Backstage was called The Paradiso Cafe before it was Backstage. I found this ad for The Paradiso Cafe.
Interior of The Pardiso Cafe
Greg day bartender at Footlights
Jan the blind lady who played the piano and sang
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Backstage - Footlights, Restaurant and Bar - Detroit, Michigan (Gay Bar)
Backstage/Footlights (Now closed, burned down) was located on Woodward Ave just north of McNichols (Six Mile Rd) at 17630 Woodward Ave. The restaurant was called Backstage and the bar was called Footlights. It was opened by Peter Mel in 1978 (Backstage) and Footlights opened in 1981. Peter Mel has a new restaurant in Ferndale called Pete's Place. Backstage had allot of Broadwayy posters, that was the theme. Footlights was all black and white art deco style with a piano. They always had flowers on the tables with spotlights shining on the flowers. I first went here back in the 80's and have many fond memories of both. Everyone would go to get breakfast at Backstage after the bars closed. I can remember that they had a juke box in Backstage that had a 21 minute version of Barbra Streisand and Donna Summer's song "Enough is enough" which we would always play sometimes twice in the same visit! (This song is 21 minutes long!) and drive the waiters crazy. I can remember they had this blind lady name Jan who played piano and sang in Footlights. The more drunk she got, the funnier she was. We would always ask her to sing "Mister Sandman" which she did in such a funny way. Then one night I was at Backstage having dinner with some friends and I noticed this "yellow glow" on a house across the street. I asked our waiter "Is this place on fire?" He said no, it was just the security van which used to drive around with a yellow flashing light on the roof. 10 minutes later he came and said "Everyone out! this place is on fire!" We ran outside and the place promptly burned to the ground in like 20 minutes! I miss that place, everyone does. Tell us your stories of the place. I need photos of this place!! email them to me!
Backstage was called The Paradiso Cafe before it was Backstage. I found this ad for The Paradiso Cafe.
Backstage was called The Paradiso Cafe before it was Backstage. I found this ad for The Paradiso Cafe.
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And DAM! Its now a laundromat! WTF! LOL I'd even take my mother to this spot! Backstage: A great resturaunt (different from all others in Detroit). It had great decor, and the employee's were professional, and had loads of Flava! ... Then, we'd move next door (under the same roof) to Footlights to listen to some great music from a pianist, and where we'd all join in on song (before Karoke was born). We'd have a specialty cocktail in a HUGH goblit glass with a tall stim, and enjoy ourselves (loudly) all night long! ... then (in later yrs) there was another area where they had plays and shows! New York was on Woodward!!!!!!!! Signed, Mother of 3
ReplyDeleteSandra, the waitress called the the goblit glass a "Big Girl"! I'm Greg! Use to be the day bartender!
DeleteOk Greg to you remember me...Richard? Started out as a cocktailer in Footlights. Worked as along side Eddie, and Marcie behind the bar. I actually use to live with Sandra for many years. I am biracial, 6'4" tall and I like to think I was cute at the time.
DeleteI sure do. I hope you are still with us and doing well. We all had so much fun! <3
DeleteHi Greg! It's Lise Shirtz (do you remember me? 😉). I was looking to see old Footlights pics and saw you on this site. Wow! If u actually ever see this, please email me at lashirtz@comcast.net
DeleteI'd live to see you again!
Wow!! Did not know about the fire. So sorry to hear. I remember (late 70s) hanging out on 7 & Woodward @ the Outlaw, the Gas Station & another bar that opened across Larchwood or Larchmont called Toobes I think. Anyhow, I remember right on the actual corner facing 7/Woodward was a Backstage Deli Restaurant. Smaller than the later restaurant. Oh my my mouth is watering now just thinking about how delish the backstage burgers were. The walls were covered w Playbills. I stopped very frequently for a burger before heading home. Alone a lot of the time. Then when the new place opened I was last there in like 1991. Fred, the guy who was a bartender at the Gas Station was our waiter. Oh I remember how great it was to see him again. He was one hell of a bartender at the Gas Station back in the day! The best!! They were busy as hell on weekends. Then I lost track of the old crowd & Hangouts. Now, I'm the old one & don't hangout. LOL 😁
DeleteMan oh man.. the restaurant made me feel like I was at a Restaurant on Broadway in New York. I so loved this place. Went there after hours for the food and went there before going to the bars to enjoy cocktails and the piano playing. I went during the late 80's early 90's.. So loved this place..
