The Kerby’s Comeback
Southfield residents, businesses and visitors have two additional choices for great food — thanks to the re-opening of Kerby’s Koney Island and the opening of the House of Falafel, both within Southfield City Centre.
Kerby’s Koney Island welcomed patrons to its Northwestern Highway location during a grand re-opening celebration on December 8. The restaurant was forced to close its doors in 2023 due to a kitchen fire.
Despite the devastating fire that would require an extensive renovation, co-owner Terry Keros never gave up on returning to the popular location along Northwestern near 10 Mile Road. He is thankful to the City of Southfield for support as the restaurant underwent the challenges of renovating. “They were here to answer every question, so that helped facilitate things.”
“Everything is new, including, floors, ceiling, kitchen equipment and booths,” says Keros. “And our business came right back — even better than before.”
Long known for great breakfasts, lunches and dinners, the restaurant’s return was a welcome relief for patrons who enjoy everything from omelets and pancakes to Greek salads, burgers and famous chili dogs.
Owned by the Keros brothers and nephews, Kerby’s has been in business since 1968 and currently employs a staff of 25.
“We’ve been in Southfield for a long time, and hopefully we’ll be around for another 100 years,” Keros says. “We have good customers — we like them, and they like us.”
Hours of Operation:
Mon – Thurs: 7am – 9pm l Fri and Sat: 7am – 10pm l Sun: 8am – 9pm
House of Falafel Debut
In addition to Kirby’s Koney Island, House of Falafel opened its doors in December, replacing the former Lefty’s Cheesesteak location at 26587 Evergreen Road, in the out-lot of Travelers Towers.
Owners David and Rania Kharsa were eager to bring Mediterranean cuisine to Southfield, but with a new twist.
“We offer choices for any type of diet, including vegan, vegetarian and plant-based,” says Rania, noting their focus on healthy, “build-your-own meals.”
“We were one of the first restaurants to introduce the build-your-own concept,” which, she notes, appeals to a variety of cultures.
The husband-and-wife team says the heart-friendly Mediterranean diet has helped increase awareness of their restaurant in Southfield as well as its original location in Farmington Hills.
“It is challenging to find places that can accommodate health issues such as high blood pressure or high cholesterol levels,” Rania says. “The Mediterranean plant-based diet is very important in that aspect.”
The restaurant’s namesake, falafel, is a staple, says Rania. Made with chickpeas, fresh herbs, onion, garlic and spices, the mixture is formed into balls and deep fried in a separate fryer.
The menu runs the gamut from soups and salads to full entrees where patrons can select exactly what they’d like to have, Rania says. “Our motto is ‘Don’t tell us what you don’t want. Tell us what you do want.’”
Hours of Operation: Mon – Saturday: 11am – 9pm l Sun: Closed
A warm welcome
According to Southfield Mayor Kenson Siver, “We’re happy to welcome Kerby’s back to the City Centre district and equally happy to welcome the latest restaurant to join us, House of Falafel.
“Kerby’s has been a staple for our residents, workforce and visitors for decades, and its reopening strengthens the vibrancy and activity in the heart of Southfield, as does House of Falafel. We’re grateful for the commitment of both restaurants to the city and are delighted to see them thriving.”
Students at Southfield High School for the Arts and Technology are playing a part in reducing the skills shortage in Michigan and beyond. With an estimated two million U.S. manufacturing jobs predicted to go unfilled by 2030 (according to a study by Deloitte and The Manufacturing Institute), these students and others like them throughout the country are learning about advanced manufacturing technology and acquiring skills that will prepare them for future jobs.
Southfield City Centre Advisory Board represents the businesses and institutions located in the City Centre. Together they work to promote the economic vitality and quality of life in the city. They also contribute individually through charitable works. “It’s important to the company as a whole to give back to the community that gives so much to us,” explains Brooke McNemar of Etkin Real Estate Solutions. Etkin, owner of Evergreen Atrium and Franklin Center, among other properties, supports Michigan Animal Rescue League, American Diabetes Association, Children’s Hospital of Michigan Foundation, Lighthouse, Brilliant Detroit, Zekelman Holocaust Center, Robert A. Schuele Scholarship, and Alzheimer’s Association-Michigan chapter.
City of Southfield Planning Department and Lawrence Technological University (LTU) teamed up this summer to offer metro Detroit high school students an introduction to landscape architecture. The three-day camp welcomed students from seven area high schools, most of whom admitted at the start they knew little about the field. Yet, come the conclusion, their perspectives had changed dramatically. “I was surprised how broad the scope of landscape architecture is,” explained Rachael Andree, a student at Adlai E. Stevenson High School. “It’s basically everything that’s not buildings.”
