The once-rumored closure of Detroit's UFO Factory has been put to rest with news that it will continue to pulse with music under a new moniker and leadership. The iconic spot in the Corktown district, known as a gathering place for indie music enthusiasts and its unique array of hot dogs, will be rebranded as UFO Bar and taken over by Roula David, currently the owner of the Spot Lite in Detroit's east side. This update was delivered by Patch on June 12th.
Despite the property listed by the previous owners Dion Fischer, Aliccia Bollig-Fischer, and Matthew Bihun as they move on to explore other ventures, the transition seems seamless. According to Detroit Free Press, David is set to retain the current UFO Factory staff, intending not to "disturb the fabric of that place at all." The new venue will maintain its reputation as a staple for live music and events but will see its food selection refreshed under the Gladly Nite banner, offering vegan-friendly hot dogs with a twist thanks to chef Jessica Kindle.
Amidst the changing tides, the Corktown community prepares to say goodbye to the familiar iteration of their beloved UFO Factory. But the farewells will be brief as the venue, located at 2110 Trumbull Ave across from the historic site of the old Tiger Stadium, is slated for a reopening by the end of July, as explained by Hoodline.
The story of UFO Factory's continuance comes as a relief to many, as the bar, which opened in 2014, had become more than a watering hole; it was woven into the tapestry of Detroit's cultural milieu. Fans have until mid-June to revel in the atmosphere of the outgoing hotspot, before embracing the new chapter that Roula David envisions – described to Detroit Free Press as a "small, underground, alternative version of Spot Lite — a little bit more punk rock, a little bit more queer." The suspense over the bar's future is nearing its conclusion, much to the delight of its dedicated patrons, and Corktown's cultural scene stands poised to see one of its cornerstones reimagine, yet preserve, its cherished legacy.
