more room for guests and back-of-the-house kitchen prep in the Italian eatery concept.

To accommodate the remodel, the Daily Dinette will be reduced in size in a portion of the kitchen and dining area, as well as cut its hours from 24/7, to 7 a.m.-11 p.m. weekdays and 7 a.m.-3 a.m. Fridays and Saturdays (we're checking on whether Sunday hours will be impacted). The diner will also start selling grab-and-go items like salads, in addition to its existing menu of burgers, coneys, donuts, coffee, and other short-order offerings.

Other modifications customers can expect at Pop's: an area for private dining, specialty dinners, and wine tastings to complement its popular wine program.

The expansion is to be designed by Ron & Roman.

Since Pop's opened its doors in March, the eatery has added weekend brunch service, a starter bar featuring charcuterie, pastries, and fruit, and has fielded inquiries for private parties all the way to the upcoming holiday season.

For more on our take on the restaurant, check out our review here.

Says co-owner Kevin Downey: “We’re committed to making the most delicious handmade pastas and Neapolitan pizzas at Pop’s for Italian. To maintain that kind of quality for our customers, we simply needed more space.”

The shift at the Daily Dinette means Ferndale loses its only 24-hour dining establishment. The spot quickly became popular among folks who work in the restaurant industry or partiers just getting out of the bars, though we don't know just how profitable the late-late hours were for the restaurant group, which also includes One-Eyed Betty.

Pop's for Italian is open 4 p.m.-11 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday, 4 p.m.-midnight Friday, 10 a.m.-midnight Saturday, and 10 a.m.-11 p.m. Sunday. It's located at 280 W. Nine Mile Road. The Daily Dinette shares the same address, but faces the parking lot to the north.