"Papa Joe" Zainea has worked at the Majestic entertainment complex his entire life. His father bought the Garden Bowl 58 years ago, and Zainea began working there in his teens. In those many years, he’s watched Detroit flourish, burn out, then return to life again. He’s now preparing for retirement and will soon turn the business over to his sons.
“The best thing about Detroit is the great comeback of the city. Lost life — dining, art, theater and music from rock to the DSO — has returned, and this was all caused by the younger generation’s quest for what they call new, and I call old.
“I’ve stayed here because of the vibrancy of the city. With a bunch of old farts in the suburbs, there’s nothing exciting."
Back to main index of Best of Detroit — A character study Send comments to [email protected]
