April 2025 Restaurant News: What's New in Metro Detroit Dining

April 2025 has been a whirlwind for Metro Detroit food lovers – a month of exciting new openings, big comebacks, and a few heartfelt farewells. In true Detroit fashion, the dining scene is buzzing from Ferndale to Corktown to Core City with fresh flavors and familiar faces. As a local real estate professional (and lifelong foodie), I know how much restaurants shape our neighborhoods and bring together families and savvy locals alike. So grab a seat and let’s dig into this month’s Metro Detroit dining news, served with a warm, conversational twist and plenty of hometown heart.

Grey Ghost Detroit, Facebook

Fresh Bites: New Restaurants and Eateries on the Rise

Metro Detroit’s culinary landscape is blossoming this spring with new spots that blend creativity and community. Here are some of the latest openings and upcoming eateries making headlines and tempting taste buds:

Little Ghost: Grey Ghost’s Casual Offshoot in Ferndale

A “Little” piece of Grey Ghost is coming to Ferndale. Popular Detroit restaurant Grey Ghost is launching a fast-casual sister location called Little Ghost on Woodward Avenue in Ferndale, aiming to open by summer. Housed in a petite 1,000-square-foot former insurance office, Little Ghost will serve an abbreviated version of Grey Ghost’s hit menu, including their cult-favorite burger, crispy chicken sandwich, and signature sides. The concept is largely carry-out and catering-focused, with a playful interior design (picture pink tiles and wood panels for a modern diner vibe). Co-owner Chef Joe Giacomino says they’re “thrilled to offer [the Grey Ghost burger] in a playful new way in Oakland County”. Ferndale’s food scene has been heating up, and Little Ghost is poised to become a go-to for locals craving gourmet flavors without the formality. Even better, Grey Ghost’s team hints that this Ferndale outpost is just the first of several “Little Ghosts” they hope to sprinkle around Metro Detroit – great news for burger fans in the ’burbs!

Rose’s Fine Food & Wine: East Side Diner Revival

Detroit’s east side is getting a beloved diner back. Rose’s Fine Food & Wine, an iconic cozy eatery known for its scratch-made fare, is returning after a two-year slumber. Owner Molly Mitchell decided to revive Rose’s in its original spot on E. Jefferson Ave., with a planned reopening in late May. Regulars can rejoice – “the nationally acclaimed diner will return with fluffy pancakes by day and pop-ups at night”. In the morning, expect those famous fluffy stacks of pancakes and diner classics that earned Rose’s a devoted following. Come evening, Mitchell plans to host creative pop-up dinners and guest chef residencies in the space, infusing a bit of nightlife energy into the old-school diner setting. Rose’s first run (2014–2023) put Detroit on the national food map with its locally sourced ingredients and equitable approach to employees. Mitchell says little will change about the formula that worked – the new menu may even add nods to her Polish roots – and she’s focused on rekindling that community hub vibe “like how Rose’s was when we first opened”. For east side families and longtime patrons, this comeback feels personal. It’s a sign that even after pandemic setbacks, Detroit’s culinary pioneers are doubling down on the neighborhoods they love.

bevsbagels, instagram

Bev’s Bagels: A Bagel Comeback in Core City

Detroiters, rejoice – fresh bagels are coming back to Core City. Chef Max Sussman (a Huntington Woods native and James Beard Award nominee) is opening Bev’s Bagels in the former Detroit Institute of Bagels location on Grand River Ave. This new shop – named after Sussman’s grandmother – will specialize in organic, sourdough bagels made with obsessive attention to detail, from creative schmears to wild smoked fish toppings. Sussman started Bev’s as a pop-up in Ann Arbor and is now bringing it home to Detroit, saying he’s “so excited to offer really great bagels to Detroit… Opening in Core City feels like an incredible opportunity to build on something that was so special to the community”. Bagel lovers can expect all the classics (sesame, poppy, everything) plus gourmet sandwiches, drip coffee, and seasonal specialties on the menu. Bev’s Bagels is slated to open in late spring 2025, filling the void left when Detroit Institute of Bagels abruptly closed last year. The timing couldn’t be better – there’s a palpable excitement for a real bagel bakery in the city again. And for local families spending Saturdays at nearby markets or parks, a Core City bagel stop might just become a new tradition. (Insider tip: Sussman also plans to offer catering and eventually wholesale, so your favorite cafe or grocery might carry Bev’s down the line.)