ReplyDeleteThis was such a fun resturant. When I was in my 20's my boyfriend of the time would go there all the time. The had a menu that had a wide range of items so it attracted a diverse crowd from police in uniform on break, college students, and guys in sport coats. I have many fond memories of the place.
ReplyDeleteA real tragedy that this place is no longer with us. Rivaled anything ever seen in New York or Chicago. It just showed that Detroit could have some class, too. Unfortunately it fell to the greed syndrome. Sad how it always comes down to the 'almighty dollar'. I really wish the gay life in this city would make a comeback. Fuck the internet. How boring is that???
ReplyDeleteI may not be gay but I fully agree with you! Backstage was the best place in Detroit and people of ALL persuasions could mingle and have a great time. It was so different before the internet and cell phone terrorist using them for crime now wrecked it all for people.
DeleteWouldn't it be great if people who remember the before time would set up a no internet/cell phone place for REAL people to meet?
My favourite thing to order from the menu was the Shirley Eder.
ReplyDeleteMan, I remember the Shirley Eder... wheat bread, giant slabs of cream cheese, tomatoes, and bean sprouts. I've been trying to duplicate it for years.
DeleteThe Shirley Eder, the Neptune Crab Salad, their super crispy potato skins... that place had such a great menu.
Loved the Shirley Eder, also they had a great prime rib.
DeleteThe Netherander sandwich was my fav
DeleteYes The Netherander was also my favorite. I'd order the strawberry cheesecake and strawberry Haagen Dax for dessert. My favorite night spot during the mid 80's. Never minded the wait. Service was always quick and superb.
DeleteMY favorite thing was Miss Ruby's short ribs on Thursday. Sharon was one of the cooks and she would start the short ribs for Miss Ruby. Carla was the main cook on the line during the day. Dog was one of the night cooks. Ms. Jean was the manager and Miss Annie, her sister, was the bookkeeper. Ms. Browne was the daytime cashier. She had gotten so bad she could hardly walk, but her smile during the lunch rush was very special. One of the managers, G-Jer, left and moved away. Another manager, Dwayne, was killed, and one of my favorite waiters was found dead in a dumpster. Many of the staff were there for years and the place was more about family than anything else. I will always miss those days. I was at home when Sharon came to tell me that the restaurant had burned. I was as shocked as she was. The people there were her friends and family. Losing them rocked her world and she was never the same!
ReplyDeleteI loved Sharron. I did alot of work on her home on the side of being the day bartender, (Greg)! She was so sweet!
DeleteI lived with Bill Foss for many years and was his best friend unfortunately he died years ago of cancer.
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteI lived in the park and almost every day I would go to backstage and get a slice of that chocolate chip banana cake they said they ordered it please!! Do any body know where they ordered it from or if u know if Pete's place in ferndal sell it because I heard he was the owner the owner of backstage I would kill for a slice of that cake they had it right by the cash register u couldn't resist
DeleteI was an assistant manager at Footlights from 1981-1989, then part-time bartender through 1990 at which time I moved to California. I’m devastated to learn the old news of what happened to Backstage and Footlights after I left! The years I spent working there, for Peter, were some of the happiest years of my life. I always looked forward to going to work because it was almost like going to a party ... and being paid for it!
ReplyDeleteNow I’m an old man, retired to Maine and dying of prostate cancer. When I reflect on happier times, I often think about those joyful nights I spent behind the Footlights bar with Billy Foss, Edward, Doug, Tony (Miss Tina Mae), and many others whose faces I remember but whose names won’t come to me any more. I remember my “regulars” too – and the celebrities I served. A highlight, for me, was the “Roaring ’20s Night” gala that Billy Foss and I organized and produced. Backstage waiter, Kelton Kepner (sp?), sang “le Jazz Hot” that night and brought the house down! Well, maybe that’s an unfortunate phrase to use considering the eventual demise of the place.
Photography was strictly prohibited because of privacy concerns, especially in those days. But I have a scanned photo from a magazine article that shows the interior of Footlights. How can I send it to you? Also, since it was a special occasion, we posted a notice on “Roaring ’20s Night” that photos would be allowed for one night only – and I have several pictures that I took that evening. The problem with sending them is that they’re stereo (3-D) slides and I can’t scan slides. If I can find a way to digitize those images, I’ll send them too. Just let me know where to e-mail them.
