History enriches character. So let’s take a moment to look back at the history of Tony’s Sports Bar and our location at 23500 Woodward Avenue.

In 1800, an Indian Trail ran north from Fort Detroit made of wood planks. The trail became known as “WOOD” ward. By 1820 taverns sprouted growth along the trail and DUCK INN was established at our location. They specialized in rotisserie duck prepared in the front entry hearth. 

After WWI the automobile industry and Ford Motor Company set up shop nearby and a village known for its variety of “Ferns” was established as Ferndale in 1918 and later established a city in 1927.

By 1940 Woodward was the first road to be paved in the United States and the first manned traffic signal, “The Crows Nest” was set up at Woodward and Nine Mile Rd directing people to 23500 Woodward sold and re-named HOSMER’S LOUNGE. 

A revitalized downtown Ferndale created business opportunities for privately owned and operated establishments and in 1992, TONY’S SPORTS BAR brought a new genre to the area now on M-I a Michigan Heritage Route and National Scenic Byway, “A road to the heart and soul of America.” MDOT Today.