Bev’s Bagels (Core City)

Chef Max Sussman brings organic, sourdough bagels back to Detroit. Sussman, who cut his teeth in New York and Ann Arbor, is bringing a family-inspired bagel shop to Core City. Located at 4884 Grand River in the same spot as the old Detroit Institute of Bagels, Bev’s will honor its predecessor by restoring a much-missed amenity to the neighborhood. Expect hand-rolled bagels with a chewy crust and flavorful schmears made from top-notch ingredients – Sussman insists on using organic flour, whole grains, and a natural sourdough starter for that perfect bite. The shop is “aiming to open later this spring” and will be open daily, with plans for catering services too. Core City has blossomed into a trendy enclave with spots like Ochre Bakery and folk cafes, and Bev’s Bagels will fit right in while also harkening back to the community feel of the old bagel shop. For residents and nearby downtowners, it means no more driving to the suburbs for an authentic bagel – a win for the neighborhood’s walkability (something this real estate geek in me loves to see).

Slows Bar BQ Expands to the Suburbs

In Corktown, Slows Bar BQ is practically a Detroit landmark – and now, as it celebrates 20 years, Slows is finally expanding its smoked meat empire to the suburbs. The beloved barbecue joint (famous for mouthwatering brisket and the “Yardbird” pulled chicken sandwich) has announced plans to open a new full-service location in downtown Berkeley by late summer or early fall 2025. Housed at the corner of 12 Mile in the former Berkley Common space, the upcoming restaurant will feature everything Slows fans adore, plus a second-floor private event space and patio for outdoor BBQ fun. The move to Berkley is a bit of a homecoming for co-owner Phil Cooley and team – they had tried suburban expansions before (in Pontiac and even Grand Rapids) but eventually consolidated back to their two Detroit locations. This time, with two decades of experience under their belt, Slows is venturing out again, much to the delight of Oakland County residents who have long trekked to Corktown for ribs. “Slows Bar BQ opened in Corktown in 2005”, and its slow-cooked success helped revitalize that neighborhood. Now Berkley, a family-friendly community, will get its own taste of that magic. The new spot is already doing catering for locals as a teaser and expects to be fully open by the fall. For Metro Detroiters, this expansion isn’t just about BBQ – it’s a feel-good sign of a local business growing and investing in our suburbs. (Plus, it’ll be a little easier to satisfy those macaroni & cheese cravings without fighting downtown parking!)

Eli Tea Bar, Facebook

Bittersweet Goodbyes: Notable Closures in April

With the excitement of new openings comes the bittersweet side of the restaurant world: saying goodbye. April 2025 saw a few beloved metro Detroit eateries close their doors, some after decades of service. These spots aren’t just businesses – they’ve been part of the fabric of their communities, where neighbors became friends and memories were made. Here are the notable closures and a bit of what they meant to the locals:

