Chazzano's is closed early on Fridays and Saturdays because they are an Orthodox Jewish business. Their logo is wearing a kippah, for goodness sakes, and the first thing on their website is a mention of their Kosher certification by the Council of Orthodox Rabbis. I understand your point, but if you are going to be snarky enough to say "it's not brain surgery" when people do not adhere to the way you so clearly feel they should, you should probably take some time to do some research as to *why* people make the choices they do, instead of assuming they are just idiots in need of your counsel. Otherwise, you might come off as sounding like an ignorant grump in need of some religious education.

You are assuming these businesses that don’t cater to your hours are only focused on the retail side.

Jonathon of Strawberry Moon was hoping to build his business mainly through commercial accounts. The pizza, sandwiches and extended hours came later when that aspect wasn’t doing so well. It’s true that he eventually failed but not necessarily because he didn’t focus all his energies on the retail end.

Ann St. Peter openly admitted that she couldn’t keep up with the retail side of Pinwheel. Hence the solution to build out the front end as a coffee shop that others could manage it. She is still baking and in fact made the best wedding cake I ever tasted only a few weeks ago.

These are bakeries and they need to get their products out early in the day. They’ve already put in a full day of work while you’re still eating lunch.

And Chazzano is a coffee roaster. Their product is all over Metro Detroit. Again, it doesn’t seem like they’re focusing on the retail side of the business. Because you can’t grab your coffee any time that you feel like it doesn’t mean that they “deserve to fail”.

I would like to add Hambo's Coney Island to that list. It's a block from my house and there's so many nights where we don't want to cook but just want something simple like Coney Island but they're only open to like what, 3pm??? Seriously?? And a 24 hour Coney would KILL in this area. I dunno about you but when I'm drunk and leaving the bar at 2am I love to fill up on Coney!

And OM Cafe was open ONLY FRIDAYS?? I know they're changing it now, but I think it's still kinda weird isn't it? I don't understand what some people are thinking.

Hope Pinwheel/Stumptown keep up the awesome window projects. Even closed Pinwheel was value-added to Ferndale.

Special mention has to go out to Le Soup, the most open-looking closed place for 3 years running. It's like the owner went out for a pack of cigarettes and was never seen again.

Hambo's did try to stay open late for a while a few years ago but I guess it didn't work out. Really wish it had - not many unfussy eating options after dark (except fast food chains).

Businesses with store fronts, but not really focused on the retail side of the business...oh ...maybe thats why in all the time they were there I never was able to peruse their business. Sad. I stopped going to Anitas after the third time walking in at night, lights on, door open, people inside, standing at counter to get a carryout and finally being told they were closed; or it was a private party; etc ; on 3 occasions about 9:15- 9:30 pm. I had previously been a customer. So I don"t mind just driving out of the way to my favorite Pita Cafe in Oak Park- open later of course. Pedestrian, and dining hours are later.

"I would like to add Hambo's Coney Island to that list. It's a block from my house and there's so many nights where we don't want to cook but just want something simple like Coney Island but they're only open to like what, 3pm??? Seriously?? And a 24 hour Coney would KILL in this area. I dunno about you but when I'm drunk and leaving the bar at 2am I love to fill up on Coney!"

I don't understand why they don't stay open late on those days that there is something going on at Magic Bag. I seem to recall that was the case many years ago. Many a coney island make a killing catering to the drunkards after a bar closes; heck just take a look at National Coney Island in Royal Oak.

As to Strawberry; we considered them many times but the prices were just too darn high. I don't mind spending a little extra but the product has got to be at the "knock out" level. Otherwise, I can make it myself cheaper.

Bob
7:15pm on Friday, October 14, 2011
Who cares what the business's personal reasons for not being open. This is a community of people that generally have to go to work. They are not going to be filming the Housewives of Ferndale. The businesses should cater to the community and this community gets home from work after 6pm. Ardy hit it on the nail we need a 24 hour sit down spot Coney or a Diner. One can only eat so much late nigh Como's.

My comments disappeared...trying again. Agree on the 24 hour place. And agree about Pinwheel, which we love. My husband picks up coffee for us every Saturday and Sunday morning and has done so since they opened. When pinwheel opened we were disappointed to not be able to get baked goods there on Sunday mornings. Bur we still go other times (partial to the Ferndale Cuban myself). Modern Natural Baby is another one with odd hours, especially for working parents.

