Livonia Steak ‘N Shake Closes Down; May Reopen Under New Ownership

Livonia residents who want 24-hour restaurant service have one less place to go and eat – The Steak ‘N Shake along Middlebelt Road has been shut down, but whether or not that’s permanent remains to be seen.

According to the sign on the business’ door, the company opted to close the location and is being given to a franchise partner. It said renovations would commence, which included installing new equipment that will help in improving both customer service and speed. When the location opens, it will be under the direction of the franchise owner.

According to Steak ‘N Shake’s website, the Livonia restaurant is listed as temporarily closed.

There’s been no word on when it was closed or when it’s set to reopen. However, Livonia’s Economic Development Coordinator Barb Gamber said she thinks the restaurant closed sometime in the last week, as there was no announcement that it was going to happen.

It’s not known if the Livonia restaurant closure is related to the other Steak ‘N Shake closures allegedly taking place in the U.S. For example, eight have shut down in Ohio and eight closed in just St. Louis.

Biglari Holdings issued a 2019 yearly report saying it wanted to franchise all of its corporate-owned stores to improve its profits. The company wants to have 400 franchise-owned restaurants throughout the U.S.

According to the report, the new system, which is founded on the entrepreneurial culture, places trust in people who deserve it. The owner-operator model gives individuals the power they need to be motivated and reliant. The company said looking at franchise partners are being equal partners ensures a harmonious relationship and attain consistency.

Steak ‘N Shake was founded in Illinois in 1934, focusing on various steakburgers and milkshakes along with breakfast items and some casual fare.