Entering Porcelain on Woodward Ave. feels like traveling back in time. The space is anchored by wooden banquets, a heavy L-shaped bar with colorful stenciled wall paint, tin ceilings, and vintage mirrors.
When former management consultant (“it steals your soul,” he warns) Mike Stamatelos decided to open a cafe, he was looking for a space with character. He thought about creating a community-oriented space. The team has built something and knows the neighborhood will shape it over time.
Stamatelos, who has no previous restaurant experience, save for a job at Panera Bread where he was demoted from sandwich maker to dishwasher, gathered an experienced team for his first opening. He began construction in May and started planning in January.
