New Detroit-area restaurants to look forward to in 2024

PUMA

4725 16th St., Detroit; instagram.com/puma_detroit

Following success with Core City’s upscale Argentine restaurant Barda, James Beard finalist Javier Bardauil is getting ready to open PUMA. The new nearby spot will offer a more casual atmosphere to appeal to a younger, late-night crowd. PUMA’s Instagram page says “Coming Soon,” so hopefully we get an official opening date ASAP.

Read more here.

Dutch Girl Donuts

19000 Woodward Ave., Detroit

This may have been one of the biggest Detroit stories in 2023, as this humble doughnut spot was a favorite to many for more than 70 years until it closed in 2021, following the death of owner Gene Timmer. In November, it was announced that the beloved shop had been sold to Paddy Lynch, owner of the Schvitz bathhouse and third-generation leader of Lynch & Sons Funeral Directors. Since the Lynch family has ties with the former owners, hopes of maintaining the same Dutch Girl Donuts are high; Timmer’s son Jon is even expected to stay on as baker, a job he’s held for 20 years

Read more here.

Louisiana Creole Gumbo

2830 Gratiot Ave., Detroit; louisianacreolegumbo.com

This long-standing spot in Eastern Market closed its original location in November, which owners blamed on gentrification. Fortunately, it’s moving just a few blocks away to a larger home with plans that include a sit-down restaurant, two outdoor patios, and live entertainment. While we wait for more details, you can still visit their other two locations on Seven Mile in Detroit and on Orchard Lake Road in Farmington Hills.

Read more here.

Jollibee

44945 Woodridge Dr., Sterling Heights; 586-544-4090; locations.jollibeefoods.com

People were super excited about this famous Philippines-based fast-food chain opening its first Michigan location. Founded in 1978, the chain is known for putting a Filipino twist on American dishes, like fried chicken, burgers, spaghetti (topped with a sweet sauce, ham, and hot dog), and peach-mango hand pies. It was originally supposed to open in October, but apparently, the opening date got pushed back to winter 2024.

Read more here.

Vecino

4100 Third Ave., Detroit; vecinodetroit.com

As you can probably tell, opening a restaurant often takes longer than people think. This Mexican restaurant with an “agave-forward” bar was intended to open in Midtown in November, but will now open sometime in 2024. The spot is currently hiring for all positions.

Read more here.

Little Liberia

6513 Woodward Ave., Detroit; instagram.com/little_liberia

The news that the Room Project, a co-working space for women and nonbinary people, was closing was painful news for many in the community. Looking on the bright side, however, this African-fusion pop-up plans to open a permanent location in its former space, with a grand opening expected to come in mid to late 2024.

Read more here.

Gajiza Dumplins

16530 E. Warren Ave., Detroit; instagram.com/gajizadumplins

In 2023, numerous new small businesses opened in Detroit’s Morningside neighborhood, alongside a few announcements of planned developments in the area. Those include mixed-use housing and retail complex the Ribbon, where Gajiza Dumplins plans to open a brick-and-mortar store. The Southeast Asian-inspired eatery has held pop-ups in the former Lost River tiki bar and now at The Fourth Wall, the new film-focused wine bar that recently opened in its place.

Sexy Steak and Sexy Burger

1942 Cass Ave., Detroit; sexysteakdetroit.com

Two new restaurants are coming to Detroit’s castle-esque Grand Army of the Republic building: Sexy Steak will feature a menu focused on steaks and seafood, while Sexy Burger will offer burgers, chicken, pasta, and other items. The new spots are led by Prime 29 Concepts, which also operates Aurora Italiana and Prime 29 Steakhouse in West Bloomfield.

Ice Cream Detroit

3762 2nd Ave., Detroit; instagram.com/theicecreamdetroit

This liquor-infused ice cream and sorbet shop has faced several delays. Expected to finally open in the fall, now its social media accounts say spring 2024. Hopefully, it’s true this time.

Read more here.

