Are All Bagger Dave’s Restaurants in Michigan Closing?

We've seen quite a few Bagger Dave's restaurants shut down in Michigan in the past few years. Now it appears the chain's run may be coming to an end.

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Bagger Dave's Burger Tavern was established in 2008, in Berkley, Mich. The casual dining chain, known for burgers, pizza, and sandwiches, expanded to include 26 locations in Michigan, Indiana, and Ohio.

That changed in 2015 when Bagger Dave's began closing locations. This included restaurants in Holland, Grand Rapids, Traverse City, East Lansing, and Metro Detroit.

There are now six remaining Bagger Dave's restaurants:

• Grand Rapids, Mich.
• Berkley, Mich.
• Birch Run, Mich.
• Chesterfield Township, Mich.
• Centerville, Oh.
• Ft. Wayne, In.

BT Brands acquired about 40% of the company in 2022. At the time, the founder Michael Ansley resigned from Bagger Dave's.

According to Restaurant Business, in press release this week BT Brands said that it and Bagger Dave's are "exploring strategic alternatives" which would include converting the six remaining restaurants to different concepts:

... it is anticipated that a proposal will be made to Bagger Dave’s shareholders to change the name of Bagger Dave’s to align the name appropriately with a new business strategy... The Bagger Dave’s locations will continue normal operations as Bagger Daves, with the process of conversion to another concept expected to begin sometime later this year.

 

BT Brands CEO Gary Copperud noted,

All six stores are in excellent locations representing an original investment of more than $5 million. The stores range from 4,000 to 6,000 square feet, carry full liquor licenses, and are in excellent physical condition. We have had several restaurant professionals look at the locations over the last year, and all agree the units provide an outstanding footprint for a conversion opportunity.

See the full release here.

What would YOU like to see replace Bagger Dave's?