The Lark May Take Flight Again Under New Ownership

After 35 years of business, West Bloomfield Township's celebrated restaurant The Lark will serve its farewell feast tonight. However, the eatery may find new life under different ownership. Crain's reports that several potential buyers have come out of the woodwork — some interested in purchasing the name and others who would transform the property into something new. Adrian Lark, general manager and daughter of the owner's Jim and Mary Lark, says she expects the restaurant could sell by January. "We're hoping to sell it to someone who loves it as much as we do and will keep the same quality," she adds.

The 84-year-old Jim Lark announced the closure in September, stating simply that he's "not immortal and it's time to relax." During its run, the French eatery received national attention and accolades from Conde Nast Traveler, Gourmet Magazine, Hour Detroit.

Purchasing beloved restaurants and transforming them into something new isn't unusual. In 2014, restaurateur Zack Sklar acquired Beau Jack's in Bloomfield and transformed it into the sleeker, modernized iteration Beau's. Then, earlier this year, Samy Eid of Phoenicia purchased a managing stake in Forest Grill after chef Brian Polcyn announced he was leaving the business. Eid retained chef Nick Janutol, renovated, and shortened the restaurant's name to Forest, reflecting a new era.