After more than two years of operating in Ferndale, the French-inspired restaurant Coeur has announced it will close on October 19. In social media posts on platforms including Facebook and Instagram, the restaurant cited the current "economic climate" as a key factor in the decision. Owner and Chef Jordan Smith noted that continuing to uphold the restaurant’s mission without implementing substantial price increases was not sustainable. "Simply put: We can’t keep to our mission without raising prices beyond what makes sense for our guests. So after a lot of painful reflection, we’ve made the tough decision to close Coeur," Smith stated in a post cited by the ClickOnDetroit article.
Located at 330 W. Nine Mile Rd., Coeur received widespread acclaim, even securing the top spot as the 2024 No. 1 Detroit Free Press/Metro Detroit Chevy Dealers Top 10 New Restaurants & Dining Experience. Patrons praised the restaurant for its quality dining experience, inviting atmosphere, and attentive service. Despite the positive reception, the restaurant ultimately faced the difficult decision to close, as Smith explained, "We can’t keep to our mission without raising prices beyond what makes sense for our guests," according to a statement obtained by the Detroit Free Press. Coeur's closing hints at the broader issues restaurants face amidst fluctuating economic conditions.
The venue that Coeur occupied has been a culinary landmark, first with Italian restaurant Assaggi Bistro holding the spot for over 20 years, and then Coeur creating its French-inspired legacy since August 2023. Throughout its duration, Coeur aimed to "cook with the best products, to pay our team fairly, and to create a truly special dining experience here in Ferndale that was welcoming to all," according to a report by ClickOnDetroit.
Before the restaurant closes, patrons are encouraged to stop by and enjoy its menu offerings. "We’d love to see you one more time — for a tasting menu, a happy hour smashburger, or just to share a final night together in this place we care so deeply for," Coeur's team expressed, as mentioned in a report by Metro Times.
