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Greektown Neighborhood Partnership photo
A project to overhaul Monroe Street in Greektown in downtown Detroit, which has closed the street to traffic, is costing businesses.
In one case, the owner of the Greektown fine dining restaurant Table No. 2 says he has lost about 95 percent of his business since construction began in mid-March, citing a lack of accessible parking and a loss of visibility, Abigail VanderMolen of Crain's Detroit Business reports.
Restaurateur and Executive Chef Omar Mitchell tells Crain's that while he’s optimistic the project will create a better Greektown, he worries whether Table No. 2 can survive until the project is completed in October 2026.
"I'm on life support," he tells the publication.
The project calls for widening sidewalks, creating curbless lanes, adding larger dining patios, and improving lighting.
Other restaurants have also seen a dip in revenue since construction began, but not nearly as dramatic. The owners of Astoria Pastry Shop have seen a 25 percent decline in business, while The Firebird Tavern has reported similar losses of around 20–25 percent, Crain's reports.
The owner of The Golden Fleece, Exodus Lounge, and Bakalikon Greek Market said the impact on his business was “not noticeable” for the first two or three months, but in the last week without a Tigers game, business has dropped about 15–20 percent compared to last year, Crain's reports.
