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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Instagram, @dibbagels

Detroit Institute of Bagels

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.

Facebook, Noah's Deli

Noah's Deli

14500 Michigan Ave., Dearborn

This beloved Dearborn deli, known for its soups and sandwiches, permanently closed in early September. The business took to Facebook to share that a new owner bought the space, and will turn it into something of his own.

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Jim West / Alamy Stock Photo

Rattlesnake Club

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.

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Tom Perkins

Hanah Steakhouse

607 Shelby St., Detroit

This downtown Detroit steakhouse closed in August. The family-owned business was 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.

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Courtesy photo

Bacco Ristorante

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.

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Instagram, Bobcat Bonnie's

Bobcat Bonnie's Partridge Creek

17330 Hall Rd., Clinton Township

Beloved for their brunch menu, Bobcat Bonnie's is known for crafting inventive gastropub cuisine and serving it up in a fun, eclectic environment. Their Partridge Creek location closed earlier this year after four years.

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Facebook, Nathan's Deli

Nathan’s Deli

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.”

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Photo via Instagram, Maru Sushi

Maru Sushi

160 W. Fort St., Detroit

This sushi restaurant closed its doors in September after seven years

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Tom Perkins

Pizza Cat Max

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.

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Mason Sultana

Temple Bar

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.

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Facebook, Black Rock Bar & Grill - Utica

Black Rock Bar & Grill Woodhaven

22753 Allen Rd., Woodhaven

This restaurant is known for allowing customers to cook their own steak on a steaming hot black rock. There are many locations in metro Detroit, but the Woodhaven one closed earlier this year.

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Steve Neavling

Epiphany – Nain Rouge Kitchen

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.

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Courtesy of Bandit Tavern & Hideaway

Bandit Tavern & Hideaway

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.

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Photo by Vaughn Gurganian

The Morrie

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.

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Google Maps

Tic Tok Restaurant

3636 Caniff

Just opened in 2023, this spot didn't last long

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Steve Neavling

Vigilante Kitchen

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.

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Facebook, COOP Detroit

COOP

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.

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Facebook, City Ramen

City Ramen

321 S. Main St., Royal Oak

This noodle destination announced its closure on Facebook on Aug. 26, with no reason.

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Tom Perkins

Mumma Maria’s House

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.

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Facebook, bd's Mongolian Grill

BD’s Mongolian Grill (Dearborn)

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.

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