Dennis I'm sorry to hear about your health I guess none of us are getting any younger hey..lol
DeleteI'm wondering if you remember a bar tender there she was very special, she worked there in the mid 80's. I lost touch with her after the place burned down. Her name was Cathy, I won't post her last name for obvious reasons but it started with a V. She really meant a lot to me and I always wondered where she wound up.
Dennis, I'm Gary the red headed bartender from '85-90. I was 19 when I started and eventually moved to Atlanta. I'm sorry to hear about cancer. I have many great memories from that time. Thank you for your post and may the universe bless you...
DeleteHi Dennis...my Dad Alex...the Blind piano player played there for years...do you remember him?
DeleteGary, where the heck are you these days? Colin here - living in Atlanta
DeleteI remember you as Deny. You are such a fun guy with your CB radio stories. Those truly were the days.
DeleteOMG do I remember Backstage that was the place to been seen back in those days. I heard some very good disco at Backstage and snorted some very good coke there back in 1979 ;). It was like something right straight from NYC that had landed in Detroit.
ReplyDeleteSo funny the coke thang, That's what got the mgr dead, his tab .. funny too I worked there and hated it, one particular waiter was a f n ass hole, Because some people weren't trained correctly or not as fast as him, He was butt ugly anyways.. And I moved on I quit, After Working on one of the bartenders at footlight, He was good in bed and that's all that matter.
DeleteBackstage was the first place that I went to to tell someone I was gay.
ReplyDeleteWhen Backstreet and TimeSquare were burned, I knew it was time to leave. Seems like another planet coming back here. Everything is gone. The days I came out, it was actually fun to be gay. On a friday I could hear the other gay boy say "time to take our troubles to the dance floor". I understand the posters from theater productions in Detroit (all signed by caste members - many of whom died of AIDS) also went up in the fire. I also understand it was for the insurance money that it was burned by long dong Tom.
Another place I don't see listed is Salute's. Also, the Club (huge sex club preAIDS) on Woodward and the Blvd.
I meant to say Backstage not Backstreet were burned.
ReplyDeleteWasn't there also some drag show bars - I think one of them was called the Butterfly? The one restaurant, the name I thought was brilliant for a hot dog stand in a gay area, Buns and Baskets. I've lived in SanFran now for 15 years and they have lost all that was fun about Gay life too.
So, now I'll tell my real age. The original Backstage was on East 7 Mile Road. It had a hand full of tables with chairs squished in because it was small. I had my first adult date there. Malcolm D. took me there for the Brocolli, Mushroom and Cheese Omelette (served with half a canned peach! What a blast. I still make that omelette. smh - good times that was!
ReplyDeleteThe memories of The Backstage goes a lot further back. I lived over the origional one on 7 mile & Woodward. I was also the origional longtime D.J. at owner Peter Meli's other venue, The Gas Station Lounge. I remember the day that a typo happened in the 1st set of menus printed for the restaurant (the i was missing) and Peter Mel's Backstage was born. I could see Peter sitting there with dollar signs flying through his mind, the logic in leaving the typo so that people would presume (now and forever) that it was Jewish owned. For a deli - that carries a lot more weight than Italian owned. The Man had imagination and intelligence to spare. Bravo.
ReplyDeletehi guys and gals its lovey remember me
ReplyDeleteI remember you! Hi, I'm Greg! Remember me! Day bartender at Footlights! (;-)
DeleteI also remember eating at the original Backstage at 7 Mile and Woodward. Although I liked the bigger and more upscale Backstage on Woodward, the original was small and quaint and will always have memories for me. Does anybody know what caused the fire at Backstage? Was it intentionally set?
DeleteThanks so much for the memories. I was a young kid at the time obsessed with all things "cool." I was maybe 16 or 17 the first time I found my way to the Backstage. Sooo many fond memories of that place!
ReplyDeleteMy friends and I would go there for dinner or just to get appetizers and order drinks. They never asked for ID, so we just played it cool and kept it as our little secret.
