Nostalgia is in no short supply at the new Pretzel Bell location at 226 S. Main St., where a group of Ann Arborites are reviving the spirit of the restaurant that closed 31 years ago. The new iteration of the restaurant draws on many of the traditions started at the original Pretzel Bell.
The space will revolve around a sports theme, with an ample amount of TV’s and display cases holding memorabilia from A2’s athletic history. The menu will feature new takes on traditional American comfort foods. While the finalized version is still in the works, General Manager Brent Stevens hinted at items like pot roast, shredded beef tater tots, chicken wings and Salisbury steak sliders. While the space still has some way to go to be completed, it is a dramatic departure from Lena, the restuarant that occupied the location last year. We took some photos of the most interesting elements that enhance the new restaurant. The Grand Opening of the Pretzel Bell is April 14. Visit thepretzelbell.com for more information.
A HAIL sign that hangs on the E. Liberty side of the building
The walls in the main dining area are covered in reclaimed wood from old basketball courts
An illustration of the final interior design
A wine cooler integrated into the main dining room
Subway tiles run throughout the main dining room
A bell sits inside, being refurbished before it is hung in the restaurant
The walls in the basement bar are covered in wood reclaimed from stadium bleachers
