09-03-2025
Zeoli's in Clawson, known for modern Italian fare, announces planned closure
A Clawson restaurant noted for its modern twist on Italian cuisine and Italian motorsport's theme announced it will close.
Zeoli's Modern Italian message on its Facebook page was simple, and started by stating:
'We are closing here at Zeoli's.' '(Our) last day will be Friday the 14th.'
Located on the south side of E. 14 Mile Road and East of Main in Clawson, Zeoli's is across the street from Noble Fish.
Noted for its take on modern Italian fare amid a neighborhood vibe, Scott Brown opened Zeoli's, after his wife's maiden name, more than a half dozen years ago. Previously Brown was an executive chef at Lily's Seafood and worked at D'Amato's in Royal Oak.
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'I have read so many posts of restaurants closing over the last 6.5 years and I've always wondered what I may say when the time comes,' Brown wrote.
And the answer was keeping it simple.
Brown and family thanked the amazing staff, family, friends, and customers for patronizing and supporting Zeoli's.
'You have all made Zeoli's a success story instead of just another restaurant closing,' Brown wrote.
Brown, reached by phone Sunday morning ahead of brunch service, said the closing was not just one thing but a combination that included debt restructuring more than a year and a half ago with a Chapter 11 filing.
'With the new economic struggles, sales have been down,' he said. 'The new labor law was not in our plan.'
Brown said the other part is that with twin 3 ½ year old daughters and a 7-year-old son, it seemed like the right time.
'I've put everything into this place, but mostly my time,' Brown told the Free Press. 'It was a hard decision in one way and an easy decision because I will have more time with my family."
As the restaurant prepares for its closing, they will not be open Tuesday or for lunches, the post stated, 'so our staff can continue to look for new work.'
Brown said Zeoli's employs 22 people.
Open daily for lunch and dinner, according to its website, Zeoli's menu includes an array of Italian specialties from appetizers to soups and salads, pizzas, entrees and desserts. Zeoli's was also noted for its Saturday and Sunday brunch service that included an array of Benedict's, omelets, French toast and Nutella Grilled cheese. Its overall menu also offered vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options.
'It's a different take on an Italian restaurant,' Brown said. 'Most have a Tuscan mural or a photo of the Rat Pack, and this was an Italian motorsport's theme in a relaxed setting.'
Brown's post garnered nearly 200 comments, most expressing sadness and offering kudos and thanks for the restaurant's food, service and atmosphere over its half dozen years in business, and congratulating Brown.
'I am looking forward to the next chapter but most of all more time with my beautiful wife and amazing kids,' Brown wrote.
Brown told the Free Press he expects to stay in the industry.
Contact Detroit Free Press food and restaurant writer Susan Selasky and send food and restaurant news and tips to: sselasky@ Follow @SusanMariecooks on Twitter. Subscribe to the Free Press.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Zeoli's Modern Italian set to close its doors Friday
