Galavant Spirits Set for Soft Opening at Nottingham and East Warren
Just a few months ago, the corner of Nottingham and East Warren was little more than a construction site, marked by a towering pile of dirt and plenty of imagination. Today, that vision is quickly becoming a reality.
Galavant Spirits, the neighborhood's newest distillery and take out food spot, is in the final stages of construction and preparing for a soft opening in the coming weeks. Owner Ian Redmond says the project has come together even better than he had hoped, with him and General Manager Ty putting the final touches on the business.
Ian Redmond (left), owner of Galavant Spirits, and his General Manager, Ty (right)
The exterior entrance facing E. Warren
Inside, the space is nearly complete, while outside, the patio is taking shape just in time for late summer. Once open, guests can expect an inviting atmosphere designed for conversation, community, slowing down, and grabbing a handcrafted cocktail or a meal to enjoy on-site or take home.
The drink program is built around flexibility. Guests will be able to order house-made nonalcoholic cocktail mixers that pair with Galavant's spirits—or enjoy them on their own.
"We're basically going to be making non alcoholic cocktails that you can add our liquor to," said Redmond. "They're going to be designed around using certain liquors, but of course if you want to get wild you can mix it up."
While the team is still waiting to receive its Michigan Liquor Control Commission (MLCC) permit to serve spirits—a process Redmond expects will wrap up within the next couple of weeks—the food side of the business is ready to go. The menu features everything from a Maurice club sandwich to several vegan options, with an emphasis on fresh, scratch made ingredients.
"We have one sandwich which I think will take off called the 'Hock and Pea.' It's made with ham hock, pork loin, mint-pea purée and cooked greens. It's really good—that's definitely going to be my favorite," said Redmond.
The upcoming soft opening will allow the team to fine-tune operations, gather customer feedback, and make any final adjustments before celebrating a larger grand opening later this year. For Redmond, it's the final step in bringing a long-held vision to life.
For neighbors who have watched the building rise over the past several months, the opening marks another milestone in the continued growth of the East Warren corridor. What was once a vacant lot is about to become a place where people can meet friends for a drink, pick up dinner on the way home, or spend a warm evening on the patio.
With opening day now just around the corner, Morningside residents won't have to imagine that future gathering place much longer. In just a few weeks, they'll be able to pull up a chair, raise a glass filled with Galavant’s own ‘Morningside Vodka,’ brandy, or gin, and experience firsthand what months of hard work have built.
Morningside residents tour Galavant Spirits on August 1, 2026
Galavant’s patio space