There was a particular NYE when I took my gf to see NIN at the Latin Quarter(!), and we ended up here afterwards, drunk as hell. Best times ever...
When exactly did the location on Woodward burn down? I remember going there a few times during the 1990's. Later I also remember going to the newer location they opened in Royal Oak which later closed down.
ReplyDeleteI believe if I remember right, 1993
DeleteMarch or April of 1993
DeleteI used to go to both the old Backstage, but fewer times to the next one. It was the place to be after all the bars closed. No longer living in Detroit, it is amazing me how the place has changed so much.
ReplyDeleteDoes anyone out there remember what was on the "Shirley Eder" sandwich? It was my absolute favorite at Backstage and I am dying to have it again. All I can remember is tomatoes and cream cheese. Please help!! My email is furrymandal@gmail.com Thanks!
ReplyDeleteBean sprouts too!
Deleteit was just tomatoes and cream cheese.
ReplyDeleteI loved Backstage...everyone went, gay, straight...I never ever had a bad meal..even what I didn't eat I could appreciate...the decor, the theme, the music all A1...I wish someone had a menu
ReplyDeleteHello! Greg the day bartender here! I keep trying to post with no luck. If this post shows, then I will continue.
ReplyDeleteWell alright! I have fiqured this out. The last 2 years before the fire were two of the best years of my life. I met so many wonderful, real people while bartending there! If any of my customers are reading this post, I miss you all! I have so many fond memories working here. I was the day bartender the last two years. I rebuilt the day business by bring back the music that fit the decor and atmosphere! Big band, 30's, 40's, etc. More and more people started sitting in Footlights for lunch. There was no day business at all, well very little! It started getting so busy, I needed help in the bar, which I worked by myself! Well it never got that far due to the tragic fire! I sure do miss Footlights and all of my customers! This picture was taken on my birthday! I blocked out the face of my Dear friend/customer for his privacy!
ReplyDeleteLets see if I can use my name this time. The other time I tried with my name, it didn't post. The last post was from me, Greg! It doesn't seem to want to post so I will use the "anonymous" because it's easier!
ReplyDeleteWho are you? We had so much fun and I met so many wonderful people there. Greg here!
DeleteI am the bartender, Greg, you see in the latest picture posted!
ReplyDeleteIf anyone reading this remembers me, feel free to email me at gregostrand@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteHey everyone. My partner and I have many fond memories of Backstage, Footlights, and Salute'. Matt and I met in October 1990 at Tiffany's. My first visit to Footlights was so memorable, I'll never forget how beautiful this bar was. When I worked at "Sweet Lorraine's" in Southfield, the lunch staff and I would drive to Footlights for happy hour. We'd drink through the early evening, go home, take a nap, shower, and then meet wherever was popular that night. About a year before Backstage burned down, I walked into Footlights and discovered new chairs at the bar and tables. I was horrified to learn the art deco chairs in the bar area had been replaced. I asked to speak to a manager. I inquired if any chairs had been saved. He said yes, just a couple. I said if he'd like to sell them I was interested. Long story short......... I own 4 original Footlights chairs and paid $20.00 for them. I'm sitting on one while I type this as it is my computer chair. It brings back lots of memories, all good. Footlights was a unique, original place and my partner and I miss it
DeleteI miss Footlights so much! That is awesome you have a few of those chairs! I had such an awesome Happy Hour crowd! I miss all my customers! Thanks all! Greg Ostrander, your day bartender!
DeleteGreg, how is it that I don't know you? I started at Backstage/Footlights in 1983 in valet parking and eventually took over managing Footlights after Billy left, I stayed until 1991... I knew Sandra, Cutty Tom, Sharon, Jean, Duane, all of them.
DeleteBest, Edward
I started working there 2 years before the fire. ;)
DeleteAVG Web Threat warned me about you Jeff Ligan/LinkedIn. HA, HA! You don't remember me at all. Everyone beware of, "LinkedIn"!
ReplyDeleteNo scamming me! LinkedIn!
ReplyDeleteSo many memories of Footlights/Backstage/Salute! This is where I basically came out and hung out for 3-4 years '85-'90. Can't tell you how many times I must have walked between Salute and Footlights looking for, whatever! My favorites on the menus--California Grill (Backstage), Ice Cream Brandy Alexander (Footlights) and Hay & Straw (Salute). I remember every inch of these places. Dave M.
