News Summary

Bobcat Bonnie’s has announced the closure of its Ferndale restaurant after seven years of service, leaving only one location in Michigan. Owner Matt Buskard shared gratitude for community support. The last day will feature special pricing on drinks and a sale of restaurant furnishings following the closure. The chain has faced challenges, leading to several recent closures across Michigan, with the Ferndale location being a significant chapter coming to an end.

Ferndale, Michigan – Bobcat Bonnie’s has announced that it will close its Ferndale location on June 2, 2025, after seven years of serving the local community. This closure leaves only one remaining Bobcat Bonnie’s restaurant in Michigan, which is located in Lansing.

Owner Matt Buskard communicated this decision to the public through a Facebook post, expressing his gratitude for the community support that has sustained the Ferndale location over the years. He noted that another operator is anticipated to take over the space after its closure.

On the last day of operation, the Ferndale restaurant will open at 11 a.m. and remain operational until 10 p.m. or until all food and drinks are sold out. To mark the occasion, all drinks will be priced at $5, while food will be sold at regular prices. Following the closure, Bobcat Bonnie’s will also hold a sale starting June 3 to sell off restaurant furnishings such as tables, chairs, glassware, plates, and outdoor furniture.

The decision to close the Ferndale location follows a series of recent closures for Bobcat Bonnie’s, including its Corktown location in March of this year, Wyandotte in January, and the Ypsilanti and Clinton Township locations last year. The closure of the Ferndale site comes after the restaurant experienced significant challenges that led to a Facebook post on May 27 seeking financial assistance to stabilize its operations.

Buskard has mentioned the positive influence of the Ferndale community, indicating that it has played a vital role in transforming lives and building confidence among the team and patrons. The Ferndale location is part of a broader trend, as the once-thriving Bobcat Bonnie’s had originally opened its first location in Corktown in 2015. The restaurant chain at one point boasted seven locations across Michigan but has seen a rapid decline in its number of establishments in recent years.

While specific reasons for the closures were not detailed, the challenges faced by the restaurant industry and a noted decline in sales had been indicated by Buskard in prior communications. The Ferndale area has recently hosted several events for Pride 2025, contributing to a sense of community and support for local businesses leading up to the restaurant’s closure.

Despite efforts to prevent the closure, the ongoing challenges have led to this outcome, marking an end to a significant chapter for the Bobcat Bonnie’s brand in Michigan. Media inquiries have been made regarding the closure; however, responses from Buskard have not been forthcoming.

As of the announcement, the future of the Ferndale location remains uncertain as it prepares to transition to a new operator, leaving many in the community reflecting on their experiences at the popular dining establishment.