Kalamazoo Might Still Get Bobcat Bonnie’s Despite Rumors of Poor Management at Other Michigan Locations
It's exciting when a new restaurant announced they're coming to your town, especially when you've never had them before. Case and point, Bobcat Bonnie's, a unique restaurant that got its start in Detroit back in 2015, recently announced it would be expanding to a new location in Kalamazoo.
However, it seems before it even gets its start in southwest Michigan, the restaurant is already surrounded in controversy. Will it still be coming to Kalamazoo despite allegations?
Bobcat Bonnie's got started in 2015 by Matt Buskard, who purchased the old "Red Devil" building in Corktown near downtown Detroit. Named after (we believe) Matt's grandmother, Bonnie, who loved to drive around their family farm in her Bobcat front loader, doing chores.
The restaurant has a creative approach with a unique gastro-pub-style menu, with some quirks and specials, and seems to focus mostly on brunch, and dinner. They currently have six locations in Michigan, with intentions to open one in Toledo, Ohio, and soon, Kalamazoo.
However, it seems things might not be in as good of shape as they seem.
Bobcat Bonnie's Alleged Problems
A recent article released on the Eater Detroit website, by food journalist Serena Maria Daniels, claims Bobcat Bonnie's has had to close its Ypsilanti and Partridge Creek locations, and Buskard has given up operation of the Ferndale location. That only leaves three in his care, and two potentially on the way.
But there's more to that, unfortunately.
In Daniels' article, she alleges employees of the closing stories are claiming their paychecks were bouncing, and they were treated poorly in the workplace.
According to a screenshot of a letter written to the Ypsilanti employees, they claim they were informed that operations would be suspended on October 13th. Bobcats United, which represents workers for the restaurant chain reposted the letter, and say a member of the team will set up times... "to hear staff members' concerns over reports of 'inappropriate and/or harassing behavior.'"
Three days later, it was confirmed that the Ypsilanti location would be closed for good.
Where is Bobcat Bonnie's Going in Kalamazoo?
You can read more details on the allegations, and what employees are claiming in Daniels' editorial. Meanwhile, plans to open a new location on Rose Street, across from the KVCC Arcadia Commons Campus in the Lawrence & Chapin building, are still in the making, though no official open date is being confirmed. Their website only says "Coming soon."
Hopefully the allegations are a misunderstanding, and can be taken care of peacefully, and plans to open a new gastropub in downtown Kalamazoo can continue, but we will have to wait and see what comes of the current situation.