Former Detroit Lions running back opens restaurant, sports bar close to Ford Field

DETROIT - He ran for more than 2,000 yards for the Detroit Lions. Now, he's opening a restaurant just blocks away from the home of the team, Ford Field.

Joique Bell is the co-owner of Parlay Detroit . Located at 1260 Washington Boulevard, the 11,000 square-foot restaurant, craft cocktail bar and cigar lounge opens its doors on Friday, November 15 at 11:00 a.m.

The establishment features large screen TVs within view of every seat in the house, posh furniture and sports tickers.

"Parlay Detroit will be the go-to location for all sports fans in Detroit," said Bell. "Our team worked really hard on every detail of Parlay to ensure a next level experience for our guests, from the energy in the room to our top-level menu and unique craft cocktails. We are excited to show our customers what we can provide them and know they will want to keep coming back."

Along with Bell, the Detroit ownership team is made up of husband-and-wife - attorney Ameena Sheikh and entrepreneur Timothy Allen, along with investor Jared Chipman, managing partner Joel Dewberry, and attorney Alex Simpson.

The menu has been curated by Chef Nikki Steward and executed by Chef Russell Oliver, who moved to Detroit from Ohio.

Parlay Detroit will also offer a Cigar lounge with a humidor along with VIP areas to store stogies in custom-created lockers.

A hidden speakeasy and lounge will also soon open in the lower level. It's currently under construction.

Parlay will be open Sundays through Thursdays from 11 a.m. - Midnight and Fridays and Saturdays from 11 a.m. - 2 a.m.

Bell played four seasons for the Lions from 2012 - 2015. The Benton Harbor native, who went to Wayne State, played for the Bears in 2016 before returning to the Lions for a few games that same season.