Big Chicken

Multiple locations; bigchicken.com

In August, Michigan-based restaurant operators H&D Group Investments signed a deal with Shaquille O’Neal’s fast-casual chicken chain to develop 20 locations across the state, with plans to open in Ann Arbor, Lansing, Flint, Saginaw, Mount Pleasant, and metro Detroit. The first location is planned for Clio, set to open in early 2024, with a second location announced to open in Highland in the spring.

Read more here.

Haraz Coffee

1611 Michigan Ave., Detroit; harazcoffeehouse.com

Dearborn-born Yemeni cafe chain Haraz plans to open a second Detroit location in Corktown, one of two retailers that will come to a new seven-story apartment building called Perennial Corktown. With the new spot, the shop will partner with Dearborn ice cream store JJS Custard Co. to bring frozen treats to the menu. Doors are expected to open in early 2024.

Read more here.

Pie Sci Oak Park

8140 W. Nine Mile Rd., Detroit; piescipizza.com

In September, Detroit pizza spot Pie Sci, known for its unconventional creations, announced it would be opening a new take-out location in Oak Park. While initially hoping to open by the end of 2023, Pie Sci’s website now says the new spot is coming in early 2024.

Read more here.

Fixins Soul Kitchen

1435 Randolph St., Detroit; fixinssoulkitchen.com

Former NBA All-Star Kevin Johnson is bringing his soul food spot to the D, and the new eatery is expected to be Fixins’ largest location yet, with seating for 325 people. Johnson and his wife Michele have opened three Fixins locations since founding it in 2019: two in California in Sacramento and Los Angeles, and one in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Initial announcements said Johnson wanted to start serving at the new spot by mid-December or early 2024. It hasn’t opened yet, so let’s hope it’s coming soon.

Read more here.

Elephant & Co.

456 Charlotte St., Detroit

Just months after Founders Brewing Co. abruptly shuttered its beleaguered Detroit taproom, Eastern Market Brewing Co. announced plans to move into the space, set to open in 2024. The spot will offer self-service taps, Detroit-style pizza, and coffee and doughnuts from Dooped Donuts. Elephant & Co. also plans to offer a first-of-its-kind service in Michigan to deliver pizza and beer directly to customers.

Read more here.

The Modern Vegan

304 Main St., Royal Oak; instagram.com/themodernvegan.detroit

If you’re a vegan who’s always looking for more metro Detroit options, there’s one on the way. This popular Las Vegas vegan spot, which boasts the largest vegan menu in the world, announced in September that it plans to open a Detroit location. While there is no grand opening date yet, the spot is expected to be coming soon.

Lily’s and Elise Tea House

19037 Livernois Ave., Detroit; lilysandelise.com

Kimberly Elise is getting ready to open Detroit’s only high tea house on the city’s Avenue of Fashion. After signing a lease for the building in February 2020 and facing setbacks due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Elise is apparently finally in a good spot. The tea house is currently hiring for all positions and accepting reservations for events, and a public grand opening is expected to be announced soon.

Arrie

Location TBA

This Southern fusion pop-up, run by chefs Davante Burnley and Dominic McCord is expected to open a full-service restaurant in Detroit’s Harmonie Park area in early 2024, according to What Now Detroit. The restaurant is part of a development called the Paradise Valley Cultural and Entertainment District, which will highlight Black-owned businesses.

Aussie Grill by Outback

39707 Ford Rd., Canton

Fans of the Bloomin’ Onion, rejoice: The Outback Steakhouse chain plans to bring its fast-casual spinoff Aussie Grill by Outback to Michigan in January. It will be the chain’s first U.S. location outside of Florida, and in true Motor City fashion, plans call for a drive-thru.

Hilton Road Cafe

3150 Hilton Rd., Ferndale

Last month, Detroit chef Nikita Sanches (of Rock City Eatery fame) posted a photo on social media showing a key and the Hilton Road Cafe with the caption, “We’re taking it back to where it all began. See you soon, Ferndale! Stay tuned for details.” The long-standing brunch spot closed in 2023 after being open since 2008. We don’t know whether the new business will be the same as the old one or something brand new, but with Sanches at the helm, we’re already excited.