ReplyDeleteHow about the Backstage Burger Deluxe? That was my favorite. I also loved the hay and straw pasta dish and also broccoli rigatoni with pine nuts. Backstage always had the best soups, even peanut butter soup was amazing. Those were the best of times for me. I used to live across Woodward Avenue in Palmer Park which had fabulous old apartments... I could walk to work it was magical.
DeleteI was a waitress at Backstage in the very early 90s for a couple of years; I was known as Pollyanna, and hung out with Wanda, and Taffy, and Todd...I have never had more fun at any job before or since. I remember seeing the news reports about "Landmark Detroit restaurant goes up in flames" and I raced up to 6 & Woodward and stood in the middle of Woodward with former & current employees & watched it burn.
ReplyDeleteI'm reachable at BenkarskiFamily@gmail.com if anyone from that time is still around. (Too many gone too soon)
Hi Hon! I remember you. Greg the day bartender here. gregostrand@gmail.com
Delete<3
DeleteI was there at that time in the early 90's I was the salad bar girl Suzzette.
DeleteDoes anyone remember the security guys name? He used to be outside Backstage/Footlight/salutes
ReplyDeleteSam Parham
DeleteSammy died, gash, probably before the fire even? I remember sneaking into Detroit Receiving to visit him, after hours, with George Benjey (former security) and Eric Funk (former valet). Sammy was completely blind from CMV and was moving into dementia, but he knew who we all were.
DeleteThe big black guy, Sam, was security for years. He'd like to sing. Felt pretty safe with him around. What was the name of the cute/white guy who did a lot of fixerup stuff? Man, i had a crush on him. Scrawny little guy, Randy, worked with Carla in the back. David the cook would light his farts with matches. Dog would cook and get really nice and sweaty.Jer and Sandra were the day managers. Eddie the dishwasher was a wonderful pain in the ass and one of the first to die from AIDS. Me (Michael),Matt, Trixie (Larry) and Wanda,Debbie, Yvonne (lots of tatoos) were the day queens. oh my god, what did Bruce Springstein sing about? them glory days!
ReplyDeleteI think the hot guy you're talking about was Rodney. I had a major crush on him too. I heard from Sharon Brown in about 2009 that Rodney had died in a motorcycle accident. Also Wynette, but I'm not sure if she actually died the way Sharon heard (thrown from a rooftop at a party---I truly hope that's not true). Sharon herself died shortly after I left Michigan, I had taken care of her several times, as I'm now an RN. I got messaged after moving to Bellingham that she had just been put into hospice. Yes, Pollyanna is now a nurse...how scary is that!
DeleteI worked for Peter from 1983 to 1991, started in Valet parking at Backstage/Footlights/Manhattan Room, security Sam Parham was one of my best friends. Worked at Salute' when that opened just down the street and eventually managed Footlights for some years. We used to put on drag shows in the Manhattan Room for AIDS charities. I remember Jean Dine, Peter's partner and room mate in that big mansion in Palmer Woods. Jan Van Gordan would belt out classics while playing the piano drinking her J&B and soda. I could tell you so many stories and have many pictures too. edwardcheek007@aol.com - very happy to have found your site, I was in LA when the fire happened, so very sad. Salute' is still there under a different name.
ReplyDeleteAlways put straws in Jan's drinks.......I know Edward will know who this is. It was my specialty!
DeleteMister Bates, it's been a while. That wig snatching business was purely drug induced hysteria, sorry! And I ruined my girlfriends acid washed denim jump suit with the rhinestone buttons up the front, she was not pleased. Awe we had fun, those were the best days of my life.
DeleteLOL, straws in Jan's drinks. I used to put a banana on her piano keys, she would howl
DeleteThe cute white guy who did all the fixing up was Rodney. I had a huge crush on him too. He died several years ago in a motorcycle accident. I found this out from Sharon Brown, who I met up with again a few years back, she was a patient and I was a nurse on the floor where she was admitted; there was this stretcher coming down the hall, and the patient on it pointed at me and said, "i KNOW YOU" lol. Sharon died in 2009 or 2010, she was very ill the last time I saw her. We spent a lot of time talking about Backstage days and all the cute boys. I'm this responsible ICU RN and mom of 2 living in the PNW now, but what I would give to be able to go back in time just for a bit and live it all again. --Pollyanna
ReplyDeleteI loved Sharon! I did a lot work around her house for her. She was so very special to me. Greg Ostrander here. The day bartender. R.I.P. Sharon and Rodney!
