Covid casualties

The coronavirus pandemic has definitely hit the local business community in the last four months, and some spots will not reopen, including women’s boutiques Lexi Drew, 152 N. Old Woodward in downtown Birmingham, and 110 Couture, 110 S. Old Woodward in Birmingham. Also shuttered, after a 30-year run offering edgy, sophisticated women’s apparel, is boutique Milieu Birmingham, owned by Denise Thea, 2163 Cole Street, in Birmingham’s Rail District. Nestled inside since just late last year, Libertine, offering curated gifts, personal care items, fragrance and accessories by retailer Rita Sayegh, has gone online only for the time being. Mad Hatter Bistro and Tea Room, 185 N. Old Woodward, has also closed its doors for good, and Pita Cafe, 239 N. Old Woodward, is in danger of the same. It is still closed – although the owner is still paying rent and wants to reopen. The problem? None of their workers are willing to come back, according to the manager at their Oak Park location, as they are earning much more on unemployment. Also permanently closed is the Panera in Bloomfield Township at 2125 Telegraph Road. Janet Davis Cleaners, 3645 W. Maple Road at Lahser, in the Plum Market plaza, has closed after inhabiting the space for 50-some years. Business Matters for the Birmingham - Bloomfield area are reported by Lisa Brody. Send items for consideration to LisaBrody@downtownpublications.com. Items should be received three weeks prior to publication.