Goran Dimic learned a very valuable business lesson shortly after taking over Berkley Common, and it was a lesson that not only made business sense, but stress sense as well.
Dimic, along with business partner and co-owner Brandon Gorgies, made some changes after taking over the restaurant on Twelve Mile Road in Berkley – and with change usually comes some push back. But Dimic and Gorgies believed in what they were doing and know that their new and exciting concept and approach will be a winner. So, they stuck to their plan – and so far, so great!
“We decided to start focusing on the majority and the people who liked what we were doing instead of the minority,” Dimic says. “We were too focused on a few negative reviews instead of looking at all the positive feedback we were getting.” Dimic, a trained chef, decided to change the whole menu and focus on the freshest ingredients and seasonal menus to help give diners the best dining experience possible.
It’s all worked out for the best so far for Dimic and Gorgies, who are both 30 years old, have known each other since they were 19, and also own two Naked Burger locations – in Clinton Twp., and Rochester Hills.
“Even though we were very busy with our two Naked Burger locations, taking over Berkley Common was just too good of an opportunity to pass up,” says Dimic. “It was a little bit out of our wheelhouse because it’s a totally different concept than Naked Burger, but there was so much potential there that we jumped at the chance to acquire it.”
Dimic and Gorgies took over Berkley Common on Sept. 1, 2022. “Berkley Common was set up really well for us to take over and do something different,” says Dimic. “We tried to create a place people in this area would appreciate and enjoy.”
While the delicious choices are often changing, menu options include Lamb Papardelle (including housemade pasta and fresh truffle), the BC Burger (featuring grass-fed beef), Piedmonte Ribeye (with roasted asparagus), Kimchi Fried Rice (add some chicken or ribeye), Wild Truffle Risotto and Seared Salmon (with coconut rice). There also are vegan/vegetarian options, tasty shareables, and sweet desserts.
Berkley Common and Naked Burger have a partnership with Old World Truffles, which brings “Europe’s finest fresh truffles, truffle products, and more to Michigan.” The two restaurants also have an outstanding in-house pastry chef, Erika Frederiksen.
“Everything is made in house and Berkley Common is a perfect place to have a nice dinner with a date or your family,” Dimic says. “It’s upscale and inviting, but not intimidating. It’s a warm atmosphere where you get a fine-dining meal for a very good price. We try to make it affordable so more people can eat well.”
Berkley Common features Wine Wednesday, Thirsty Thursday, and an amazing brunch menu on weekends (from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.) featuring Stuffed French Toast, Truffle Soft Scramble, Pesto Ramen and more.
“We also are available for special and private events,” says Dimic. “We have an event space upstairs that is used for corporate events, baby showers, birthdays, and more. It’s a very popular space.”
Berkley Common
Owners: Goran Dimic & Brandon Gorgies
3087 Twelve Mile Rd, Berkley, MI 48072
(248) 677-0795
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