Popular Michigan Restaurant Closing This Week After 10 Years

In the current economic climate, numerous restaurants around the country have experienced financial hardships. 

Between increased prices on goods and consumers showing a hesitation to spending disposable income, some restaurants have been forced to make the difficult decision to shutter the business.

Main Street D&T in Lowell, Michigan is one of the latest eateries to close up shop. Originally a BBQ restaurant, Main Street D&T transitioned to a deli six months ago. 

Overall, the business served customers for a decade, but owner Erin VanEpps said in a social media post Monday that her situation had become untenable.

"After proudly serving the Lowell community for 10 years, I have made the difficult decision to close our doors," VanEpps said. "Although our sales improved following the transition from BBQ to Deli, the underlying challenges leading to this closure have persisted. Our sales are down 50% compared to pre-COVID levels, and anyone familiar with the restaurant business knows that these numbers simply don’t add up."

Main Street D&T's lease was coming to an end, leaving VanEpps, 55, having to decide on the future of the business. In the end, due to food and labor costs and lagging sales, she elected to say goodbye.

"I've arrived at a crossroads, where continuing to operate would require taking on personal loans, a choice I do not believe is right for me," she explained. "I don’t foresee a miraculous turnaround; even if the economy recovers, the number of restaurants in Lowell remains too high."

According to MLive.com, Main Street's likely last day of operation will be Wednesday, but VanEpps said the restaurant will stay open "for a few days or until the food runs out."

VanEpps added that she is working to help place her staff at other jobs. A decision on how to handle gift cards will be revealed at a later date. 

"For the past decade, I have dedicated myself by working seven days a week, and I was grateful for the opportunity to serve this community," she added. "It has been an honor to bring Main Street BBQ and Main Street D&T to Lowell. Thank you for being such a wonderful community."