Cass Cafe Closing

[Henry Whalley]

Deadline Detroit | Cass Cafe closing for good July 17

[Kathleen]

Saw this news on Facebook this morning. Here's the Metro Times' piece on the news:
https://www.metrotimes.com/food-drin...month-30507188

Their outdoor seating was filled when I walked by about 12:45 this afternoon.

Have eaten there a number of times through the years. Always enjoyed the art that was displayed there. Fondly remember the reception for Lowell's art exhibition there...and seeing many DYes friends that evening!!

Perhaps the last time I was there was to hear friends playing there on Noel Night 2019!!

[Zacha341]

Oh no! This is a drag. I had and shared many a meal there over the years. I wonder if the lock-downs had an impact on this... I'll read the article.

[Kathleen]

The pandemic certainly has played a role in the closure of the Cass Cafe!

https://www.freep.com/story/entertai...e/10005746002/

[Lowell]

This will be a sad loss for the WSU area and the artistic community. It evokes personal memories and DetroitYES history.

The Cass Cafe has long been the Detroit artists pub and beyond being a hangout of the artistic community just about every artist of the Cass Corridor, yours truly included, has exhibited there. Likewise for the musical community, and its many bands and performers, and poets and activists. They all found a home for their art there.

When the DetroitYES forum got rolling, in those days before Facebook and social media were household words, there was a call for an in-person gathering, so "Fabulous Ruins Night at the Cass Cafe" was organized and held on Feb. 17, 2001. Hundreds attended, some from as far away as Dallas and St. Louis. Now famed DJ T. Linder of Detroit Techno Militia performed. The owner and my wonderful friend Chuck Roy said it was the most profitable night that Cass Cafe ever had.

It's been a long and difficult up-and-down path for Chuck and his wife Diana and I can understand their weariness. I have heard some rumor that since he owns the building outright, with its licenses, that there may be a follow up act with another party. The brand is there. Parking has always been an issue, they have about 10-15 spaces in back, especially with the explosion of Midtown. It was still a bit of a ghost town when they started in 1993.

[renf]

Thank you for your insightful message about the important significance of the Cass Cafe.

Ren

[Kathleen]

For those who didn't make it to the Cafe in July....

Detroit's Beloved Cass Cafe Will Reopen Just for Dally in the Alley weekend
https://deadlinedetroit.com/articles...y_in_the_alley

[Kathleen]

Reminder: The Cass Cafe will host its last Brunch this Sunday, September 11 in honor of the Dally in the Alley....

https://www.casscafe.com/brunch