Westland Offers Grants of Up to $100,000 to Fill Vacant Restaurant Buildings

The city of Westland is offering financial incentives to draw new restaurants into vacant buildings across the community. City leaders have started a grant program designed to bring full-service, sit-down restaurants into existing empty restaurant spaces.

Qualifying restaurant owners can receive a $50,000 grant to pay for upgrades to a vacant building. Alex Garza, Westland's chief business development officer, said the amount could climb as high as $100,000, depending on the request. "We need more full-service sit-down restaurants in the city," Garza said.

Several properties could be candidates. One is the former Big Boy at Wayne and Hunter, which has been closed since 2019. Others include the former 2Booli 2Go and the former Aubree's on Warren Road near Newburgh. Resident Jordan Laird said of the Aubree's site, "Oh, yeah, it's been vacant for forever."

The city is also reaching out to food truck operators who may be ready for a permanent location. "Absolutely, and we encourage food trucks to look to brick & mortars in the city," Garza said.

Separately, Westland offers a grant of up to $25,000 for exterior improvements. Garza said a Scooter's Coffee that is coming soon to the city received that $25,000 façade grant.

Across from the former Aubree's, a new 7 Brew is in its opening week. According to Garza, it does not qualify for the restaurant grant because it is not a full-service, sit-down restaurant.

Residents who spoke about the program said they have seen restaurants leave the area and would welcome replacements. Westland resident Hailey Kramer said of the former Big Boy site, "I think that'd be great. We don't have very many good restaurants around here."

Canton Township resident Tiffany Williams said, "some stuff has come back, but some stuff has unfortunately closed down. So, it's nice that they're trying to put money into the community." Garden City resident Bonnie Shaw said closures have forced her to travel farther to eat out. "I would love to have more restaurants in the area," she said.

Garden City resident Jenny Sherk said new businesses would give people more options closer to home. She called the 7 Brew opening "fun" and said she usually has to take a drive to reach places she likes.

City leaders hope the grants will work as seed money to help fill vacant restaurant properties while expanding the number of dining options in Westland.