Casino’s ‘Fire Hub’ Nearing Completion, May One Day Offer Dinner and Drinks

FireKeepers Casino's Fire Hub restaurant and food pantry is nearing completion, but Michael McFarlen, vice-president of food and beverage at FireKeepers, is not quite ready to say an opening date out loud.

That's probably because early estimates that the reborn Battle Creek Fire Station #4 were overly optimistic. But, these days, McFarlen is all smiles seeing his idea for a philanthropic endeavor in the community reach its fruition.

McFarlen tells 95.3 WBCK drywall is going up, and other overall finishes are beginning to be realized. While initially the establishment will be a coffee, breakfast and lunch place, McFarlen also said FireKeepers has applied for a liquor license and may decide to serve dinner and drinks on Friday and Saturday nights.

The Fire Hub, announced in May 2016 to much fanfare, was an idea McFarlen had after seeing the empty fire house - and after partnering on other projects with the Food Bank of South Central Michigan.

Click below to hear McFarlen and FBSCM Executive Director Patty Parker discuss how the dual-focused Fire Hub will operate, and what food and drink will be featured there.

Check back soon at WBCKFM.com for a video tour of the new Fire Hub.

Hear The Richard Piet Show weekday mornings from 5:30-9 on 95.3 WBCK.