Fat Johnny’s Closes Downtown, Early Bird To Move In

If you're craving Philly cheesesteaks for lunch downtown, your best option just closed. Fat Johnny's shuttered its doors over the weekend after a little over three years in the location.

Fat Johnny's Philly Cheesesteak Company, located at 95 Monroe Center NW, closed over the weekend. The sandwich shop, which was a favorite of the downtown crowd since the summer of 2013 notified its customers with a sign taped to the front door that simply said 'Thank You'.

A message on their Facebook page hinted at a new owner and a new venture for current owner, Dan Weiskopf, who is a New Jersey transplant.

According to an article in the Grand Rapids Press, the new tenant in that space will be the Early Bird Cafe, which currently is located in Eastown at 1445 Lake Drive, although there is nothing on their Facebook page about any move or expansion. 

Considering I've seen long lines on weekend mornings at the Early Bird location on Lake, I would have to imagine it's an expansion into downtown for their menu of unique breakfast entrees, including their popular Avocado Smash.