I worked in NW Detroit for just over a year in the later mid 60s. There were plenty of good lunch spots within easy driving. They served big, cheap and good.
I believe it was on Greenfield Road. There had been a vacant gas station/car dealership station for some time at the location. Driving by one day I saw a sign, "French Buffet" or words to that effect.
So, here was a derelict, totally unadorned putative eatery, with a vacant pump island in a totally grotty setting - I mean really grotty - no trees, amidst vacant lots and crappy small businesses without any curb appeal whatsoever. If I wanted to build coffins I'd locate there for the low rent.
Needless to say I pulled in.
To my huge surprise I found an old European French couple had established themselves. In my present telescope they were middle aged.
They had laid out their selection on two or three stacking tables. I can't recall the seating arrangements but for sure they were crude. And the price was cheap, cheap, cheap for the day.
By God that food was good. Everything on their stacking tables was built from scratch and delicious. We were a small, close knit shop and with my employers and others we ate there daily for a few weeks until my boss said what we were all thinking, " I want a nice greasy hamburger."
Shortly after, I returned to Canada. I have no idea if the enterprise was destroyed in the race riots, failed or prospered.
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