Another chapter is closing in Detroit's bustling Corktown district as the UFO Factory, a beloved haunt for fans of indie music and quirky hot dogs, prepares to draw its final curtain this month. Owners Dion Fischer, Aliccia Bollig-Fischer, and Matthew Bihun have decided to bow out of the bar scene. "It's been a real cool time but we are moving on to other projects - it's time," Fischer declared in a farewell Instagram post.
The hotspot's last pour will be on June 15, after which the location at 2110 Trumbull Ave will transition to new, yet undisclosed, ventures. Fischer tantalized patrons and the public, promising that "you are likely to be pleased with the next evolution," as per the bar's Instagram announcement. Details on what's next for the well-trodden site remains under wraps, but hints suggest continuity with the Factory's storied vibe.
Patrons have until mid-June to enjoy the UFO Factory's offerings, from their menu of eclectic hot dogs courtesy of Laika Dog to their roster of indie-rock entertainment. The bar, which sits snugly across from the historic site of the old Tiger Stadium, has become a hub for not just refreshments but culture and community since its opening in 2014. However, the venue's journey hasn't been without turbulence; it weathered a significant setback when nearby construction for the Elton Park development compromised its foundation in 2017, resulting in a forced temporary shutdown.
The Corktown neighborhood, which continues to undergo revitalization, braces itself for the final shows at the venue. Patrons can expect to bid their farewells amidst a backdrop of music and merriment that encapsulates the essence of the UFO Factory. Fans of its legacy are encouraged to partake in the final countdown and reflect on the imprint the bar leaves behind. Those curious about the next chapter for the bar's location can stay tuned, as teased by Fischer, who promised, "All will be revealed soon soon soon and fear not if you loved OUR #ufoFACTORY."
