DETROIT EATER | Hygrade Deli Has a New Owner, But Don’t Worry, Nothing Will Change

Serena Maria Daniels

Detroit Eater

The sale of the stalwart Hygrade Deli was perhaps one of Southwest Detroit’s worst-kept secrets.

Stuart Litt, who’s run the iconic deli for the past 50 years, sold Hygrade to fellow restaurateur Chuck Nolen, the owner of another famous Detroit restaurant, Cutter’s Bar & Grill in Eastern Market, just before Christmas.

Murmurs about the sale had been circulating between diners for more than a month, but Nolen, longtime regulars, and staff wanted to give Litt a proper send-off before breaking the news to the public.

Unbeknownst to Litt until late Tuesday morning was that Mayor Mike Duggan and other local dignitaries will be presenting Litt with a Spirit of Detroit award on Friday for his dedication to the community.

“I was very surprised. I’m happy. I’m happy for Chuck. I’m happy for myself. It’s pretty much a complete surprise,” said Litt on Tuesday morning, just moments after reading a Detroit News article announcing the sale.