Need fresh evidence that Detroit's old order is rapidly changing? Pour this news from Crain's in your mug and chug it:
It’s time for Act 3 in the story of Honest John’s, that Detroit institution known for its greasy breakfast, chicken and waffles and mean Bloody Marys.
Owner John Thompson sold the bar and restaurant today to Dave Kwiatkowski, who also owns the Sugar House in Corktown, Wright & Co. in downtown.
"It’s more than a restaurant, more than a bar," Amy Haimerl rhapsodizes.
The legendary bar's new owner confirms the scoop by Amy Haimerl about his Midtown acquisition on Selden near Second.
“We are going to maintain it as Honest John's,” said Kwiatkowski. “We’re keeping everything that’s good and hopefully cleaning it up a little bit and improving it.” . . .
"John’s done a great job of surviving over the past 30 years. Frankly, all of my employees go there. We go there all the time. It is a late night spot to get pretty decent food, and it’s an early morning spot, if you’re hung over on a Tuesday morning, to get a good Bloody Mary.”
Honest John's originally was on the east side near Belle Isle. Its new era starts on the new year's first day, Kwiatkowski tells the reporter, adding that current employees can stay.
"The sale price was not disclosed," writes Haimerl, who has more than a passing familiarity with the landmark:
It’s more than a restaurant, more than a bar. It’s Thompson, his outsized personality and ongoing Detroit saga.
Honest John’s has a sense of place and purpose, a blue collar joint run by a man who takes his messages at the bar.
And oh yes: If we were Amy Haimerl's boss, we'd give her a raise . . . or at least a day off as a reward for this New Year's Eve newsbreak.
