Cheli's Chili In Dearborn To Close Shop

DEARBORN (WWJ) - Cheli's Chili Bar in Dearborn is set to close its doors for good on Wednesday after 10 years of business.

An employee tells WWJ former Detroit Red Wing Chris Chelios sold the site located on Michigan Avenue at Oakwood Boulevard. Restaurant staff was notified of the closing on Saturday.

There hasn't been an official word on who Chelios sold it to or what business will move in next, although some reports say the building was bought by Najib Rizk, who owns the nearby Le Cigar cocktail and cigar bar.

Cheli's Chili Bar in downtown Detroit will remain open, as will a third Cheli's Chili Bar in Clinton Township -- which is managed by the Andiamo Restaurant Group under a licensing arrangement with Chelios.

In 2010, Chelios said goodby to the ice, but not to Hockeytown. Chelios retired at the age of 48 after 26 NHL seasons and three Stanley Cups.