Fond farewells

Jordan Smith, along with several investors, purchased Ferndale’s Assaggi Bistro in August of 2022 from George Gize and Josie Knapp, who owned the Ferndale establishment for over 20 years. Since then, the restaurant had been running on the same concept. In December, Assaggi announced on Facebook “with mixed emotions” that their last night of service would be New Year’s Eve. “The space will be undergoing a complete renovation before a new restaurant opens this spring,” said the message.  Clawson’s Pumachug, which ambitiously opened in September of 2020, has permanently closed. The gastropub’s message on Facebook read, “We want to thank our community and our guests for supporting us over the last couple of years. We love you and hope you made some great memories with us over that time.” Chef Kate Williams founded Karl’s in Detroit’s Siren Hotel in August of 2019. The popular retro diner closed abruptly in December. The Siren Hotel left the following message on their Instagram: “After three years of tunes on the Wurlitzer, and too many coffee refills to count, Karl’s is closing up shop at The Siren Hotel for now. We want to thank every guest who has made one of Karl’s booths a home over the years. Stay tuned for updates…”