In the last few weeks, several restaurants around metro Detroit opened, closed and were on the move. Here are a few morsels of not to miss dining updates, including the opening of a restaurant that pays homage to a couple’s Romanian roots, a downtown nightclub and one sad closing of a special occasion spot.
From new restaurants to a move to bigger digs, these are the metro Detroit dining updates you won’t want to miss.
OpeningsBar Gabi
23839 John R in Hazel Park
Gabriel and Gabriela Botezan, owners of the new Bar Gabi in Hazel Park.
From Gabriel and Gabriela Botezman, Bar Gabi is in the space of the former Framebar and Frame restaurant in Hazel Park. The couple both hail from Romania. He’s a chef and she’s a pastry chef. Bar Gabi’s menu offerings aim to be a blend of the couple’s Romanian specialties and mainstays. From the couple’s stints at metro Detroit restaurants, there’s also a blend of Italian fare and American fare on the menu.
For information: bargabi.com.
Tony Cannoli Sweets and Eats
16075 West Road, Woodhaven
A sampling of sweets and pastries from Tony Cannoli Sweets & Eats in Woodhaven.
This downriver bakery moved two doors down from its original location, where it stood for several years. A popular bakery, owner Tony Cangialosi doubled the space and now serves pizza and sub sandwiches. Inside, behind glass cases, are cannoli made from a Cangialosi family recipe plus other baked goods, such as specialty cakes, cream puffs, cupcakes and macarons.
For information: tonycannolisweetsandeats.com.
Dolce V Cucina Italiana
16075 West Road, Woodhaven
Dolce V Cucina Italiana is set to open Oct. 16 in Woodhaven, MI.
In Woodhaven, this is one of the newest Italian spots downriver. Owned by Vince Cangialosi, brother to Tony Cangialosi whose Tony Cannoli Sweets and Eats is next door, Dolce V is open for dinner only. It’s from the same family and an iteration of sorts of the former Dolce Vita Ristorante in Riverview and the Dolce Vita Grill in Monroe.
For information: 734-818-3920.
Hot ‘n Now
1146 129th Avenue, Wayland
Hot ‘n Now burgers building is being built in Alpena to be assembled at its first location under new ownership in Wayland, Michigan, near Grand Rapids.
This once popular burger chain is making a comeback and its first new location is now open. Once known for its affordability and olive burgers, the chain is under new ownership that includes Gun Lake Investments. A drive-thru only location opened in Wayland, Michigan across from Gun Lake Casino.
For information: hot-n-now.com.
Ora Detroit
205 W. Congress St., Detroit
Ora Detroit is a new nightclub concept opening in downtown Detroit.
Ora Detroit is a new luxury nightlife destination that opened in a former bank building in Downtown’s financial district. The multi-level space is from local restaurateur Mario Camaj, owner of nearby Besa restaurant on Woodward in downtown Detroit, and Birmingham eateries Zana and Tallulah Wine Bar & Bistro, which received the 2023 Detroit Free Press’ Restaurant of the Year Classic designation. Ora Detroit touts its 17-by-8 foot LED screen for sports and entertainment plus live entertainment, elevated hospitality and culinary offerings.
For information: 313-462-8100.
Red & The Wolf
110 E. 14 Mile Road, Clawson
From chef Aaron Cozadd and his wife, Heaven, Red & The Wolf quietly opened in the former Zeoli’s building on 14 Mile in Clawson. There’s a lunch and dinner menu featuring salads, soups, smash burgers, bao offerings and appetizers of smoked wings and entrees of pasta, confit salmon and Peruvian chicken. Cozadd has been looking for space since his Vigilanti Kitchen’s original location in midtown Detroit shuttered. Vigilante Kitchen and Bar landed as No. 7 on the Detroit Free Press/Metro Detroit Chevy Dealers Top 10 New Restaurants & Dining Experiences list and Cozadd was named the 2024 Chef of the Year.
For information: 248-439-9653.
Spitiko Greek Taverna
561 Monroe St., Detroit
Now open on Monroe street in Greektown is Spitiko Greek Taverna. In the heart of Greektown, you will find traditional Greek fare from saganaki to appetizers of grape leaves and spinach pie. Its main menu features traditional lemon chicken and rice soup, a village salad plus other salads, and plenty of lamb and gyro meat options.
For information: spitikogreektaverna.com.
St. Roger Abbey Organic French Gourmet Patisserie
215 N. Old Woodward, Birmingham
St. Roger Abbey, a new bakery and cafe in downtown Birmingham, is operated by nuns.
This new baked goods shop operated by nuns is now open in downtown Birmingham. St. Roger Abbey specializes in French pastries and other baked goods. Its croissants, breads, quiches, cakes, macarons and other offerings are made with organic ingredients. Proceeds from the bakery support the nuns’ mission of helping those in need.
For information: birmingham.strogerabbey.org.
ClosingsCastalia at Sfumato
This fragrance spot by day and cocktail bar at night known for its unique pairings with fragrances, announced its closing after 8 years in midtown Detroit. Castalia’s last service will “come to close on New Year’s Eve” according to a Facebook post. Castalia’s cocktails are focused on the harmony of flavor along with the natural fragrances from Sfumato, according to its website. Its owners said they wanted to close while on top and not because of a downturn in business.
