Business & Tech

Benefit Planned Friday for Dearborn's Iconic Biergarten Pub

The building was closed in September due to structural safety issues.

The Dearborn business community is rallying to support one of its own with a benefit fundraiser Friday for the Biergarten Pub.

The fundraiser will take place beginning at 6 p.m. at The New Place Lounge, located at 22723 Michigan Ave.

The Biergarten was closed at the beginning of September after the city declared the building structurally unsafe. The DeSanto family, who own and operate the pub, declined comment about the incident due to pending litigation against the city of Dearborn.

Carmen Bronson, whose mother owns the pub, explained that the building was damaged in 2012 when a contractor demolished the former Brothers Tuxedo.

Since that time, she said the DeSantos have been working with the city to bring the building back up to code and are hoping to reopen the establishment soon.

"It's just a frustrating situation," she said.

Calls to the city's Commercial Services Division were referred to attorney William DeBiasi.

DeBiasi said inspectors determined both the building's front entrance and a side wall adjacent to the demolished Brothers Tuxedo are not stable and could collapse.

"There is a concern for customers entering and exiting the building. The owners are working with us to rectify the issue, and we're working to get the business open as soon as possible," he said. "It is never our intent to close businesses."

Bronson said Friday's fundraiser will help pay for improvements to the building and offset the DeSanto family's lost revenue. Events include a tin can raffle, 50/50 raffle and door prizes. There is a $5 suggested donation.

"The repairs are not covered by insurance, so the family is having to pay out of pocket," she said. "Every day that goes by, they are losing revenue."

Bronson said several area businesses donated gift certificates, Detroit Red Wings tickets, Detroit Lions tickets, and other prizes for the fundraiser.

"The Biergarten has been a Dearborn business for 40 years. A lot of friends and patrons we've accumulated want to help out. We are truly blessed," Bronson said.

For more information, call 313-277-3035.


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