DOWAGIAC, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — The City of Dowagiac has announced that it has purchased a long-time area restaurant that closed earlier this year.
Earlier this year, Zeke’s restaurant announced that it would close at the end of January. The owner said he would be retiring after 30 years of community business.
Now, the city has announced that it will purchase the property. Rather than have the owner auction off the building himself, the city will now search for potential new operators. According to a statement from officials, the city will not operate the restaurant itself.
“The city’s elected officials and administration decided that it was in the city’s best interest to use economic development funds to purchase Zeke’s so that sufficient time could be given to seek a new operator of this restaurant at the major entry point of downtown,” the statement reads in part.
“While the City will not reopen and operate Zeke’s, the ownership will give the City the ability to control the sale process ensuring that this cornerstone of the downtown community will remain intact for years to come.”
Officials also say they were concerned about the building assets being sold in part, which leaves the potential for a vacant property.
Officials say that anyone interested in purchasing the building can contact Vic Kuiper with Last Bid Real Estate at (616) 283-8516.
