Popular Michigan Restaurant Closes Its Doors

It's always disappointing when a favorite Michigan restaurant closes, especially when it offers unique cuisine. Sushi qualifies as unique food, and now, a popular Michigan sushi restaurant that's been open for more than seven years is sadly closing its doors. I know quite a few people who are upset about this spot closing, especially because it was in such a convenient location.

Maru Sushi & Grill has closed its Detroit location at 160 W. Fort. The popular restaurant chain, which is based in Michigan, announced that it was closed on Sunday (Sept. 1) on its official website. While it's sad news that Maru Sushi & Grill will no longer be in Detroit, the good news is that they still own and operate four other Michigan locations in Kalamazoo, Midland, Lansing and Grand Rapids. Plus, Maru Sushi & Grill plans to open a new location in Brighton in 2025.

On their website, owners noted, "Detroit: As of 9/1/24 we have closed our doors. We look forward to the opening of Maru Sushi in Brighton coming in 2025." They also have a note stating that in Grand Rapids, "Maru Bridge has merged with Maru Cherry" and to please visit them on Cherry Street.

"We want to say from the bottom of our hearts: thank you," read a note posted on the door at the popular Detroit restaurant. "Thank you for every meal you’ve spent with us, for every reunion, birthday or anniversary you've celebrated with us. For every positive review, to-go order, photo and kind word we've received from you for the past 7 ½ years."

Maru Sushi & Grill first opened in Detroit in 2016. The spot, which was more than 4,500-square-foot big, seated 140, plus offered a beautiful outdoor patio. One popular attraction was also a sushi counter indoors. A bunch of my friends loved going there for happy hour and dinner. I'm not a big sushi eater, but even I appreciate the variety and freshness of the sushi at Maru. I'm glad to see that the chain is still doing well across the state, though, and plans to expand into Brighton.

As for Maru's story, "Twelve years ago, Robert Song left his career in pursuit of creating something he had been dreaming up for years," they say on their website. "With experience as a sushi chef and a restaurant manager, and inspiration from growing up in South Korea, his desire to do things differently drove him to forge his own path and create Maru as we know it today."

From fluffy pancakes and crispy bacon to fruits and omelets, the breakfast buffet offers an abundance of choices. As tempting as it may be, there are times when it's probably best to avoid certain food items to ensure a healthy and enjoyable dining experience.

Overall, breakfast buffets make a great choice if you're on the hunt for an economical meal or have specific dietary restrictions or preferences, as they allow you to handpick the items that perfectly match your requirements.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that foodborne illnesses were responsible for sickness in approximately 48 million Americans. Within this number, it is estimated that around 128,000 cases required hospitalization, and tragically, 3,000 cases resulted in fatalities.

Breakfast buffets that lack proper maintenance and supervision may fall prey to stale and unappetizing food items. Dishes sitting out for too long lose their freshness and flavor, posing a risk to your taste buds and stomach. It’s best to opt for recently prepared items to savor the true essence of a breakfast buffet.

In breakfast buffet setups, hygiene can sometimes take a backseat. With numerous diners handling the serving utensils, there is a potential for the spread of germs and contaminants. Items like communal bread baskets and self-service stations may be susceptible to bacterial growth.

According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), buffets should prioritize swapping food trays rather than refilling them with new food to prevent the spread of foodborne illnesses and ensure food safety. The duration for which an old batch of food has been sitting on the buffet is often uncertain. After two hours at room temperature, the risk of harmful microorganisms thriving on the food increases significantly. Refilling food trays creates a potential risk of cross-contamination between the fresh food and any remaining food on the tray.

When encountering a breakfast buffet, knowing which foods to skip is wise. Here's a rundown of foods to avoid at breakfast buffets.

Many establishments opt for powdered eggs instead of fresh ones, as it's a cost-effective way to prepare large quantities of scrambled eggs to cater to numerous guests at once. However, powdered eggs cannot compare to the taste, texture, and color of their fresh counterparts. Another concern lies in the fact that these eggs are pre-cooked, which means they might sit at unsafe temperatures for extended periods.

According to the FDA, serving eggs immediately after cooking is crucial to prevent foodborne illnesses. Unfortunately, in a buffet setting, it's challenging to determine how long the eggs have been sitting out.

Unless you witnessed the fruit being freshly prepared in the kitchen, it's nearly impossible to gauge how long that eye-catching fruit display has been sitting there. According to the FDA, when fruits are cut, their protective skins are breached, leaving the flesh vulnerable to the surrounding environment and any potential bacteria. This creates two primary reasons that heighten the risk of contamination. Firstly, cutting the fruit makes its water content and nutrients readily available to microorganisms. Secondly, without any heating process, disease-causing germs aren't eliminated, further contributing to the potential hazards of consuming cut fruits from a buffet display.

There’s a joy of pouring your own batter into a Belgian waffle maker, flipping it eagerly, and waiting for that gratifying green light before embellishing it with toppings. However, it's best to exercise caution and avoid the waffle station. As per TikToker Brandi Augustus, a former hotel employee, the waffle batter served there is often old and sour. Instead of disposing of the old batter, new batter is mixed with it. It's worth noting that not all places offering breakfast buffets adhere to this practice, but it's wise to stay informed and make a decision based on the circumstances.