I agree that on the weekends in many suburbs a wait of 45 minutes is not unusual for chain restaurants, but growing up in Detroit [[1990s and early 2000s), outside of Greektown, I don't recall ever waiting very long with my family at the city's nicer restaurants. When I've been back to visit in the past year I've had multiple occasions of 45 minute to 2 hour waits [[Wright & Co, Selden Standard, Ottava Via, GCG, Dime Store) or just experiences where the place is jammed [[Punch Bowl Social, Sugar House). That simply wasn't happening 5-10 years ago. That being said, there are still some good new places [[like Craft Work and Grille Midtown) that have been open for just over a year now, but on most days I'm pretty sure you can be seated pretty easily.
The change in the dining scene in the city is undeniable and it's definitely picking up momentum.