Good point, Kristy. Market research is vital. Let's look at a really good business that has out the door patronage: New York Bagel.

These cats have got their act together. They know their customers, have relevant business hours and a good product. In addition, they give you a form of "NYC" vendor experience (NEXT!). Their end-product is even overpriced but people don't mind because there is a "mix and mingle" and a "to been seen here" experience.

I'm with you Mark! I've seen some otherwise fine businesses go under, due in large part to the inconvenenient and strange hours they kept. The "Starving Artist" restaurant comes to mind. It is massively frustrating to be psyched up and ready to enjoy a treat or meal at one of your favorite establishments, only to find they are closed at some asinine time. This makes no sense. I was always taught that the "customer is king". But sometimes, it seems that the customers are expected to adjust and accomodate the business owners and what is convenient and comfortable for them, instead. This is bad business policy. And yes, I agree with Mark that businesses who put their customers 2nd or 3rd, deserve to fail. Sorry.

By the way, I love Chazzano coffee and the staff is always very friendly and competent when I have been there. However, those irregular hours have been a real thorn in my side from the very beginning. I rarely make the trip there now, for that very reason.

I am surprised no one has mentioned the French Gourmet. Seems like it has been a store front for years. I hear the owner only opens for select few and only when they feel like cooking.

Yes, I have wondered about the French Gourmet also.

Used to sometimes go to Apple Fritter as well when they could be found open..... no longer do.....

I am co-owner of the Rust Belt Market and I apologize for your disappointment. We are open from 11am till 7pm Every Saturday and Sunday. I feel your frustration. I never understood main street business hours. I have been frustrated on many occasion same as you. Ann at Pinwheel is a friend of mine and I know how hard she works so it pains me to see you blast her business like that. She simply cannot afford to start her day so early with a full staff and stay open till 7pm. I wish she could too, but it just doesn't make sense for her bottom line. Our hours are the way they are because most of our vendors have day jobs and the ones that don't busy themselves during the week creating or collecting all of the unique items you will find at TRBM. We are open for holiday friday evening shopping from 6pm-10pm starting Nov 18th and 12noon-10pm on black Friday. I hope you come support local artisans during the holidays!!

We're coming there tomorrow, Mr. Best. We had already planned on it before your post. I think the type of hours you've settled on now are good for now. Just like any business; if there is traffic to justify additional an owner will capitalize on that. The Russell Industrial folks went through some of the same things you're going through.

Hang in there (you and Ann).

Boorish....Sums up this post.

My husband and I SO wanted to try the pizza at Strawberry Moon Bakery but we both work either until 5 p.m.or usually later so we never got the chance.

I haven't lived in Ferndale long, but I hate it when everything is closed at what would normally be a reasonable hour. I'm not a huge fan of places that only serve breakfast and so they close early. I would totally eat breakfast for dinner.
Mark, you are quite a stick in the mud. ;) I do commend you for naming names. What you are saying about the businesses isn't great, but it's an opportunity for them to change. In a month or two, maybe we'll see an article on Ferndale Patch about businesses staying open later.
In the meantime, some new people gotta get into this town and take advantage of the opportunities that these owners are missing out on. There is money to be spent!!

Every name I wrote is one I give my business to even to this day if they're still with us. I am their dedicated customer and want them to suceed.

I enjoyed this retail review and mostly because it's not "anonymous". Well said, well done! A Coney Island being closed a stones throw from a music venue (and other bars that either don't have food or do and close the kitchen at midnight) should most def have a midnight shift! Especially in the fall/winter.
Hambo's is also missing out on the family dining aspect. Get some coloring placemats and cheap crayons (and maybe a good scrub down/decluttering) and we'd be there enjoying breakfast specials and coffee with our little one all the time! The Ferndale Grill is down the road a bit and way too jammed most visits.
How about Chris and Tiffany Best steal Hambo's and reopen as a Family Coney and live music venue by night! :)

Ferndale Grill is just drop dead gorgeous. I don't think you can get better value for a dollar spent. I love Hambo's as well. Actually, there isn't a food joint in this Great City that sucks -- food wise.