02-06-2025
Bobcat Bonnie's Ferndale location to close, leaving only 1 remaining
After seven years in Ferndale, the Bobcat Bonnie's location will shutter.
Ferndale will close after service on June 2 according to a Facebook post made the night before. The closure leaves the Bobcat Bonnie's in Lansing as the only remaining location. A reason for the closure was not given. Bobcat Bonnie's at one time had seven locations.
'Coming to you with some bittersweet news — but after tomorrow (Monday) Bobcat Bonnie's Ferndale will be closed,' the post said.
Though not named, according to the post a new 'amazing' operator is expected to take over the space on W. 9 Mile. Bobcat Bonnie's owners have told the staff and wrote 'we are ensuring every single one is taken care of.'
The restaurant opens at 11 a.m. and will remain open until 10 p.m. or until they sell out of food and drink. On Monday, restaurant operations will run differently: drinks such as beers are $5 and food is at normal prices. The restaurant is asking patrons to pay in cash, though its payment system will be available.
On June 3, the restaurant will open and start selling its tables, chairs, art, glassware, plates and outdoor furniture.
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The closure comes on the heels of celebrating Pride 2025 in Ferndale, with Bobcat Bonnie's hosting several events over the weekend. It's also after a Bobcat Bonnie's May 27 Facebook post seeking help, looking for a financial partner to 'stabilize operations.'
'After Corktown wink- Ferndale is one of the best neighborhoods in the Detroit area. We are so lucky to have been a part of it,' the post read.
The post thanked its staff and the Ferndale community.
In March, after 10 years, Bobcat Bonnie's Corktown location — its first — shuttered abruptly. The Wyandotte location closed in January, and offered the same type of sale of restaurants furnishings.
Bobcat Bonnie's owner, Matt Buskard, has taken to social media expressing in lengthy posts the challenges and struggles the restaurant industry has endured, including the pandemic and a tough business climate with a downward trend in sales.
At one time, Bobcat Bonnie's had locations in Clinton Township at the Mall at Partridge Creek, which abruptly shuttered last August. Its Ypsilanti location closed a few months later. The Grand Rapids location is temporarily closed and was expected to move to another location, though the status is unclear and the location is still listed on the website. A location in Toledo, Ohio was also planned but did not open. Buskard's portfolio of restaurants at one time also included the Fly Trap in Ferndale, which he acquired in February 2022, but recently transferred ownership back to the original owners. Last August, Buskard opened Scout Vester in the former M Brew spot in Ferndale, but closed it four months later.
Messages sent to Buskard Monday morning were not returned.
This is a developing story.
Contact Detroit Free Press food and restaurant writer Susan Selasky and send food and restaurant news and tips to: sselasky@ Follow @SusanMariecooks on Twitter.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Bobcat Bonnie's in Ferndale to close June 2, leaving just 1 remaining