Eli Tea Bar (Birmingham): After 10 years of brewing comfort on Old Woodward, Eli Tea Bar in Birmingham served its last cup on April 22. The cozy tea shop, known for its herbal blends and boba teas, is closing due to the building being sold and renovated. Owner Elias Majid expressed pride in the decade-long run and hopes to find a new location along the Woodward corridor to eventually reopen this tea-lover’s haven. (Tea fans, don’t despair completely – Eli Tea’s Chicago location is still steeping, and with a little luck we might see Eli Tea pop up again in Metro Detroit in the future.)
Lockhart’s BBQ (Royal Oak): A mainstay of downtown Royal Oak’s dining scene is no more. Lockhart’s BBQ announced that it would smoke its last meats on April 20 (Easter Sunday) after 15 years in business. The closure came down to an expiring lease with a rent increase that just wasn’t feasible for the barbecue joint. On its final day, Lockhart’s hosted a farewell Easter brunch, giving regulars one last chance to savor their favorite burnt ends and mac & cheese. Royal Oak residents are sad to see this long-running pit BBQ go – it was a place where families could dig into a hearty meal after a day at the zoo or where friends gathered on weekends for craft beer and brisket. The owners thanked the community and went out with a note of gratitude, saying “we hope you get the opportunity to stop by and try some burnt ends one more time” before the smoker went cold.
Victory Inn (Warren): Nearly 80 years of history came to an end as Victory Inn – a family-owned bar and grill at 12 Mile & Mound – poured its final pint on April 14. The owners of this venerable spot are retiring, and the property was sold to make way for a new Sheetz gas station, with the old building slated for demolition. For generations, Victory Inn wasn’t just a restaurant; it was a community watering hole. Thanks to its location near industrial hubs, it became a gathering place for autoworkers and even SMART bus drivers, famous for quick slider burgers and cold beers after shifts. Regulars came out for a big going-away party on the final weekend, swapping stories and reminiscing about the countless nights spent at this no-frills hangout. “We’re going to miss this place so much,” one longtime customer said, echoing the feelings of many. While it’s hard to see a landmark like this go, the owners’ decision to stay in the area (just without the responsibility of running a restaurant) shows their love for the Warren community. The Victory Inn leaves behind a legacy of nearly eight decades of camaraderie and comfort food that won’t soon be forgotten.
Lazybones Smokehouse (Roseville): Another long-tenured establishment, Lazybones Smokehouse in Roseville, closed its doors on April 12 after 20 years of serving up barbecued goodness. The closure is bittersweet, but there’s a silver lining for fans of their pulled pork and ribs. The owners, Deni and Louie Smiljanovski, also run the Brown Iron Brewhouse pubs – and they’ve committed to continuing Lazybones’ legacy through catering and their food truck. In fact, the Lazybones BBQ food truck will still be making rounds at the Brown Iron Brewhouse locations in Royal Oak and Washington Township, so you can track down your favorite smoked meats even after the restaurant itself is gone. The Smiljanovskis, in a heartfelt note to customers, called the decision “tough” but the end of a meaningful chapter. They took solace in the community they built – for 20 years, Lazybones was a place where Roseville families grabbed carryout for weeknight dinners and where barbecue aficionados all over Metro Detroit discovered a hidden gem. “This is a farewell to the original location... but not to the flavor, not to the friendships, and not to the fire that started it all,” the owners wrote, promising that the spirit of Lazybones will live on in new forms. It’s a reminder that in Metro Detroit’s close-knit food community, an ending can also be a new beginning.

Michigan Dining Pride: Beyond the Motor City

Metro Detroit isn’t the only place in Michigan making dining news this month. In fact, one northern Michigan restaurant earned a big honor on the national stage. Traverse City’s own The Cooks’ House was named Michigan’s only finalist for a 2025 James Beard Award – essentially the Oscars of the food world. Chefs Jennifer Blakeslee and Eric Patterson of The Cooks’ House are up for Best Chef: Great Lakes, shining a spotlight on the incredible culinary talent in our state. While metro Detroit’s chefs didn’t snag any James Beard nominations this year, we’re cheering on our Traverse City friends and feeling proud that Michigan is in the culinary conversation at the highest level. It just goes to show that from Detroit to Traverse City, Michigan’s dining scene is thriving and getting well-deserved recognition.

(Fun side note for local foodies: a Detroit connection is in play too – Sarah Welch, the acclaimed chef behind Marrow in West Village, announced plans to move to Traverse City to open a new restaurant later this year. It’s a small world, and our Michigan food communities are all interconnected.)

Savoring the Journey

From new burger joints and bagel shops breathing life into our neighborhoods, to cherished tea bars and BBQ joints saying goodbye, April 2025 encapsulated the ever-evolving story of Metro Detroit dining. As someone who watches our communities grow and change (often one restaurant at a time), I find it heartening to see how resilient and passionate our local food scene is. Each new opening is a reason to explore a different corner of town, and each closing reminds us to cherish the places that feel like home.

The best way to keep our dining scene vibrant is to get out there and support these local eateries. Maybe that means planning a family brunch at a newly reopened diner on the east side, or grabbing carry-out from a up-and-coming burger spot in Ferndale. It could be as simple as trying a new bagel flavor in Core City or driving up to Corktown (or soon, Berkley) for some legendary BBQ. Metro Detroit’s restaurants have something for everyone – longtime residents, new transplants, families with kids, and night-on-the-town foodies alike.

So as spring turns to summer, let’s raise a glass (of Detroit-brewed kombucha or a Michigan craft beer) to the entrepreneurs and chefs who keep our plates full and our communities thriving. The next time you’re hungry or looking for an adventure, remember this month’s news and go try something new. You just might discover your next favorite spot – and become part of the story of what makes Metro Detroit such a delicious place to call home. Bon appétit!