One door closes another one opens

The latest chapter of “one door closes and another one opens” involves three local restaurants.

Zao Jun, a New Asian restaurant and Sushi bar located at 6608 Telegraph Road in the Bloomfield Plaza Shopping Center, has closed. The restaurant posted a heartfelt message to customers on social media, “Thank you to everyone who has supported Zao Jun over the years. The restaurant has officially closed its doors, and we’re immensely grateful for the memories made within these walls. Renovations are beginning on a brand-new concept under new ownership.” The new owner, Ziad Battah, said the new concept, named Tamar, will feature Mediterranean-fusion fare. “It will be a blend of Mediterranean with Middle East spices into some traditional American dishes. It’s Mediterranean with a twist,” said Battah. Battah also owns Shawarma Grill, a fast casual eatery located in Southfield. Battah expects Tamar to be open in the first quarter of 2026.

Back in November of 2021, restaurateurs Nino Cutraro and his wife Liz Cutraro launched Màre Mediterranean, located 115 Willits Street, Birmingham. The high-end restaurant was known for its in-house fish market featuring fish from the Mediterranean. In May of ’23, Cutraro rebranded the restaurant offering a new menu and the addition of a brick pizza oven. Then, in October of ’24, the establishment was sold to cousin-team Paulina Faranso and Yousif Kakos who promised a more attractively priced menu. The name was changed to Sprazzo in July of ‘24. Now, the restaurant has been sold again. Owned by Luciano DelSignore and Nicole Antaki under Abruzzese Hospitality, Efiori will feature a sophisticated yet relaxed ambiance with an Italian lifestyle dining experience. Stay tuned for more details on the open date.

Last on the list, Sushi Japan opened in the fall of 2021 at 176 S. Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham. Owned by Charlie Yu, the Asian menu included not only sushi but an array of Chinese dishes, Ramen noodles, Chow Mein, Korean BBQ. Sushi Japan closed in November and has been purchased by Woojin Lee who also owns Sushi Hana in Bloomfield. Although no definite open date has been announced, the new eatery will open as Kaishin Izakaya. Izakaya is a Japanese pub-style dining where guests enjoy a variety of small, shareable plates — similar to Spanish tapas.