Market Square buys Birmingham Papa Joe’s

Papa Joe’s market on Woodward in Birmingham has been sold to the owner of Market Square gourmet markets which has a location on Southfield Road in the city and a location on Walnut Lake Road in West Bloomfield.

Papa Joe’s in Birmingham was opened in 1987 by Tony Curtis and his brother Jeff, after working for years in the produce business. His son, Anthony, often referred to as Tony, took over the market in1990 and later opened a Papa Joe’s in Rochester, a location that will still be maintained, according to an announcement sent out to customers on Tuesday afternoon, January 20.

The company also is involved at Royal Oak Beaumont (Corewell) hospital, as well as Detroit DMC and Henry Ford hospitals, plus the Detroit Metropolitan Airport.

Although there was no mention from the company about the future of Papa Jope’s Bistro on the second floor of the Birmingham location, operation of the restaurant was taken over by an outside company during 2025, so it’s probably safe to assume it will remain.

The Market Square gourmet market in Birmingham on Southfield Road near 14 Mile Road was purchased in1988 by Johnny Karmo who expanded and improved the store’s offerings since then. Karmo also has a second location on Walnut Lake Road in West Bloomfield.

Aside from a small but good produce section, the Birmingham store is known for its wine offerings, prepared foods and meat counter, plus a friendly staff which the store on its website credits for its success as a popular gourmet market in the local area.