Fire Damages Former Sips Restaurant in Farmington Hills

Farmington Hills Fire Department investigators remain on the scene of an early morning fire that damaged the former Sips Bar & Grille on Grand River.

Fire Chief Corey Bartsch said crews responded at around 2 a.m. to the call of a structure fire with flames shooting through the roof. He said the building was vacant, and no one was injured.

"It was very involved, we had to go on the defensive," Bartsch said, adding the fire damaged the second floor, while the first floor suffered water and smoke damage. 

The building has been undergoing renovations; Bawarchi, a restaurant that serves Asian Indian cuisine plans to open there. 5 Star Entertainment LLC received Farmington Hills city council approval for a liquor license transfer, Sunday liquor sales, a dance permit and outdoor service permit in July. 

In the application, the company indicated the second floor of the restaurant would be used as a banquet area with seating for 100. 

The south lane on eastbound Grand River remains closed in front of the restaurant. Bartsch said investigators will likely be on site today and tomorrow.