Peterlin's Opens on Farmington Road, Aiming to Combine Quality, Value

After 12 years working as a chef in other restaurants, Zach Peterlin strikes out on his own this week, with the opening of Peterlin's Restaurant on Farmington Road, just south of Nine Mile. 

Peterlin learned the business from the ground up, starting as a dishwasher at age 15. A graduate of Northern Michigan University, he continued working in restaurants through school and moved to the Detroit area after graduation, to take a job with an upscale restaurant. 

"I really enjoy the instant gratification of seeing how much people enjoy good quality, fresh food," he said. "You see the smiles on their faces."

Peterlin's Restaurant menu features moderately priced meals with fresh ingredients. Entrees average around $7-$8, the highest priced at $17, with entree salads from $8-$12. Peterlin's meatloaf, which has been popular at other restaurants, will be on the menu, along with a baked macaroni and cheese, steaks, chicken and vegetarian dishes.

Among the more unique items: a cheesesteak spring roll, filled with prime rib, cheese, sauteed mushrooms and onions. The restaurant will also offer gluten-free entrees, appetizers and dessert.

Peterlin's partner in the restaurant, and in life, is Kim DeCapite, whose background is in the retail end of the food industry. She met Peterlin at a wine tasting three years ago and says he'll be the "face" of the restaurant with customers.

"He's going to try to be out on the floor a lot, especially at the beginning," she said. 

Peterlin said he is very focused on customer feedback and plans to use comment cards, along with talking directly with people, to learn what they like and don't like. The restaurant opened Monday and will celebrate a ribbon cutting with the on May 24, at noon.

You can also find information about the restaurant at facebook.com/Peterlins.