Zack’s Hotdogs in Warren to Shutter as Owner Pursues New Restaurant Venture

After receiving a rave review by The Detroit News back in 2013, Warren-based restaurant Zack's Hotdogs will shutter on February 1, owner Gus Malliaras informed his staff this week. Malliaras opened Zack's at the age of 22 and says it's time for him to take the next step in his career by opening a new restaurant this spring.

Dear Friends,

It is with a very heavy heart that I must announce that as of February 1st, 2015 Zack's Hot Dogs will be closing its doors permanently.

The decision to opt out of my lease renewal was a very difficult decision to make, but it's one that I've been considering for the past year as other opportunities have come my way. In November of 2013, I purchased a building with the intent of making that the home of my next restaurant, not knowing exactly when I would bring it to life. The expiration of my current lease term has turned out to be the perfect timing to take this next step in my career.

I am forever grateful to all of you that have supported me over the last 8 years. I opened Zack's at the age of 22, and every single day since has been an adventure. In that time we've sold over 1,000,000 hotdogs, 320,000 burgers and nearly 550,000 lbs of fries to roughly 766,000 customers. I'm proud to say that your support over those years has given Zack's the ability to donate nearly $280,000 to various local charities. I'm honored that hundreds, if not thousands of you became regular customers and better yet, friends. Seeing and getting to know you on a daily basis is honestly one of the best parts of being in this business. Even though it took me a while to learn most of your names, I rarely forgot a face! I've also had the pleasure of employing some really great people as well. Most came to me as 17-18-year-old kids and I'm very proud of the people that they've become, and I know that they have great futures ahead of them.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you so much for supporting me for so many years. You have made me fall in love with this business, and I hope that you'll be a part of my next chapter. If you haven't done so already, please click below to join my mailing list so that I can keep you up to date on the planned opening of my next restaurant this spring.

With love and gratitude,

Gus Malliaras