In 2024, several beloved bars and restaurants in Metro Detroit closed their doors, marking the end of an era for many local dining spots. From long-established eateries to newer favorites, these closures reflect the challenges businesses face in the ever-changing hospitality industry.

Whether due to financial struggles, shifting consumer preferences, or other unforeseen circumstances, each of these establishments played a unique role in shaping Detroit’s vibrant food and drink scene. As the city continues to evolve, these closures leave behind memories of good food, great drinks, and even better company.

Here’s a look at seven notable Metro Detroit bars and restaurants that closed their doors in 2024.

1. The Rattlesnake Club – Detroit

The Rattlesnake Club, a restaurant open for 36 years in Detroit, closed in June.

According to the restaurant, the business struggled during the Covid pandemic and never fully recovered, leading to the decision to close.

“Changing patterns in dining habits, office occupancy and traffic have negatively impacted revenues since the Covid pandemic,” said Mark Tuttle, the vice president and chief financial officer of the restaurant. “Private events, which had always been a pillar of the business, have not recovered.”

“It’s an example of the state of the industry at the moment,” said Emily Daunt with the Michigan Restaurant and Lodging Association. “Michigan’s restaurant industry is really in a more precarious position.”

2. Bobcat Bonnie’s – Ypsilanti, Partridge Creek

Local restaurant chain Bobcat Bonnie’s closed two locations this year. The Partridge Creek restaurant closed in August, while Ypsilanti closed in October. When the Ypsilanti location closed, Keystone, an arcade in the basement of the restaurant, also closed.

The closures come as the business works to shrink its footprint and focus more on the restaurants that remain open. 

All other Bobcat locations are still open.

3. Pizza Cat – Detroit, Westland

Ohio-based chain Pizza Cat first opened in Michigan in 2022 when Pizza Cat Max moved into the former Ready Player One spot in Detroit.

The chain went on to open several carryout-only Pizza Cats in suburbs, including Westland. 

Pizza Cat Max closed in March, while Pizza Cat Westland closed in December.

There is now a Pizza Cat Max in Ann Arbor, along with carryout locations in Madison Heights and Oak Park.

The Detroit Pizza Cat Max location will close after this weekend, the restaurant chain announced Friday. The pizza restaurant near Greektown took over the former Ready Player One spot in 2022.

4. BD’s Mongolian Grill – Dearborn

The BD’s Mongolian Grill in Dearborn closed abruptly in March.

BD’s opened the Dearborn location in 1998, followed by several dozen restaurants around the country. The only remaining Michigan locations include Sterling Heights, Flint, and Canton.The BD’s Mongolian Grill in Dearborn closed abruptly this week.

5. Capri Pizza – Southfield

After more than six decades of serving up pizzas, Southfield’s Capri Pizza closed in early June.

A reason for the closure was not shared. New owners took over the pizza shop in April 2021.

After the closure was revealed in a Facebook post, fans recalled memories of working at the pizza shop when they were younger and eating Capri’s food for years.

6. The Morrie – Royal Oak

Another restaurant on Royal Oak’s Main Street also closed for good this year. 

The Morrie shuttered over the summer as the building owner shifted his focus. 

The spot wasn’t empty for long. Blind Owl, a restaurant with a location in New Baltimore, opened shortly after the closure, bringing its international fusion dishes to Royal Oak.

Blind Owl, a New Baltimore-based international fusion restaurant, plans to expand to Royal Oak as The Morrie closes.

7. Arctic Circle Brewing Co. – Chesterfield

This Chesterfield brewery closed just before Christmas.

News of the closure was shared in early November, with the business citing financial struggles and a drop in patronage as reasons for closing.

Though Arctic Circle did not sell its food, the brewery regularly hosted food trucks that would dish out lunch and dinner.

Three years after opening, Chesterfield Township’s Arctic Circle Brewing Co. is closing next month.

Conclusion

The closures of these seven Metro Detroit establishments in 2024 reflect the ongoing challenges faced by the hospitality industry. Whether due to financial struggles, changing consumer habits, or shifting market demands, these closures leave a lasting impact on the local dining scene.