These Detroit-area eateries have closed in 2024

By Layla McMurtrie on Fri, Oct 11, 2024 at 12:20 pm

Watching a beloved local restaurant close its doors is always heartbreaking, whether it’s been a neighborhood staple for decades or just a short time. Some of these closures stem from low sales, retirements, or even scandals, while others remain a mystery.

In 2023, Detroit sadly saw many cherished eateries shut down.

Here are too many that have already said goodbye to us in 2024.

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The Gathering Coffee Co./Instagram

The Gathering Coffee Co.

2831 E. Grand Blvd., Detroit

This Detroit coffee shop had its last day on Sept. 8. An Instagram post from early June explaining the decision stated “unexpected life circumstances” and “plan b and c falling through” as reasons for the closure. At least the community had a few months to mentally prepare. Sepia Coffee Project has already took over the space.

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Facebook, Bunny Bunny

Bunny Bunny

1454 Gratiot Ave., Detroit; instagram.com/bunnybunny_detroit

This fusion restaurant first announced it was closing in September 2022, but it didn’t happen. Then, in late May, the owners announced on Instagram that it would be closing again, “permanently this time.” Luckily, the eatery still does frequent pop-ups at different locations around the city.

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Tom Perkins

Hanah Steakhouse

607 Shelby St., Detroit

This Asian fusion restaurant that opened in 2022 closed in August. The restaurant posted on Facebook that it's for sale. The spot is owned by brothers Peter and Christopher Han, who also operate Osaka Japanese Steakhouse in Clawson and Shelby Township, and another recently opened Asian fusion concept, Nuevo Seoul in downtown Detroit. No reason was given about the sale of Hanah.

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Google Maps

UFO Factory

2110 Trumbull St., Detroit

This popular rock ’n’ roll venue and bar announced it was closing in June, along with its gourmet hot dog restaurant Laika Dog. Luckily, Spot Lite owner Roula David purchased UFO Factory, and is now reopening the space under the name UFO Bar. The venue will mostly remain the same, with some new additions. While Laika Dog will unfortunately not return, resident Spot Lite food truck Gladys Nite will serve up vegan hot dogs instead.

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Kevin Barranco

The Fourth Wall

15421 Mack Ave., Detroit

In 2023, beloved tiki bar Lost River shut its doors and in late November, this film-focused wine bar opened in its place. Sadly, the space next to Fourth Wall caught fire just after the new year which caused damage to the wine bar. An Instagram post said it would take a few months to get the building back to normal, but the spot still hasn’t reopened. We’re still hoping.

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Lee DeVito

Pop’s Hani Shop

32538 Woodward Ave., Royal Oak

After only around a year open, this Hani sandwich shop from the owners of National Coney Island closed in June. Apparently, the closure came after a dispute with the building’s landlord.

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Joe Vaughn

Framebar & Frame

23839 John R Rd., Hazel Park

After opening Framebar in fall 2021, owners Joe and Cari Vaughn turned the space into a restaurant incubator, hoping to help aspiring restaurateurs understand the costs of operating without the financial risks of launching a full-scale restaurant. However, some chefs who held residencies at Framebar found that the 60-40 profit split left them with little profits after covering labor and food expenses. Following several local chefs expressing outrage over Framebar’s business practices, the establishment closed in June. The ownership confirmed the closure with Eater Detroit, stating that “a new chef concept will be taking over the space.” The property also includes Frame, a larger communal dining area for ticketed events.

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Facebook, Chicken Guy

Chicken Guy

30130 Plymouth Rd., Livonia

Just around a year after opening, the first Michigan location of Guy Fieri’s chicken chain closed in June. The only Chicken Guy location in Michigan now is at Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort in Mount Pleasant. The Livonia spot was run by Tomey Group, who stated that the closure was due to “unforeseen circumstances” beyond their control.

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