Mind Body & Spirits Won't Reopen As Intended This Spring

The Earth-friendly restaurant that brought "inspired dining" to downtown Rochester announced Monday that it will not reopen this spring as planned.

Mind Body & Spirits served its last mostly local, organic meal in early January and sat quiet ever since, as when local produce was more readily available.

This time, the closing is for good.

"It's official," said David Youngman, marketing director for Pleszure Food Group, which owns Mind Body & Spirits as well as 

"Although we had originally intended to reopen this spring, we have decided to concentrate our efforts on other business opportunities."

Youngman said Mike Plesz and his food group still own the Mind Body & Spirits concept — and the building itself. They are exploring alternate uses of the building and would possibly would rent it.

"Still, no matter what moves in there, it's still a green building," Youngman said. "We're hoping that whatever happens to the building, its intention goes on."

The restaurant opened in late 2008; its focus was on locally grown foods, with an on-site greenhouse and a reliance on local farmers for produce. The building was constructed from Earth-friendly materials, including bamboo, cork and recycled rubber flooring. It operated using geothermal heating and cooling and other energy efficiencies.

Youngman did not elaborate what the new business opportunities might be, but he did confirm the company's excitement about its recent beer distribution deals. After years of brewing and selling beer at Rochester Mills, the company recently began widespread distribution across southeast Michigan.

The Rochester Mills Cornerstone IPA is being sold in various stores around metro Detroit. It is also on tap at several restaurants, including Slows Bar B Q in downtown Detroit. "It has been very well-received. We are very encouraged by the business outlook for our beer distribution," Youngman said.

On of yet another beer — a seasonal one called Mills Pils, which Youngman describes as a Bohemian-style pale lager.

Youngman said he sees the closing as positive news for the Pleszure Food Group, though he understands not everyone will share that thought.

"We recognize there were some people who never ate out before, and we gave them that option," he said.

The restaurant's ever-changing menu offered several gluten-free options, which made it a dining destination for those with food allergies.

On the restaurant's Facebook page, several customers expressed their disappointment with the closing.

"There is still a market for what you do and the trend is worth saving," said Cathleen Francois.