After 11 years, Midtown’s Jolly Pumpkin is closing today

Hey friends, Jer here. I’m writing to let you know that after an 11‑year run, the Jolly Pumpkin Pizzeria and Brewery in Detroit’s Midtown is closing at 6 p.m. today (Sunday).

This is now confirmed by a post on their official social media.

Jolly Pumpkin’s Midtown Detroit location has been on West Canfield since 2015, part of an active retail block that includes Shinola, City Bird, Nest, and Bon Bon Bon.

If you didn’t know, Jolly Pumpkin was a large, casual beer hall serving Michigan‑made sour beers and pizzas in a relaxed space with long communal tables and reclaimed wood.

Jolly Pumpkin also landed in the national spotlight when President Barack Obama stopped in for lunch in 2016.

The beers were paired with pizzas, truffle fries, and other shareable items built around Michigan‑made, small‑batch ingredients.

They say in their note that they "will be back in Detroit soon," and say to follow their social media. [Facebook]

Avalon later moved in to share the space when they left their Willis Street location. That side of the operation looks quiet too, with mugs on discount for $5.

This is the second brewery closure on the block this year, with Motor City Brewing Works shuttering in February.

I’ll be sharing more details as I get them on our Daily Detroit podcast and here in the newsletter — but I wanted you to have a couple hours’ notice before the 6 p.m. closing time if you want to head down.

Now down three dining spots in recent years (if you include Traffic Jam and Snug’s devastating fire in 2022), I’m hoping some new concepts move into this Canfield corridor near the Wayne State University campus.

🎥 We're doing an Unofficial State of the City YouTube watch party on Tuesday. Norris Howard, myself, and other guests will be watching Detroit Mayor Mary Sheffield’s first State of the City along with all of you and offering analysis and reactions. Be sure to head over to our YouTube page; we'll be starting a little after 6 p.m.

🤖 Heres a Motown-infused Daft Punk moment. Motown’s musical power spreads the world over. Since it’s been a little while since I left you with some music at the end of one of these notes, I had to share this Thomas Bangalter set out of London.

If you don’t know, Bangalter was half of the robot duo Daft Punk. At 3:16, there’s a version of their hit “One More Time” that drops in samples of the classic “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” with Marvin Gaye’s vocals.

Until next time, remember that you are somebody — and I'll see you around Detroit.

-Jer

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