Detroit Food Writers Predict the Headlines For 2017

As is tradition at Eater, we close out the year by surveying local food writers and our own staff on various restaurant-related topics, and we've been publishing their responses throughout the week. Readers, feel free to share your thoughts below. Final question: What are your headline predictions for 2017? (Here’s how participants responded last year.)

Aaron Foley, Editor, BLAC Magazine:

“Maybe IHOPplebee’s isn’t so bad after all.”

Serena Maria Daniels, Dining Editor, Metro Times:

We’ll see more tech services such as Uber Eats, Postmates, and Seamless come to Detroit.

Also, because a huge influx of Syrian refugees is expected in Michigan, hopefully we will start to see that reflected in our already diverse Middle Eastern eateries.

Dorothy Hernandez, Managing Editor, Hour Detroit (co-owner of Sarap Detroit):

“Detroit pop-ups offer more diversity in the city’s dining scene”

“Restaurant boom spurs shortage in Edison lightbulbs, subway tile, mason jars, and chalkboards”

Melody Baetens, Features Reporter and Bar/Restaurant Columnist, Detroit News:

I’m worried that more places are going to close within a year of opening because of oversaturation, or overconfident restaurateurs. There are far more places opening than closing. Will this year be the year that there are more than enough? Also, in 2017 the word “sustainable” will replace “farm-to-table” or “locally-sourced.”

John Reyes, Ann Arbor Contributor, Eater Detroit:

“Global Quinoa Shortage Forces Restaurants to Use House-made Pork Rinds.” (PLEASE let that be a thing)

Lexi Trimpe, Food Writer, Freelance/Hour Detroit:

“Chef Kate Williams puts female chefs back on the map in Detroit.” (fingers crossed!)

Kat Rembacki, Editor, Core Detroit:

“Detroit to Get the World’s First Combination Cracker Barrel/Denny’s”

“Chef Brion Wong tapped for James Beard Award’s Rising Star Chef of the Year”

Mark Kurlyandchik, Restaurant Critic, Detroit Free Press:

"Prominent (insert first-tier city here)-based restaurant group announces Detroit concept"

"Downtown restaurant explosion seeps into neighborhoods"

"Record number of local chefs among James Beard Award nominees"

"Have you had enough sushi yet?"

Seoung Lee, Social Media Influencer, Chow Down Detroit:

“UberEats finally comes to Detroit and it certifies Detroit as a cool city.”

Nick Britsky, Cocktail Expert, Freelance:

“Skilled hospitality staff in short supply in Metro Detroit”

“Fresh ingredients now the norm in cocktails”

“New restaurant every week is not sustainable”

Brenna Houck, Editor, Eater Detroit:

“Detroit’s Shake Shack Dishes Up Sister Pie Concretes”

“[Insert Detroit Chef Here] Finally Wins James Beard Award”

“2017 Brings New Wave of Detroit Breweries (With Great Food)”

• All Year in Eater Coverage [ED]