Bobcat Bonnie’s Trades Up in Ferndale With a Location on Nine Mile

Bobcat Bonnie’s Ferndale outpost isn’t even open yet and it has already relocated to a new address. The Corktown-based gastropub’s third restaurant was destined for the former Glo Nightclub property at 22061 Woodward Ave., but is now poised to take over Zeke’s Rock and Roll BBQ’s downtown space on Nine Mile.

Bobcat Bonnie’s owner Matthew Buskard confirmed the change of address to the Detroit News. Zeke’s is set to serve its last plate of barbecue on Wednesday, September 12. According to a tipster, staff at the three-year-old restaurant were informed of the closure last Wednesday with rumors that a new restaurant already lined up for the space.

Buskard tells Eater that shortly after announcing his plan to open a third Bonnie’s on Woodward Avenue in Ferndale, the deal with the owner of the Glo Nightclub property fell through. He then learned about the opportunity at Zeke’s. Although the 240 W 9 Mile Rd. space is about half the capacity of the Glo building, Buskard says that the roughly 100-seat Zeke’s space will require less time and money for renovations along with having a more central downtown Ferndale location.

The Bonnie’s team plans to do some quick remodeling including new paint, updated lighting, and new signage in time for a mid-October opening. Down the road, the restaurant will also get a spruced up enclosed patio. Buskard says that Bonnie’s is also making an effort to retain the staff from Zeke’s and will offer training at his two other restaurants in Detroit and Wyandotte while the Ferndale restaurant is under renovation.

The Ferndale restaurant is expected to offer a nearly identical menu to its sibling locations with options like Captain Crunch chicken fingers, loaded tater tots, and burgers. Bobcat is also a favorite spot for its brunch, which features a build-your-own bloody mary and mimosa bar. It will also stay open late to suit Ferndale’s downtown nightlife scene. Stay tuned for updates as the project moves forward.

• Zeke’s in Ferndale to Close Wednesday, Bobcat Bonnie’s Is Moving In [Detroit News]
• Smoked Meat Hangout Zeke’s R&R BBQ Prepares to Close in Ferndale [ED]
• Bobcat Bonnie’s Is Bringing Captain Crunch Chicken Fingers to Ferndale [ED]
• All Bobcat Bonnie’s Coverage [ED]
• All Expansions Coverage [ED]