A longtime family restaurant, two breweries and pasta business are among the businesses that closed in August or announced closing. Many of them cited a tough business climate as the reason. Others that are closing are rebranding or starting a new concept in the spot.
Brewery Faisan
After nearly seven years in business, Brewery Faisan, a microbrewery in Detroit's Islandview neighborhood, will close. Faisan's owner, Rachel Szlaga, said in a statement that she hopes to keep the brewery open through its seventh anniversary in late October. "The tanks are full of fresh beer, and we will be canning and kegging a few limited runs as we wind down operations," she said.
Faisan opened in 2019 on the corner of Beaufait and Lafayette. The brewery is known for its spaciousness
and hosting a Sunday run club, Thursday trivia nights, and additional pop-up events each month.
Brewery Faisan is open 4-10 p.m. Wednesday through Friday, noon to 10 p.m. Saturday and noon to 7 p.m. Sunday.
Cold Truth
Midtown's vegan soft serve shop announced on social media that it would close its doors on Monday, Aug. 31.
An announcement was shared via Instagram on July 30 informing customers and social media followers, and the closure came as a bit of a surprise. The post detailed that the space the shop has occupied for the last seven years was "being advertised to find a new tenant" and "then served a notice to vacate by August 31st …."
According to the post, the Cold Truth team had been operating without a lease agreement and paid a month-to-month fee for the past two years.
Cold Truth has two other locations, one in Ann Arbor and the other in Ferndale. It is one of only a few ice cream shops designed for those with non-dairy preferences.
Cold Truth, 4240 Cass Ave., Ste. 100, Detroit.
Cafe Prince
Cafe Prince's last day of service was Sunday, Aug. 30. The news about the closure was posted to Instagram on Aug. 18 and was later confirmed by owner and real estate developer Philip Kafka.
Cafe Prince opened its doors in February 2023 and served more than 2,800 guests a month in its three-year stint, according to the post. A new establishment will take over beginning Friday, Sept. 4.
The cafe maintained a commitment to a health-conscious menu, although it received criticism for the prices of its raw and organic items.
Cafe Prince, 4884 Grand River Ave., Unit 1A, Detroit.
Heights Brewing
After more than two years in business, this downtown Farmington establishment closed Aug. 2. In a July 23 Facebook post, its owners cited rising costs as the reason, including “loan payments that kept moving in the wrong direction, and a few challenges we never saw coming.” Height’s Brewing opened in February 2024 at 23621 Farmington Road.
Leon's Family Dining
The owner of Leon's Family Dining announced his retirement and the closure of the restaurant after 30 years in a social media post on Aug. 26.
Leon's is a downriver establishment located on Telegraph Road in Taylor and is known for its selection of Greek, Middle Eastern, Italian and American fare in addition to its daily fresh soup bar.
Owner Karim Alitawi bought the building 30 years ago; it was previously a Red Lobster. Following its closure on Sunday, Sept. 13, it will become a car wash.
Leon's Family Dining, 8787 Telegraph Rd., Taylor.
Mr. Rigatoni
A Redford spot for plenty of pasta, topped with choices of sauces, is closing in mid-September. The owners of Mr. Rigatoni posted in mid-August on Facebook that they faced rising food, labor and operating costs. According to the post, the goal was to bring "great Italian food, generous portions, fair prices, and a neighborhood place people could call their own." The owner thanked the restaurant's customers and for the "opportunity to become a small part of this community."
Mr. Rigatoni, 25907 5 Mile Rd., Redford; 313-740-7264. mrrigatoni.com
The Bowery
After nearly 30 years in business serving drinks, hosting celebrations and welcoming regulars in a spot on busy Ford Road in Canton, The Bowery Grille & Pub closed its doors for good.
“Tonight, after 27 years, we pour our final round at The Bowery,” owner Ron Ayyash wrote in a heartfelt Facebook post Aug. 5 announcing the restaurant’s final night in business.
Ayyash sold the property, located at 41275 Ford Road, to a developer who plans to demolish the building and replace it with a space that includes a Bayt al Mocha coffee shop on one side and an additional tenant on the other.
Stumblebum Beer Co.
After two years in business, the owner of Stumblebum Beer Co. announced the Troy brewery would close Sept. 1.
Owner Eli Green cited challenges facing the business that had become too big to overcome.
“It is with a very heavy heart that I must announce our closure,” Green wrote. “While I take great pride in what we were able to build — great beer, great atmosphere, and great connections to our community — the challenges have become insurmountable."
Stumblebum opened in June 2024.
Tru Pizza
In downtown Wyandotte on Biddle Avenue, Tru Pizza closed Aug. 30.
Tru Pizza, according to its website, served pizzas and other food free of gluten, dairy, soy, shellfish, nuts and corn. In a Facebook post, Tru Pizza said the closing is bittersweet.
"After an incredibly challenging, rewarding and eye-opening journey, I’ve made the decision to close TRU Pizza Co. Wyandotte and step away from the TRU franchise," the post reads.
As this door closes, another opportunity is coming with a new concept called "The Pizza Bar" in the same location.
According to its Instagram page, the Pizza Bar is expected to open in October. The Pizza Bar will offer pizza, cold beer, cocktails, weekly trivia, music bingo, pizza & beer nights, football watch parties, patio concerts and events. It will not be an allergen-free facility, but will offer dietary options.
The Pizza Bar, 3144 Biddle Avenue, Wyandotte.
Detroit Free Press staff contributed to this report.
Contact Detroit Free Press food and restaurant writer Susan Selasky and send food and restaurant news and tips to: sselasky@freepress.com. Follow her on X, formerly Twitter: @SusanMariecooks. 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: These 9 metro Detroit area spots are closing, 1 after 30 years
