At The Waterfront Restaurant and Lounge, located along the scenic Detroit River in Wyandotte, business has never been a problem. Parking, however, was a different story.

With its incredible food, lively atmosphere and breathtaking riverfront views, The Waterfront is a destination that draws crowds. But ensuring those guests had ample parking to enjoy all it has to offer became a top priority for Jason D’Herin, project manager, and his wife Amanda D’Herin, owner.

"Not having the business isn’t the problem," Jason said. "But if you have the business and don’t have the parking, that’s a bigger problem. You need to solve that first."


Solving the Parking Challenge

The demand for parking wasn’t just about day-to-day dining – it was also critical for The Waterfront’s growing banquet and private event business. With a stunning setting perfect for weddings, showers, graduations and special occasions, the challenge was securing enough space to accommodate guests comfortably.

Enter Weyand Fisheries, one of The Waterfront’s trusted suppliers. When the building next door became available, Jason saw an opportunity. The decision was made: purchase the property, tear it down and transform it into a much-needed parking lot. In November, demolition began, and now, what was once a limitation is a major asset – expanding parking capacity from 40 to 140 spots.

"With the parking issue solved, we can now focus on building the consistent early-day business we’ve been working toward," Jason explains. "In today’s market, controlling costs is key. Banquets give us predictability – we know what we’re bringing in when hosting a wedding or private event."


Introducing The Water’s Edge Atrium

The solution to one challenge led to an even bigger vision: The Water’s Edge Atrium, a brand-new banquet facility extending from The Waterfront’s back deck. This stunning space will feature a glass atrium tent offering panoramic views straight down the river, making it an unparalleled venue for weddings and events.

"The response just to the renderings has been incredible," Jason said. "Most places offer a view across the river, which is nice, but imagine having the Detroit skyline and Windsor lights as your wedding backdrop. It’s a game-changer."


A New Era for The Waterfront

The renovations don’t stop there. The interior of The Waterfront has also been newly updated, ensuring the restaurant remains a premier destination for both casual diners and private events. Now, with expanded space and improved logistics, The Waterfront can host large events while remaining open for regular guests, offering the best of both worlds.

Whether you're coming for a romantic dinner, a family gathering or a waterfront wedding, The Waterfront delivers an unmatched dining experience. Just a 20-minute boat or car ride from Detroit, it's the perfect place to grab a bite before a Tigers game or downtown event.

And for those arriving by boat? The Waterfront has partnered with Motor City Marina to offer 20 docks for patrons, with overnight and daily dockage available for vessels up to 80 feet.

With exciting growth, expanded parking and a brand-new event space on the horizon, The Waterfront Restaurant and Lounge is raising the bar for riverfront dining and special events in Metro Detroit.