ALLEN PARK, Mich. – Allen Park is a vibrant town that strikes the perfect balance for those seeking the comfort of suburban living with the excitement of city life.
The city’s lively downtown is filled with trendy boutiques and family-run diners, each contributing to Allen Park’s unique character.
One neighborhood staple is Ted’s Coney Island on Allen Street. Louie Mazaris, the current owner, has been involved in the restaurant’s journey since childhood, watching his parents run the small business since the 1980s.
“I’ve been here since I was eight years old, all my life,” said Mazaris at his diner in the early afternoon. “Allen Park is very special for us.”
According to longtime residents like Corey Lindros, what truly makes the city stand out is the community’s involvement in the success of local businesses.
“You go to some of these other cities, and you see these businesses pop up, but does the community really support them,” said Lindros as he was waiting for his to-go order at Ted’s. “If you don’t have the community support, you don’t have much.”
The community spirit extends beyond the local businesses. Christine Mathis, a resident of Allen Park for more than 60 years, has seen it firsthand over the decades.
“Neighbors help neighbors,” said Mathis at one of the dining room tables, eating a late breakfast with her great-grandson and sister. “When we get big snows, all the neighbors would join together and help everyone.”
From the days when Allen Park was booming as part of Detroit’s storied history as the Motor City, Mathis told stories of the city’s transformation into what it has become today: a close-knit suburb with a small-town vibe and all the conveniences of a city just a few minutes drive outside the big city.
