One of the signature restaurants at Little Caesars Arena will no longer bear Kid Rock's name.
Ilitch Holdings announced early Wednesday that the musician has "voluntarily decided not to renew" his lease for Kid Rock's Made in Detroit restaurant, which has operated since the arena opened in 2017.
»MORE: Embattled Papa John's Pizza founder John Schnatter resigns amid backlash over racial slur
A statement attributed to Chris Granger, president of sports and entertainment for Ilitch Holdings, said a new concept will be introduced in the space, which "aligns with our community and company values."
Credit: Pool
Credit: Pool
The announcement comes days after the emergence of a video in which Kid Rock, onstage at his Nashville stage and apparently drunk, directed a graphic rant toward Oprah Winfrey. The Ilitch statement did not directly cite that incident.
We have been in contact with Kid Rock," Granger's statement read. "He has voluntarily decided not to renew his licensing agreement for the Kid Rock's Made in Detroit restaurant which comes up for renewal in April. We are in the business of amazing and inspiring our fans and guests through an incredible array of world-class sporting and live entertainment events. As our venues are open, inviting, inclusive, and respectful to all, we look forward to bringing on an exciting new concept that aligns with our community and company values."
Food services at LCA, including four full-service restaurants, are operated by the New York company Delaware North. The Made in Detroit restaurant features rock- and Southern-themed menu items, along with an array of Kid Rock memorabilia.
The restaurant, which occupies a premium, high-profile spot on LCA's Woodward-facing side, was the target of protests when the arena opened with six Kid Rock concerts in September 2017. Demonstrators blasted the selection of Rock as arena opener, citing his past use of the Confederate flag and other controversial conduct. ___
