French-Influenced Royal Oak Restaurant Bistro 82 Closes in January

Stylish French-influenced restaurant Bistro 82 is saying its goodbyes this month in downtown Royal Oak. The establishment operated by AFB Hospitality Group is set to close its doors and transition into a private events space on Saturday, January 25, just shy of its six-year anniversary.

AFB operator Aaron Belen confirmed the impending closure in an emailed statement, noting that the second floor lounge and nightclub, SCL, will remain open on weekends. “While the decision to close Bistro was difficult, it was well-contemplated, measured and the right move at the right time for AFB Hospitality Group,” Belen writes. “With the success of the Morrie restaurants in both Royal Oak and Birmingham, it made sense for our team to focus on expanding that concept, with plans for additional locations in the works.” Customers with credit to Bistro 82 are advised to use their gift cards between now and January 25.

Bistro 82 opened in February 2014 and was extremely well-received. In 2014, the restaurant snagged Eater Detroit’s award for design of the year. Sylvia Rector then named Bistro 82 to the number 2 best new restaurant on the Detroit Free Press’s annual top 10 list in 2015. In 2017, Hour Detroit named Bistro 82 its restaurant of the year.

• All Bistro 82 Coverage [ED]
• All Closings Coverage [ED]