Iconic Metro Detroit Restaurant Closing After 70 Years

ROYAL OAK, MI — Sign of the Beefcarver is closing down after 70 years.

Staff with the iconic family-owned restaurant in Royal Oak announced Sunday that the restaurant will permanently close on Sunday, Oct. 25.

They blamed historically high roast beef prices, post-COVID-19 recovery struggles and other financial burdens they cannot absorb any longer.

"If we raised our prices to the point that covered our all-time high costs, they would be prohibitively expensive for a lot of people, and we would not be providing the excellent food for the value we have always strove for," staff said in a Facebook post.

Sign of the Beefcarver's closing post drew more than 1,500 comments on Facebook, as customers rushed to the restaurant.

They quickly sold out of their signature roast beef on Sunday, but staff said they will be open Tuesday at 11 a.m.

They encouraged customers to arrive early, as the restaurant will close for the day once it runs out of food.

Sign of the Beefcarver once had multiple locations across metro Detroit, but the Royal Oak spot on Woodward Avenue was the last one remaining. It opened in 1957 and remained in the same spot ever since.

It was best known for its signature roast beef, as well as other comfort food, including meatloaf, Jell-O, pies and more. Their operation invites customers to move through a cafeteria-style line to get their food.

"We sincerely thank you for seventy years of loyal and faithful support for the Beefcarver," Sign of the Beefcarver staff said. "We truly hope you have enjoyed many memories and joyful meals with family and friends."