“We tied the concept to the space, as opposed to vice versa,” says Payne. Payne and Previch had been looking for a space for about a year, and knew they found the right one when they talked with then-Stache’s owners, Ray and Gracie Moses. Having something that could fly and be bold in the name and the concept,” he says, is central to their laid-back approach. It was the inspiration for the color palette that we’re going to be using.

“The tocororo is a bird that lives in Cuba. “We want to build a little bit of warmth in Michigan that’s here all year round,” says Previch. The “comfort drinking” blends with the theme of the bar, which is designed to offer a colorful respite to dreary winter Michigan days. “We’ll be perfecting a lot of the classics, like piña coladas, strawberry daiquiris, and jungle birds,” he says. The bar program will emphasize bright flavors and fresh ingredients, says Payne.

Handling the beverage side will be Connor Payne, formerly of Checker Bar downtown and McShane’s in Corktown. The co-owners, Connor Payne and David Previch, will be ready to serve refreshing, fruity cocktails, beer, non-alcoholic drinks, and food in time for St. Tocororo will debut in mid-March in the former Stache International space in Eastern Market. Two long-time Detroit restaurant veterans are pairing up to open a new bar in a familiar space.

Stache international