DeleteHello Pollyanna!!!! Greg here! Day bartender.
ReplyDeleteI miss you, Sandra!!!! Greg here!
ReplyDelete<3
DeleteIt's been wonderful to read this post and everyone's comments. I used to go to Backstage on a regular basis in the late 80's. I remember the blue cheese dressing as being the best I ever had! Every time I went I felt like I was in New York City. I've lived in NYC for over 20 years now and I haven't found a place here that comes close to how it felt being at the Backstage. It was a special place and one of the few I miss from my youth.
ReplyDeleteAlex Kallao played here...he was the best piano player they ever had! Miss this place...took a few dates there as well.
ReplyDeleteWhat about Original Backstage Deli when it was on 7 Mile and Woodward
ReplyDeleteI remember the original Backstage. It was a tiny place. Those were my Gas Station days before I graduated to Menjos, I was 16 years old and having the time of my life. (I was not a hustler BTW)
Delete<3
DeleteI just had to see if there were any new comments for 2014. Things have changed so much, hopefully for the better. My partner Matt and I were married December 1st in Asheville, NC. We've been together over 24 years and never imagined when we were dating going to Footlights, Backstage, and Salute that we'd ever have the chance to marry. We think about all the handsome, funny, talented guys we knew who lost their lives in the 80's and 90's and we're sure they would be amazed at whats happened in the last few years. Brings a tear to my eye. We hope all who remember these magical places are well and happy. Love to everyone............ John & Matt.
ReplyDelete<3
DeleteCONGRATULATIONS & much love to you and Matt.
DeleteCONGRATULATIONS & much love to you and Matt.
DeleteBackstage was amazing by all standards! The best entertainment money could buy at the time was a couple of hours there. There was a waiter named Chris that worked at Glass House after leaving there - he was so entertaining.
ReplyDeleteDoes anyone know what ever happened to Cutty Tom? He was a very regular customer in Footlights and a delightful man.
ReplyDeleteI think Cutty Tom is still IT Manager at Masco. He bought a condo in Southfield's Town Center after his father died. I haven't been clubbing in a long time, so I only know what's apparent on the internet when you look Tom up. I will say that working at Footlights was the best time! The whole complex was like a three-ring circus. The clientele was this amazing mix: Gay bar owners, Colombian drug dealers, Rich old ladies with gay escorts, Hustlers, Politicians, Recording artists, Athletes... you name it! That mix will NEVER be recreated. The staff was just as wild and crazy! Keith Vogue(Wanda), G-Jer (Jerry McFadden), Sandra Jean Henderson, Billy Foss, Eddie Cheek, Richard Bates (Gurrl, she lip-synched a mean Jody Whatley to open one our employee shows!), Ken Gidner (Hungry Kitty), Gary Abernathey, and so on.
DeleteWhat a time we had! Mark White (Marcie) here, Footlights bartender 1984-1991
Hi Marcie, I found some amazing pictures of you from the Manhattan Room, you look amazing, just like Lovey Howell. xoxo
DeleteHi Mark, I am Eddie Cheek. I know that Cutty Tom retired before I left Detroit back in 1991 and he started working at the Detroit Zoo to keep busy. Such good times at Footlights. I was told that Peter Meli sold the place on "land contract" and then had it burned down to collect the insurance money. Scandalous.
ReplyDeleteI posted a bunch of pictures on my facebook yesterday, taken after the fire at Backstage. At one point, I had a semi-burned copy of a menu, but I don't know if I still have it...a cross-country move lost a lot of things. Friend me if you want to see them, Karen Benkarski (My account settings are private). I'd love to know who all else is still around from those days.
ReplyDeleteDoes anyone else remember the BSBD? The Backstage Burger Deluxe. Or the Neptune Crab Salad. I miss the place, the people and the food.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing! There was a time that stretch of Woodward was so much fun. There were gay bars coming and going all of the time. Backstage was very nice even compared to other big city gayborhood restaurants. Ted's was not gay but became the contingency plan after Backstage was no longer around.
