Cheli's Chili in downtown Detroit to close after Nov. 24

Melody Baetens | The Detroit News

Downtown Detroit sports hangout Cheli's Chili Bar announced on social media Tuesday that next week would be the last days for the restaurant.

"Come celebrate with us as we count down to our last day Nov. 24," said a statement on social media. The post said the bar will host a Lions tailgate party at 9 a.m. Sunday, and their 13th annual Thanksgiving tailgate party at 9 a.m. Nov. 22. They'll open at 11:30 a.m. Nov. 19-21 for customer appreciation events with "food, drink and memorabilia specials."

Calls to the restaurant for more details were not immediately returned.

The bar — open for at least a decade at 47 E. Adams, a stone's throw from Comerica Park and Ford Field — belongs to former Detroit Red Wing and Chicago native Chris Chelios, who played with the Wings 1999-2009. Later, he worked in the Detroit Red Wings' front office for a time.

Chelios announced in July that he was leaving Detroit to return to Chicago. This could be one reason he's closing the restaurant, which has a prime location. Another factor could be the declining attendance at Detroit Tigers games.

At one time Chelios also had a Cheli's Chili restaurants in Dearborn and Chicago. In July the Chicago Tribune reported that the Hockey Hall of Famer was planning to open a Cheli's Cantina in Chicago.

mbaetens@detroitnews.com

Twitter: @melodybaetens