After Nearly Four Decades, Beloved Polish Restaurant in Metro Detroit Bids Farewell

After nearly four decades of serving authentic Polish cuisine, Polonus Restaurant in Wyandotte is set to close its doors permanently on December 31, 2025.

 

Established in 1988 by brothers Andrzej and Roman Mucha, Polonus has been a cornerstone of the Downriver community, offering traditional dishes like stuffed cabbage, pierogi, and city chicken.

 

In a heartfelt letter dated December 8, the Mucha brothers expressed their gratitude to loyal patrons and dedicated staff, acknowledging the difficulty of their decision after 38 memorable years.

 

Co-owner Andrzej Mucha, 76, cited retirement and changing demographics as primary reasons for the closure.

 

"When we opened, there was a lot of Polish people (here) and four Polish churches (in the area)," Mucha noted.

 

"It’s much harder now to run it. I want to enjoy the last part of my life rather than cooking and staying here."

 

Longtime server Wanda Dargadz, who has been with Polonus since its inception, reflected on the closure, saying, "Half of my life I spent working here. I try not to think. I don't wanna cry."

 

Regular customers like Dale and Carol Pilon expressed sadness over losing this neighborhood institution.

 

"When these kinds of restaurants go, you don't find this food anywhere else," Pilon remarked.

 

Polonus is located at 1744 Biddle Ave., Wyandotte, and will continue to serve its cherished dishes until the end of the year.

 

Operating hours are 2–7 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and noon–5 p.m. on Sunday.

 

As the Mucha brothers prepare to close this chapter, they look forward to spending more time with family and traveling to Poland.

 

"The customers who opened through that door made this place for us," Mucha said.

 

"Not only a place of business — it made it home."