By Layla McMurtrie on Fri, Aug 16, 2024 at 6:00 am
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 20 that have already said goodbye to us in 2024. Luckily, a few are only temporary.
300 River Place Dr., Detroit
Detroit’s swanky riverfront restaurant closed its doors for good in late June, with CFO Mark Tuttle blaming the closure on lower downtown office occupancy and other economic factors. The restaurant opened in June 1988 in the Stroh River Place complex, and in 2010, chef Jimmy Schmidt traded the Rattlesnake Club to the owner of the complex, the Stroh Cos. The spot was known for its regional, seasonal, and sustainably harvested dishes, as well as its patio with stunning views of the Detroit River.
29410 Northwestern Hwy., Southfield
In January, chef Luciano DelSignore announced the closure of his highly acclaimed restaurant after more than 20 years in business. DelSignore opened the restaurant in 2002 before going on to launch Bigalora Wood Fired Cucina in 2010 and Birmingham’s Casa Pernoi in 2019.
4884 Grand River Ave., Detroit
This beloved bagel shop has had an on-again, off-again, existence, recently closing once more after being sold to real estate developer Philip Kafka. Due to little communication about the quick sale alongside Kafka’s business reputation among some, more than half of the staff quit within a week. Then, he says he laid off the rest of the staff as the business could no longer operate with a smaller team. The closure seems to be temporary, but future plans for the Detroit Institute of Bagels have not yet been announced.
581 E. Jefferson Ave., Detroit
Open since 1997, this downtown staple known for its stacked deli sandwiches closed in March. The beloved spot posted the sad news on Facebook: “It’s been our honor to serve you, share stories over the counter, and be a part of this wonderful community. Thank you for everything — here’s to new beginnings and carrying forward the spirit of Nathan’s Deli in our hearts.”
407 E. Fort St., Detroit
Toledo-based pizza chain Pizza Cat came onto the Detroit food scene in 2022 with the opening of Pizza Cat Max in Greektown, known for its “weird” pizza toppings like Flamin’ Hot Cheetos, pickles, and chicken crust. But Pizza Cat Max, the only dine-in location for Pizza Cat complete with a bar, closed for good in early March. Co-owner Andre Robinson told Metro Times that Pizza Cat Max was just a concept store that “wasn’t meant to be forever,” declining to give a specific reason for the closure. Carryout Pizza Cat locations are still open in Oak Park, Madison Heights, and Westland.
2906 Cass Ave., Detroit
In May, this beloved LGBTQ+ dive bar closed due to structural damage after a portion of the building’s facade collapsed. The spot opened nearly a century ago in 1927 under the father of the current owner. Luckily, it seems that the bar will eventually reopen, but there’s no sign yet of when that will be.
644 Selden St., Detroit
Honestly, this building must be cursed. Third time was not the charm. Smith & Co. opened at 644 Selden Street in 2019, and closed in 2023. Then, Vigilante Kitchen opened in the same space, closing around a year later in April. This spot, run by the nonprofit Soil2Service, also closed quickly — seemingly with no explanation or announcement. Like its predecessors, Epiphany had a menu focused on putting a spin on American comfort food. While there is no report about why, it says it closed on Google and its website now directs to the Soil2Service website.
419 S. Main St., Royal Oak
Less than a year after opening in the former Jolly Pumpkin building, this spot closed in July. “Dear Friends, we have officially closed our doors,” a post on the bar and restaurant’s Facebook page stated. “Thank you for letting us be a part of the Royal Oak community. We will miss you!” President of Mission Restaurant Group, David Ritchie, blamed “current market conditions” for the closure. The group also operated Epiphany — Nain Rouge Kitchen.
511 S. Main St., Royal Oak
This neighborhood gathering place in downtown Royal Oak, known for its American fare and regular live music events, recently closed after eight years. Aaron F. Belen, owner of the Morrie and AFB Hospitality Group, is shifting his focus to his real estate development business. Fortunately, the building won’t be unused for long, as it is set to become the new home of modern Latin and sushi fusion restaurant Blind Owl, expected to open in September.
644 Selden St., Detroit
Before Epiphany — Nain Rouge Kitchen, this restaurant was opened by Aaron Cozadd in the same building in 2023. The spot, which served up Midwest flavors with Asian influence, focused on helping staff with recovery from addiction and providing a “Zen” work environment. Unfortunately, it only lasted less than a year, closing partially due to hiring and staff retention.
474 Peterboro St., Detroit
Beloved Detroit chef Maxcel Hardy passed away unexpectedly in March at age 40. Hardy was behind Caribbean-fusion restaurant Coop Detroit inside Detroit Shipping Co., which was permanently closed following his death.
8122 Kercheval Ave., Detroit
This Italian restaurant in Detroit’s West Village neighborhood launched by Carl Giordano shut its doors in May. An Instagram post, however, makes it seem that there is hope for the spot to reopen at another location in the future.
22115 Michigan Ave., Dearborn
After being open for decades, this make-your-own-stir fry spot closed in March. The restaurant took to Facebook to announce the news, stating: “We want to express our sincere gratitude for your loyal patronage and support over the years…Thank you again for your continued support.” Many other Michigan locations of BD’s have closed in recent years, with only three left in Canton, Sterling Heights, and Flint.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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