The Common Grill in downtown Chelsea will close in March

A mainstay in downtown Chelsea for three decades known for its American fare and deftly prepared seafood dishes, The Common Grill is permanently closing. The restaurant will close March 13.

Craig Common and his wife, Donna, the owners, announced they are retiring and "moving on to the next phase" of their lives, according to a news release and Facebook post Sunday morning.

"Since our beginning, we have always wanted to have a restaurant that provided a great experience, with quality food and service, on a consistent level," the owners said in a statement. "We hope that we have accomplished what we believed was our number one priority."

Reached by phone Sunday morning, Craig Common, 67, said, "It's time."

"It's been a tremendous journey and I am just ready," he said.

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The business and building, both of which Common owns, are up for sale. Common said it's important that he sells to another restaurateur.

"We've been here for 30 plus years," Common said. "It's important that somebody comes in and keeps it a restaurant. It's vital for the downtown area, The Purple Rose (Theatre Company) and stuff. That is my No. 1 priority."

Located about 60 miles west of Detroit, The Common Grill, 112 South Main Street, is known not only as a downtown Chelsea spot but as a destination.

Craig Common, a self-taught chef, began his culinary career as a dishwasher at a Dearborn Heights restaurant. He later worked for the C.A. Muer Corp., overseeing 16 restaurants in Michigan, Ohio and Florida before opening The Common Grill. In 2011, he was named a best chef Great Lakes region semifinalist for a prestigious James Beard Award — considered the Oscars in the culinary world.

Common also authored two popular cookbooks. The Common Grill Cookbook, $35 through Sleeping Bear Press, was released in 2000 and went into a second printing shortly after. Common said more than 100,000 books were sold.

The Return of the Common Grill, $35 through Huron River Press, followed in 2005. Both books showcased many recipes on the grill's menu and leaned on Common's love of seafood.

Common informed his staff on Friday of the closing.

"It was highly emotional," he said. "We have had people that have been with us since day one. It's family. But when you think about retiring, you have to pick a date. So I did."

Plenty of those familiar with the restaurant expressed sadness about the closing and thanked the Commons for their support of the Chelsea community. The Facebook post announcing the closure had more than 360 comments and 945 shares as of noon Sunday.

While Common said the pandemic put a "blip" in business in 2020, it had nothing to do with the closure.

"(The restaurant is) at the height of its game right now," he said. "We've been busy for the full year. It's been great."

Common said he and his wife plan on some traveling, relaxing and figuring out what's next.

They plan to remain in Chelsea and live a mile from the restaurant.

"We love Chelsea and love where we are. I like to be engaged in the community," Common said.

Contact Detroit Free Press food writer Susan Selasky and send food and restaurant news to: [email protected]. Follow @SusanMariecooks on Twitter.

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This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: The Common Grill in downtown Chelsea will close in March