In the past three years, restaurants around the country have had to change and adapt constantly due to the pandemic. This month especially, we saw some interesting real estate storylines emerge as establishments announced changes or closings. Here are a few of the prominent Detroit restaurants that made news this month.

January started with Avalon Bakery announcing the closing of their flagship Midtown shop after 25 years in business. Owner Jackie Victor writes to customers, "This new economy demands collaborations, partnerships, increased efficiency, a reduced carbon footprint and shared resources. The economy has shifted and now, so must we.” They're not moving far; on February 14, they're opening a smaller shop inside Jolly Pumpkin on Canfield, which should benefit both businesses. Avalon will also sell their 50,000-square-foot bakehouse on Bellevue. The bakery still has locations downtown, in Royal Oak and Ann Arbor, and in the Rivertown Meijer store. Detroit News

Another move is on the way as the popular pizza spot Michigan & Trumbull announced last week that they are looking for a new location because their rent has gotten too high. They had tried to negotiate the lease at their current location on Elizabeth Street --very close to the intersection of Michigan and Trumbull -- but are now looking to move by July 2023. The pizza shop opened just before the pandemic, and became a popular carry-out option. Where will they land? Let's hope they can stay close to their home in Corktown. Eater Detroit
 

Saying goodbye...

  • Last week, Stache International, in Eastern Market announced that they had sold to new ownership. The eclectic bar and restaurant opened in 2016. No word on what that might look like or when/how it will reopen. 
  • Also last week, Wahlburger's announced it was closing its Greektown location. The burger spot opened in 2016 with an appearance by Mark Wahlberg. Additional locations have opened and closed in Michigan, with the newer Grand Rapids location still open. Detroit Free Press
  • Calexico Detroit has also quietly closed its doors and taken down its sign. Our friends at Daily Detroit reported it first.

And now for some better news:

  • Red Hook Coffee has reopened their Rivertown location after a car drove through their store last summer.
  • Just north of Detroit, a new tiki-inspired bar has opened in Hazel Park. Eastern Palace Club is calling itself "Key West's northernmost point."