Castalia at Sfumato, within an old Victorian home on Second Avenue, announced in a Facebook post on Oct. 27 it would “come to close on New Year’s Eve.”
Coeur
In downtown Ferndale, Coeur shocked metro Detroit’s restaurant scene (and myself) with its closing announcement. On 9 Mile in Ferndale occupying the former Assaggi Bistro, Coeur’s last day of service was Oct. 19. On Facebook and Instagram posts, the owners cited the current “economic climate” for its closure, calling it “less than ideal.” Coeur, French for “heart,” was rooted in French-inspired traditions and opened in 2023 in the former Assaggi Bistro with not only food as the focal point, but also dazzling and deftly curated desserts and a wine program.
Mille-Feuille is a puff pastry with cinnamon apple and caramel now served at Coeur restaurant in Ferndale, Mich. on Friday, Feb. 9, 2024.
Frank’s Family Pizzeria
Frank’s Family Pizzeria in Wyandotte is closing.
This downtown Wyandotte pizza place has been a mainstay for decades. A new concept is headed for the space, according to its closing announcement. The owners called Frank’s closure “bittersweet” while extending their “deepest gratitude to each and every one of you who has supported us over the years.” Frank’s had been around since 1952 and was bought a few years ago by brothers Brandon and Zane Hunt, along with Josh Cade. Earlier this year, Cade bought the brothers out and also owns the building.
Panera Bread
In the Renaissance Center, this permanent closure was Panera Bread’s only Detroit location. Panera Bread was on the ground floor of the Wintergarden atrium and the Atwater side of the RenCen. With General Motors leaving the RenCen for the new Hudson’s Detroit buildings on Woodward, restaurants and other businesses inside the complex have announced closures or are expected to close including Andiamo.
Coming up and on the moveAndiamo Italian Chophouse
A concept from the Joe Vicari Restaurant Group, owner of the Andiamo group of restaurants and others, is set to anchor the JW Marriott Detroit at the former Joe Louis Arena site. Andiamo Italian Chophouse fine dining restaurant will have views of the riverfront from a local restaurant group and set to anchor the new Water Square 25-story glass building hotel project downtown on the former Joe Louis Arena site.
Hudson’s Detroit
A new restaurant has been announced for the Hudson’s Detroit skyscraper on Woodward Avenue and is from Danny Meyer, Shake Shack founder and acclaimed restaurateur. It’s the first Detroit project for Meyer, who founded Union Square Hospitality Group which includes famed New York’s restaurants Gramercy Tavern and The Modern. Few details of the impending restaurant were shared other than a 2026 opening is expected. Coming Nov. 6 to the Hudson’s Detroit site and parked along Nick Gilbert way, is Un Deux Trios, a French café food truck from the team bar Café Sous Terre. Un Deux Trios will offer coffee beverages and pastries.
Hunter House Hamburgers
A rendering of the new location for Hunter House Hamburgers in Birmingham.
On Woodward in Birmingham for decades, Hunter House Hamburgers is moving to a new location. The property that the beloved and iconic tiny white tiled building burger joint stood on for more than 70 years has been in dispute for years. Owners of the beloved slider spot announced they are staying in Birmingham and will set up restaurant operations in the former KFC at 33900 Woodward Ave., between Lincoln and Adams streets.
Hunter House Hamburgers, famous for its sliders, will move to a new location in Birmingham.
Marrow in the Market
Marrow in the Market, a new meat processing facility, butcher shop and restaurant in Eastern Market will open Nov. 13.
This new meat processing facility with a butcher shop and restaurant plans to open Nov. 13 to the public. A highly anticipated opening, Marrow in the Market welcomes craft meats, butchery and cuisine under one roof of a historic building. The 14,000 square-feet space spans two levels and also has private event space. Behind opening and operating the facility is restaurateur Ping Ho’s Marrow Hospitality Group, also owner the Royce, a downtown Detroit wine bar; Marrow, the award-winning restaurant and neighborhood butchery shop in Detroit’s West Village, and Marrow Birmingham, on Hamilton Row in Birmingham. She is also a co-founder of the Mink in Corktown.
Toastique
Toastique, a nationwide gourmet toast and juice concept spot is opening its first Michigan location in Ann Arbor.
A gourmet toast and juice concept with a menu of other health-focused options is set to open Nov. 8 in downtown Detroit near Campus Martius. Toastique is a fast-casual restaurant, also offering smoothies and a coffee bar, is expanding in the Midwest and Detroit marks its second southeast Michigan location. Its first Michigan location opened August 2024 in Ann Arbor at 200 E. Washington St.
Contact Detroit Free Press food and restaurant writer Susan Selasky and send food and restaurant news and tips to: sselasky@freepress.com. Become a subscriber. Follow @SusanMariecooks on Instagram and X, formerly known as Twitter. Subscribe to the Eat Drink Freep newsletter for insider scoops on food and dining in metro Detroit.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Metro Detroit restaurant openings, closings, updates not to miss
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