ReplyDeleteI'm DAN and I used to sell soap for the dish machine and service it. I remember having to go downstairs to the nasty basement to work on plumbing , etc. I remember my good friend Eddy that used to wash dishes. I think I was there from opening, 1980 ? To the fire. I remember dog , (Sanders ?) Sammy, Jean Dine , Sharon , Annie, Suzy, and of course Peter. I was there when they gutted the old Paradiso to make Footlights/Backstage. Many rats in the wall from the old Paradiso. What a fun time in my life, right out of school working for a Fortune 500 chemical company taking care of the dish machine at Footlights. Annie and Jean and Sharon would rip me up and down but that was them. God bless you all. I'm still selling soap and fixing dish machines only now I own the company, Zac Chemical 248-854-5448 if you need soap or a dish machine or service. Be well all.
ReplyDeleteHello! Greg Ostrander here. I was the day bartender the past 2-2 1/2 before the fire. I have created a photo album on my Facebook page, Grego Ostrander page and just added almost 500 or more photo's of memories. It is set for4 public viewing. Enjoy!
ReplyDeletehttps://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.235194836559879.59432.100002080922630&type=3&hc_location=ufi
ReplyDeleteShort video of the fire.
ReplyDeletehttps://www.facebook.com/gregjo.ostrander/posts/1412420672170617
Hi Greg,
ReplyDeleteDarrin here, how the hell are you. Thank you for putting this page together for everyone. I would like to put some rummer's to rest about the fire at Backstage. The fire started with a pork chop that was on the broiler, the cook flipped the chop over on the broiler and pushed the broiler shelf back in and the grease from the chop went up the back of the broiler and then into the hood of the kitchen. I then pulled the fire extinguisher for the hood and nothing happened. I went and got the extinguisher from the waiter station pulled the pin and again nothing happened. The cook and I knew that the fire was out of control by this time, he went to the bar and I went to the restaurant and informed everyone that the kitchen was on fire and everyone needed to leave now. Everyone was standing in the boulevard watching the place burn from fire as the firefighters got the fire out but not in time to save the place. I was the last one out and went back in and got the cash out of the register in Backstage and gave the money to Doug. After an hour or so Tom showed up and went into the office and into the safe with the firefighters and then everyone meet up at Toms after hour place that was next to his video rental store. Doug said "this will tell us who are friend are "
I truly do miss the people and the place, 25 years this year it has been gone. Take care Greg and again, Thank you
I never did really find out how the fire started Darrin. Thanks for the truth. Sure do miss it there.
DeleteTom was the BIG guy? I remember him.
DeleteI called the DFD from my cell in the parking lot. Mike went in to tell people to evacuate. The front staff argued with him. He shouted fire evacuate and people started to leave. Then the kitchen crew came front and evacuation started in earnest.
DeleteI miss the place too. So many memories literally up in smoke.
I was working next store at Midnight Sun the night of the fire. I remember everyone coming over and then we went back either the next day or the day after and saves what liquor we could and put it in the basement of MS. We temporarily opened as Backstage and I remember running food while bar tending until the moved to Royal Oak. I have some artifacts I salvaged from the fire somewhere I’m my basement.
DeleteI didn't put the page together. All I did was add some memories. This was the best time of my life. So many Beautiful people.
DeleteI worked at Backstage first and Jean Dine, the manager felt I would be best out in the valet lot. I LOVED IT! We gave the best parking service for a small lot. I then worked as a waiter inside at Footlights. What a GREAT PLACE! We had a blind piano player (male). It was always written up in the MetroDetroit as the most authentic Art Deco interior in Detroit. Canvas padded walls (black), black and white checkered tile floors, exotic flowers at each table with the halogens trained on each one. 8x10 headshots of some of the greatest stars of screen and TV as well as classic big band on the sound system. Billy was my manager. I worked with Ed Cheeks, Glen Shaloum, as well as Sam Parham our security guy. Awesome memories!
ReplyDeleteI worked from 1986 to 1990
DeleteI called in the fire from their parking lot on my cell.
ReplyDeleteFlames shooting out the kitchen vent cap like a jet engine.
DFD responded fast but it always felt to me it took them a long time to run and charge hoses. Fire got a good start but extinguished fast once they began fighting it.
