Fusion Flare Now Open, Serves Up American and Soul Food Cuisine

Local government and community leaders, including representatives from TechTown Detroit, will join Fusion Flare Kitchen & Cocktails’ owner and operator Mashelle Sykes at a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 11 a.m. on Jan. 15 to celebrate the restaurant’s grand opening.

Fusion Flare, located at 16801 Plymouth Rd., features a fusion of cuisine from diverse cultures, with an emphasis on American and soul food. It is first sit-down, full-service restaurant to open in the Joy community on Detroit’s west side in at least 20 years.

“Opening this restaurant has been a dream of mine, and I thank my family and the City of Detroit for their support,” said Sykes. “Fusion Flare is a place where family, friends and newcomers are always welcome for any occasion. I am excited to share my love of quality food with Detroiters and suburbanites alike, while also inspiring new development in this Detroit neighborhood.”

Sykes, a graduate of Oakland Community College’s Culinary Studies program, has transformed Timeout Sports Bar, a neighborhood institution she owned with her husband, into a family-friendly lunch, dinner and weekend brunch spot. Through her love of food and family, she has created a menu for Fusion Flare that uses fresh, local ingredients to offer patrons a high-end dining experience in a casual and relaxed atmosphere.

The lunch and dinner menus offer something for everyone, from a variety of appetizers to sandwiches and entrees. The restaurant also features a selection of salads, including the popular Fusion Flare Grilled Chicken Salad. Dinner entrées are served with a choice of two sides. Entrees include fresh Grilled Salmon served with a White Wine Sauce; Fried, Cajun or Scampi Shrimp; Crispy Fried Catfish with a Remoulade Sauce; Shrimp Alfredo; Chicken Stir Fry, Crispy or Grilled Pork Chops seasoned with house seasoning; and Buttermilk Fried Chicken.

Fusion Flare offers guests a variety of vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options. Brunch is served from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on weekends and features specialty dishes, such as French Toast; Chicken & Waffles; Salmon Croquettes & Rice; Shrimp & Grits; and Catfish & Grits.

Sykes worked with TechTown Detroit’s SWOT City, a customized support program for brick-and-mortar small businesses in Detroit neighborhoods. The program provides one-on-one assistance to help launch, stabilize and grow local businesses and strengthen neighborhood commercial districts.

“TechTown’s SWOT City program, which provides coaching and resources to small businesses in neighborhoods across Detroit, and other organizations that support the establishment and growth of small businesses, helped make my vision come to life. Detroit truly supports entrepreneurs,” said Sykes.

“The determination of small business owners like Mashelle Sykes is a testament to the strength of Detroit's neighborhoods. TechTown is proud to support Detroit small business owners like Fusion Flare Kitchen and Cocktails who contribute significantly to our local economy through job creation, as well as retention and attraction of core neighborhood amenities like dine-in, family-friendly restaurants,” said Amy Rencher, Director, SWOT City, TechTown Detroit.

Fusion Flare Kitchen & Cocktails’ hours of operation are 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday; 11 a.m. to midnight Friday and Saturday; and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday. For more information visit https://fusionflare.net/ and follow Fusion Flare Kitchen & Cocktails on Facebook and Instagram.