Gina Kaufman

Detroit Free Press

Hungry patrons, many enjoying a meal after church services, ordered their favorite dishes, lined up at the buffet and filled the restaurant with chatter and laughs for the last time.

"Thank you for 50 years," the sign reads outside Detroit's only Big Boy.

After Easter Sunday, the restaurant — located on East Jefferson at East Grand Boulevard, across from the entrance to Belle Isle — will be closed. The site has been sold to a Detroit developer.

Willie Moore, 83, said he has been patronizing the Big Boy since it opened.

"I'm a regular," he said. "I come here quite often, yeah, at least two, three times a week, at least."

Moore, of Shelby Township, said he used to come in for food after playing baseball on Belle Isle. On Sunday, he stopped in after service at Oakland Avenue Missionary Baptist Church in Detroit. Moore said he has made friendships at the restaurant with other regulars.

"Willie, I'm going to miss you," said Cheryl Curtis, who was a waitress at the restaurant for 30 years.

Curtis said she worked at the Big Boy from the time she was 17 until 4 1/2 years ago, after she was in a car accident.

"You miss the people," Curtis said. "I come every Sunday, though, when I get off of church."

Detroit developer the Platform bought the one-acre site from Curis Enterprises, according to a news release in March. The news release says the purchase is part of a larger investment the Platform is making in the neighborhood.

Michael Curis, president of Curis Enterprises, said the Platform has a larger plan for the area.

"We're excited about their plans," he said.

Peter Cummings, co-principal of the Platform, said that because of the site's prominence on East Jefferson across from Belle Isle, "we think that, ultimately, there will be a significant development on that corner." He said they are considering possible interim uses for the property.

Curis said the site was sold about three weeks ago, but he wanted to keep it open until Sunday to help the restaurant's employees, who will also be given bonuses, find jobs. Curis said it also allowed for time to thank customers and give patrons a chance to enjoy one last meal at the Big Boy.

Rainelle Mallory-Eubanks, 67, who has been coming to the Big Boy since around the time it opened, said she is sad to see it go.

"I'm going to miss it," she said.