ROYAL OAK, Mich. (WXYZ) — Bistro 82 is the most recent restaurant to announce they are leaving Royal Oak. They are not alone.
Other closures have included: Mongolian BBQ, Beirut Palace, Andiamo, Hermann’s Bakery, B Spot, Bean & Leaf Cafe, Taco Bell Cantina and Qdoba.
“I think for the businesses that have left, we have a line of businesses ready to come into Royal Oak,” said Downtown Manager of Royal Oak Sean Krammer.
Some of the new restaurants that have recently opened include Essen on Main, Vera Asian, Proven Grounds Coffee, Oak House Deli and Condado Tacos.
Krammer says there are two big reasons for the changes: The increase in rental prices in downtown Royal Oak and changes to consumer wants.
“I think there is definitely an element of there being fades in the restaurant industry so right now we see Roman, Tacos, very authentic independent restaurants,” said Krammer.
Krammer says there are major developments on the rise in downtown Royal Oak, including new parking structures, new office buildings and the announcement of Baker College attempting to locate in downtown Royal Oak. That, paired with an increased desire to live in Royal Oak, is driving up rental prices, according to Krammer.
ROYAL OAK RESTAURANTS: Several have left, but other new restaurants are setting up shop. Owner of @MesaRoyalOak, Jenna Derrig, says there is a false narrative that restaurants downtown are not doing well. She says it’s the opposite, her business is thriving @wxyzdetroit pic.twitter.com/3AA60B7guo
— Ali Hoxie (@ali_hoxie) January 15, 2020
