SPOTLIGHT: Bob Denvir, District Market Manager, Business Student
An ongoing look at the people who bring life to The District Detroit
Bob Denvir has operated his own restaurant in Chicago, ran a bar in a top tourist district, dabbled in the mortgage loan industry and worked as a stay-at-home dad. Today, the Detroit transplant and working father helps manage the District Market restaurant at Little Caesars Arena and studies at the neighboring Mike Ilitch School of Business at Wayne State University.
Denvir’s journey in The District Detroit started in arena concessions, where he supervised employees and managed operations during busy games, concerts and shows at the award-winning venue. He later moved on to District Market after being promoted to the assistant manager position at the food hall, which features a full-service bar, craft beer and four delectable food stations.
During the day, he’s running the front of the house, which ranges from managing employees and upholding high customer service standards to promoting special events, like the annual Thanksgiving parade. “People come in here and they’re amazed by this great arena. This is not concession food; this is closer to gourmet food than concessions,” Denvir said.
At night, he’s learning about business. His favorite class to date, with expert and professor Dr. Hugo DeCampos, taught him about global supply chain management and “opened his eyes to manufacturing.” At the recommendation of his professors—frequent visitors at the District Market—Denvir is now concentrating in Finance and is exploring MBA studies in Economics.
The Chicago native moved to Detroit area, the hometown metropolis of his wife—a Grosse Pointe Farms native— in 2013. In Illinois, he had operated his own casual American restaurant and later managed the Bar Millennium (now known as Mbar) at Millennium Station, right in the center of Chicago’s bustling North Michigan Avenue tourist attraction.
Once in Michigan, Denvir attempted a career in real estate, as a Mortgage Loan Originator, before moving on to pursue his academic goals. He had started undergrad in the 1990s and later abandoned his studies to pursue a career in the hospitality industry. In 2018, he earned an associate’s degree at Macomb Community College, where he graduated with a perfect G.P.A.
The new Detroit-area resident said he has come to enjoy all the city has to offer, whether it’s a new restaurant or his daily drive along Mack Avenue.
“I think I got here right at the right time,” said Denvir, who enjoys reading about the city’s history.
In his spare time, Denvir volunteers with a veteran support group founded by a local combat veteran. The collective focuses on assisting veteran survivors of Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and helping them claim their hard-earned benefits.
He also enjoys traveling throughout the Midwest, cooking, playing the guitar, watching movies and spending time with family, including his son and two dogs.
About The District Detroit
Home to the Detroit Tigers, the Detroit Red Wings, the Detroit Pistons and the Detroit Lions, The District Detroit is the epicenter of sports and entertainment in the heart of the city. It is the densest concentration of the four major sports teams in any urban core in the country. It is an evolving place with something for everyone fueling Detroit’s incredible resurgence and attracting new investment in the city. Anchored by Comerica Park, Ford Field and the historic Fox Theatre, The District Detroit is home to the award-winning Little Caesars Arena, the Mike Ilitch School of Business at Wayne State University and the new Little Caesars world headquarters campus expansion. New businesses coming to The District Detroit include Tin Roof Detroit, The M Den, Frita Batidos, Sahara Restaurant & Grill, Union Joints and Warner Norcross & Judd. The District Detroit has brought more than 20,000 construction and construction-related jobs and 3,900 permanent jobs to this area of the city, resulting in an estimated $2.1 billion in total economic impact.