Darrell Clem

Hometown Life

Moo Cluck Moo, a metro Detroit fast-casual eatery that once drew national attention for paying its workers $15 an hour, has abruptly closed its Canton location.

The company announced the closing Monday on its Facebook page and also notified customers on its email list. A second location in Dearborn Heights remains open.

Moo Cluck Moo opened three years ago in a Canton shopping center on Ford Road, east of Lilley. It offered burgers and chicken sandwiches, but also had menu items for vegetarians and gluten-free customers.

► Related: Canton closing 'not the demise' of Moo Cluck Moo

The company issued a statement thanking customers "for their loyal patronage" and said it plans to focus more on the catering side of business.

"At this time, after careful consideration, we've decided to close our Canton location in order to focus on our catering and events business," the statement said. "We do plan to open in a more convenient location once we have our mobile kitchens and catering services set up and running smoothly."

It wasn't immediately clear if that new location would be in Canton.

Tucked away in a shopping center, Moo Cluck Moo was described by one worker as under-performing. The Observer also has learned that the $15-an-hour pay scale is no longer in place, but it wasn't immediately known how much it had changed.

A company spokesman couldn't be reached Tuesday afternoon.

► Related: Bailey's Sports Grille closes in Canton

Moo Cluck Moo's closing caught local officials by surprise.

"Of course, we're disappointed anytime that a business closes in Canton," Economic Development Manager Kristen Thomas said. "They were a good partner in the community. People liked their fresher, cleaner version of fast food. We're very sorry to see them go. I hope they do come back to Canton."

Canton Chamber of Commerce President Thomas Paden said the company, despite being a chamber member, hadn't disclosed it was closing in Canton.

"It's a pretty busy strip center up there, so I'm a little surprised," he said. "They were a valued business in the community. Anytime that a business closes, it's always a concern for us. I wish the owners the best."

Moo Cluck Moo said in its statement it will honor all gift cards and loyalty programs at its original location in Dearborn Heights.

The company is expected to ramp up its mobile food truck business within weeks.

Darrell Clem is a reporter for Hometown Life. Contact him at dclem@hometownlife.com or on Twitter: @CantonObserver.