ECORSE (WWJ) A Greek restaurant, a staple of the downriver community for decades, is working to rebuild after a devastating fire.
The flames ripped through Auburn Cafe in Ecorse on Friday, January 10th— destroying its interior.
“We are completely devastated by the fire that occurred at Auburn Cafe. This restaurant has been a part of our family and the community for 44 years, and seeing it damaged like this is truly heartbreaking,” Owner Kosta Callis said in a statement on social media. “However, our greatest relief is knowing that everyone—our dedicated staff and loyal customers— got out safely. For that, we are incredibly grateful.”
Auburn Cafe has been all in the family since its inception in 1981. It began when Callis’ parents, who were first generation Greek immigrants, purchased a bar next to their house. While it was initially supposed to be a side venture; an injury as a Ford industrial painter sidelined his father at work, and turned his attention to the bar full time.
According to their story on Auburn Cafe's official website, Callis' parents started with serving traditional American fare like burgers.
“…The menu expanded when local patrons fell in love with the authentic Greek dishes served straight from the family kitchen,” the website reads. “Word of mouth spread like wildfire, and soon influential people from all walks of life were drawn to the cafe’s genuine charm and delicious home-cooked meals.”
The cafe moved to its current location—on Jefferson near Visger— in the early 1990s, thanks to the financial support of generous customers, the website said. It was passed down through the generations, from father to son (who was only a toddler when the cafe started), giving Kosta ownership. Kosta Callis now focuses on “helm(ing) the family legacy with a vision to blend the old with the new.”
They have started a GoFundMe Page—“Help Auburn Cafe Rise From The Ashes” As of Sunday at 2 p.m., it has raised over $4,000 of its $7,000 goal.
“Every contribution, big or small, will help bring this cherished landmark back to life,” they wrote in the description on the fundraising page.
In a post just after midnight Saturday; Callis said their current focus is supporting their staff—some have worked for the restaurant for decades—and assessing damage.
“Auburn Cafe has always been more than a restaurant,” he wrote. “It’s a gathering place built on love, tradition and community. We are committed to rebuilding and coming back stronger.”