ANN ARBOR, Mich. – The Michos family is handing their downtown Ann Arbor eatery off to a new owner and saying goodbye to the locations they’ve run for more than 60 years.
In a lengthy social media post, the family shared memories of The Original Cottage Inn and thanked customers for their support over the years.
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“We want to express our sincere gratitude for our exceptional managers, chefs, and both front of the house and back of the house staff employees. The loyalty and hard work of our team have been remarkable, and we’re truly thankful for that. We wish for the continued success of all our employees and express deep gratitude for your dedicated efforts. Our guests have meant the world to us. Thank you, once again, for your unwavering support. With all our love,” the family wrote.
Business partners Nick Michos and George Petropoulos bought the restaurant in 1960 and served pasta, pizza, salads and Italian and Greek dishes. The eatery started offering gelato after partnering with Iorio’s Gelato and is credited with bringing cappuccinos to Tree Town, according to the post.
As demand grew for its food and pizzas,The Original Cottage Inn opened up a second company in 1978. This became the Cottage Inn franchise which now has more than 50 locations in Michigan and Ohio.
Michos’ sons, Jim, Theo, and George have managed the restaurant since taking over for their father.
Recently, the basement of the 515 E. Williams St. restaurant had been transformed into the Cottage Inn Cellar Lounge and offered pizza, beer and sold-out comedy shows.
According to the post, the downtown Ann Arbor location will reopen after renovations and an identity change.
“The Original Cottage Inn is undergoing renovations and will reopen as Coratti’s Pizzeria Bar and Bocce before graduation weekend. We have collaborated closely with the new owners. Ensuring the employees are well taken care of is a top priority for us. The new owners are hands-on and we’re confident they’ll carry on our success in this restaurant venture. They already have establishments in Howell and Milford and are soon opening in East Lansing, and soon here in our hometown, Ann Arbor.”
the Michos family
The beloved pizza spot has been a part of the lives of community members ranging from high school students and University of Michigan students to professionals and families and has offered free Thanksgiving Day meals to those in need for 40 years.