I was so shocked when I got home from bartending there that evening. I bartender 10 am to 6 pm. I arrived home sat down and turn on the news and saw the fire. There went my job. I Loved bartending there. I met so many beautiful loving people there in the two years I worked the day shift. I still miss it to this day.
DeleteHi everyone, so happy I came across this site. I worked at Footlights at the end of the 80's to mid 1990. My name is Melody. My brother Rob (Beaner) worked at footlights also. Footlights was a blast, I think about it often. I was in Florida by the time it burned down. Wish I knew how to reach Cathy V and Cutty Tom. I
ReplyDeleteI have been trying to find Cutty Tom with no luck. I had lost my old phone with his phone #. Cutty Tom use to take Sandra and I out all the time. So many fond memories. I sure do miss being the day bartender there. I came home from work and turned on the news and was so shock to see the fire.
DeleteWent there in the 80's. Always nice wait staff and good food.
ReplyDeleteStraight, African Amercan female here...I went to the Backstage initially whenbI was a student at Cass Tech. It was a riot!I don't remember any specific dishes only a waiter named Karen
ReplyDeleteI'm an old timer. I loved original Backstage on 7 mile, and when converted Paradiso! My name is David from Menjos 1981-1989. I have fond memories of Cutty Tom. Tom knew I was dating another Menjos bartender against policy and we joked with him all the time. Great times with Billy Foss too! Menjos let me go when I requested vacation and Billy hired me immediately. Billy & I behind the bar and Gregory Ann the waiter. Good times but short lived. Bob Jacobs recruited me to Cheeks for 1.5 years and then back to Menjos! Hello to Mark White Marcie! Moved to Chicago 1989 and retired from bartending. Met my soulmate and been married 22 years. One last story, Genie Francis was in Menjos when doing a play in Birmingham. It was Feb and patio locked at Menjos. I came in on night off, got the key from Poodles and champagne for patio. When about to close I reserved her a table for Backstage! Great memories!
ReplyDeleteSo very nice to see a few updates.
ReplyDeleteI first found this site about 6 years ago. What great memories of working there for 5 years.What a great and exciting time of my life. I worked at the coolest place in town!It's also the last time I remember good cocaine...lol
ReplyDeleteIt's nice to see responses by people I knew like Ed, Mark (Marcie), Melody,Colin and others. Denny, I hope your struggle has eased.
After leaving Detroit in '92, I spent 20 years or so in Atlanta. Loved that city back when it was still a small big city. I moved from Atlanta to Ohio a decade ago to spend my parents' twilight years with them. I still actually have an old Backstage Menu as well as Footlights cocktail napkins and matches. I read somewhere that Menjo's has a museum - I'd part with the menu if they're interested. nimbus1966@yahoo.com
Hi my name is Jen. I worked at the Onstage with Kelton Kepler in 1990. Does anyone know what happened to him? I can’t find him on social
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Hi Jen! I would have to see a photo of him. Here is a photo album I created on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1450626735016677&type=3
DeleteThis is a photo album I created on my Facebook page, -> Grego Ostrander It is set for Public viewing. Go to my photo albums and scroll and you will find it. :) https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1450626735016677&type=3
ReplyDeleteSeveral of us from the U of D staff would often go to the Backstage for lunch or dinner or a drink after work. They had the best food--and I loved the Maurice salad and their wonderful dressing! And the vichysoisse was great, too. I wish I could get those dishes again! Or, if someone knows where to get these items, or if they sell the soup or the Maurice dressing, or if there's someplace where I could get the recipes, I would really appreciate being directed there. I was so hopeful that they would rebuild after the fire--not just for the delectable food but for the decor and the fine service and the friendly clientele--everyone got along and it was definitely more than a gay gathering place--but it didn't come back and that was a loss to the whole area. But if I could get those old recipes or the name of a place that sells/serves them, I would be very grateful!
ReplyDeleteWow, I too remember this place fondly. I didn’t realize it had burned down. I worked down the street at Alexanders, and after we closed at 2, we would always go to Backstage. The food was very good and the staff was amazing. It would be very crowded about 3 am when we would arrive, and if the staff saw me in the lobby waiting for a table they would always bring me in ahead of others. “Come on Whoopi” they would say as they seated me insisting that I looked and sounded like Whoopi Goldberg.
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