Kid Rock Won’t Renew Detroit Restaurant License After Recent Protests [Update]
Kid Rock's Made in Detroit restaurant will bow out of its place in Detroit's Little Caesars Arena. The rocker reportedly decided to not renew his license. The restaurant is expected to officially shutter its doors this coming April.
The news comes as the rocker has recently suffered backlash over derogatory comments made about Oprah Winfrey during a tirade at his Nashville steakhouse. The National Action Network was set to hold a press conference outside Rock's restaurant later today denouncing Rock.
Just last month, Rock went on a tirade that was critical of Winfrey as well as The View co-host Joy Behar at his Nashville establishment. He spoke of being accused of racism. After video of his rant went public, Rock revealed that his beef with Oprah was over a booking policy. But the explanation of his reasoning didn't stop the backlash from continuing.
According to the Detroit News, Chris Granger, president of sports and entertainment at Illitch Holdings, issued a statement which read: “We have been in contact with Kid Rock. He has voluntarily decided not to renew his licensing agreement for the Kid Rock’s Made in Detroit restaurant which comes up for renewal in April. We are in the business of amazing and inspiring our fans and guests through an incredible array of world-class sporting and live entertainment events. As our venues are open, inviting, inclusive, and respectful to all, we look forward to bringing on an exciting new concept that aligns with our community and company values.”
As for Rock, he issued his own statement on the decision to not renew his license in which he thanked those who have patronized his restaurant. He also expressed his love for the people of Detroit, but did not back down from his detractors. His statement can be read in full below:
I will not be renewing my licensing agreement for my Made In Detroit Restaurant this April.
I appreciate all who have patronized our place and still have much love for the City of Detroit and the people / organizations that I have helped there for years, black, white, whatever, but learned long ago, go where you're celebrated, not tolerated.
I guess the millions of dollars I pumped into that town was not enough. I will let the NAN network and others go ahead and take the wheel now. Good luck.
I may be guilty of being a loud mouth jerk at times, but trying to label me racist is a joke, and actually only does a disservice to the black community, which I have supported my entire life, by trying to alienate myself and many others.PS - Hey Al Sharpton, you or your cronies will never beat me you tax evading, race baiting clown!
Trump 2020!!
250k donated to Eastern Market for the Kid Rock community kitchen
250k donated for the Barbara Bush reading innovative in Detroit
1m raised to help save The DSO
many, many more 10’s if not 100’s of thousands of dollars raised and donated in Detroit by Kid Rock
Update: Rock has posted online again after the story of his restaurant closing made the news cycle. He reveals in his new posting that "all this BS going on has just got my blood pumpin' and is only more songwriting fuel for a new record and tour in 2021." He went on to add that he is beholden to no one and that he guarantees his best record and tour ever. See his full post below:
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