By Matt Mackinder
Clarkston News Editor

When Rudy’s Market closed in Sept. 2021, plans were made at that time to have the 9 South Main location reopen in two years’ time as a restaurant.
After Rudy’s owners Robert Esshaki and Chris Thomas then bought the old Clarkston News building at 5 South Main, plans were discussed to make that into another restaurant.
“Right now, we have a plan,” Esshaki said in Sept. 2021. “Since we are such a big footprint – over 7,000 square feet plus 3,000 square feet upstairs – we do have room to include part of Rudy’s in there as well. Our plan is to do two restaurants as part of Rudy’s. We have a beautiful basement there we want to turn into a speakeasy if all our plans fall into place.”
Fast forward to July 2023 and new plans are being made public by city officials.
“Robert Esshaki has submitted their construction drawings and building permit application to the city and received full approval,” said Clarkston City Manager Jonathan Smith. “Initially, they will be focused on the renovation of the stone Rudy’s building in preparation for the new restaurant to open there sometime in 2024.
“After that, they will focus on the second restaurant to open in the old Clarkston News building.”
Smith also said that he gets asked about the Rudy’s location frequently in the city offices.
“I can tell you that the renovations of the Rudy’s Market building and the previous Clarkston News office next door, as designed by renowned architect Victor Saroki, will be nothing short of amazing,” Smith said. “Their construction drawings have now been fully approved by the Building Department as well as the Historic District Commission. The building permit has been issued and preliminary work has begun inside both buildings. The hardcore renovations will begin in the Rudy’s Market building – an old Ford dealership – starting Sept. 1, with the goal of opening Rudy’s Steak House one year later in September of 2024.
“Work on the second restaurant in the Clarkston News building, tentatively a Mediterranean theme, will lag behind the steak house opening by 6-12 months.”
Smith also noted that a candle retailer will be renting the Clarkston News building “until the heavy work is ready to begin in that space.” An art gallery had previously rented the building.
“Robert tells me that his team will be launching regular status updates on Facebook and other social media starting in September,” said Smith.

PHOTO: Rudy’s Market, left, and the former Clarkston News building, right. Clarkston News file photo