Metro Detroit Restaurants and Bars Temporarily Close Amid Novel Coronavirus Outbreak

States across the U.S. moved rapidly this week to try to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus outbreak. Michigan saw its cases grow from just two on March 10 to 12 confirmed cases by March 13. Governor Gretchen Whitmer has called for citizens to be extra vigilant with handwashing and to avoid large gatherings of more than 100 people. On the evening of March 12, schools across the state were ordered to close through April 5. The state is currently making arrangements to ensure that students who rely on meal programs still receive the food they need.

While the measures being taken are necessary to help protect vulnerable populations at increased risk from the virus, the actions are already taking a toll on the food industry, which has experienced a flood of catering and events cancellations over the past few weeks. Some are increasing the frequency of their already fastidious cleaning regimens and others are adjusting their formats to serve customers carryout or delivery-only. A few are making the difficult decision to shut down operations entirely — a significant measure that will impact not only the businesses but the livelihoods of hourly employees and tipped workers.

Below, Eater is keeping track of the temporary closures connected to the novel coronavirus outbreak. Please reach out at detroit@eater.com if you have information regarding the impact of the virus on a business or would like to be added to this list.

Temporary Closings:

• Chen’s Noodle (Madison Heights): This Chinese restaurant on John R. Road is closed through March 26, according to a recording on Chen’s answering machine.
• Marble Bar (Detroit): This bar and nightclub is closed until further notice in an effort to reduce exposure to the virus.
• Mabel Gray (Hazel Park): Mabel Gray is closed for two weeks starting March 15.
• Lady of the House (Detroit): Closed effective immediately. The restaurant has pledge to pay employees through the remainder of the week and feed them for the next two weeks. “We will be paying both employee and employer health insurance contributions for all active employees who are currently enrolled in our program for up to two months.” Staff will also have access to free mental health services.
• Brome Modern Eatery (Detroit location only): The Detroit location of Brome Modern Eatery is closed until further notice. The dining room at the Dearborn location is closed but the kitchen remains open for carryout and delivery.
• Founders Brewing Company (Detroit and Grand Rapids): Founders will close both of its Michigan taprooms from Friday, March 13 at 5 p.m. until April 5. Brewing operations will continue and staff will be paid during the closing.
• Dixie Moon Saloon (Royal Oak): Dixie Moon Saloon closed on March 13 “until further notice.”
• Checker Bar (Detroit): The owners of Checker Bar, Grand Trunk Pub, and the Whiskey Parlor responded to a steep “decline in sales” due to the novel coronavirus by closing all three businesses on March 14.
• Grand Trunk Pub (Detroit)
• The Whiskey Parlor (Detroit
• Essen on Main (Royal Oak): The German and French restaurant closed March 14 due to a “severe decline” in business.
• Detroit Zen Center/Living Zen Organics (Hamtramck): Detroit Zen Center shut down all operations through April 11 including meditation classes and production of its Living Zen Organics line of products.
• Literati Coffee (Ann Arbor): The cafe is closed but is accepting donations for staff at its online shop.
• The Film Lab (Hamtramck): The bar and microcinema is closed until further notice.
• Cairo Coffee (Detroit): The cafe in Eastern Market closed indefinitely on March 14.
• Detroit City FC Fieldhouse (Detroit): This location is closed through March 22.
• Bumbo’s (Hamtramck): The bar is closed indefinitely.
• Detroit Institute of Bagels (Detroit): The shop is closed until further notice and will reevaluate on March 23.
• Street Beet (Detroit): The vegan restaurant is closed.
• The Keep (Detroit): The bar is closed indefinitely.
• Mudgie’s Deli (Detroit): The restaurant is closed effective March 15.
• Revolver (Hamtramck): The pop-up venue will close beginning March 16 through April 18.
• Savant (Detroit): Closed effective immediately with curbside pick-up beginning on March 23.

Limited Closures:

Some restaurants are closing for specific dates in an effort to reevaluate service. They’re listed below.

• Marrow (Detroit): The restaurant will close from March 16 through March 19.
• Goblin Sushi (Clinton Township): Closed March 14 through March 16.
• Germack Coffee (Detroit): Closed Mach 14 with plans to return the following week.

• All Closings Coverage [ED]
• All Coronavirus Coverage [ED]