When Stuart Litt's father bought HyGrade Deli 37 years ago, its stretch of Michigan Ave. was quite a bit different, with lots of small businesses that were supported by the numerous major employers in the area, like the Clark St. and Fleetwood assembly plants, Serta Mattress and Superior Coffee. Those are all gone.
There are some bright spots in the area, like Brinker's headquarters, Habitat for Humanity houses and the new University of Detroit Mercy Dental School. But Litt says that, over the years, "For every new customer we've gained, we've lost two."
So how has HyGrade survived when so many others have not? The diner appeals to a diverse clientele of neighborhood residents and blue and white collar workers. He hires hard-working multi-taskers and pays them fairly so that they stay with him -- one of his waitresses has worked at Hygrade for 14 years.
And he serves the best corned beef in town. "We cook it right, we cut it right," he says.
While the corned beef keeps customers returning, so do the tasty, inexpensive breakfasts -- and the decor. Litt describes the colorful walls, chairs and stools as "atmospheric." He says, "Some people come here not just for the food, but for the atmosphere."
HyGrade is open Monday through Friday from 6:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. and on Saturday from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. It is located a few blocks west of I-96 at 3640 Michigan Ave. Call 313-894-6620.
Source: Stuart Litt, HyGrade Deli
Writer: Kelli B. Kavanaugh
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