Comings and Goings

Four Man Ladder Hospitality — the team behind Detroit’s Grey Ghost, Second Best, and Basan— has opened its newest concept: Little Ghost, at 22305 Woodward Avenue in Ferndale. Marking the group’s first step into the fast-casual space, Little Ghost delivers a bold, focused menu built around its cult-favorite burger, chicken sandwich, and signature sides. Designed for speed and flavor, the nearly 1,000-square-foot spot caters to the grab-and-go crowd with a convenient walk-up window, takeout, and local delivery. Little Ghost is now open 7 days a week serving lunch and dinner: Sunday-Thursday 11 a.m.–10 p.m., Friday-Saturday 11 a.m.–12 a.m.

Several notable Metro Detroit dining establishments have recently closed, with two shutting their doors permanently and another temporarily closing for a concept overhaul.

Pinky’s Rooftop, located prominently at the corner of Main Street and West Eleven Mile Road in Royal Oak, was a part of the Adam Merkel Restaurant Group. This restaurant group also owns several other well-known establishments including Diamonds Steak & Seafood, The Silver Pig, and Cello Italian Restaurant in Howell, as well as The Pearl Room in Royal Oak. Pinky’s quickly rose to popularity as a vibrant and photo-friendly rooftop spot, known for its bold pink floral murals and trendy, modern interior design. The restaurant officially announced its closure via a heartfelt post on Facebook, thanking its patrons: “for an amazing six years.”

Another loss to the Metro Detroit dining scene is House of Barbecue in Clawson. The restaurant, which had operated for three years at 220 S. Main Street, said its goodbyes with a celebratory “Farewell Fiesta” that featured a whole hog roast. Co-founder and head chef Collier Willis shared on Facebook that the restaurant was facing ongoing complaints from neighbors about the smell of smoked meats. Due to those complaints, the City of Clawson requested that the restaurant reduce smoker use to just two days per week. Unfortunately, as Willis explained, that restriction was not viable for their business model. As a result, House of Barbecue has closed its doors and is currently searching for a new home. Updates on a new location are expected in the future.

The Statler, a French/American bistro located at 313 Park Avenue in Detroit, is undergoing a major transformation. Originally opened in September 2021 by the Joe Vicari Restaurant Group, it is now temporarily closed. A Facebook post from the restaurant states: “The Statler is temporarily closed as we undergo a full redesign… something truly worth the wait. Thank you for your continued support.”