Ninja City burst onto the scene a decade ago in a brash, colorful way that represented the personality of its principals. Situated on a college campus in University Circle, the whimsical Asian pub was an homage to the 1980s-era kung fu flicks, comic books and video games that founders Bac Nguyen and Dylan Fallon grew up admiring.
When Ninja City relocated to Detroit Shoreway in 2018 (6706 Detroit Ave.), it brought with it the same sense of youthful playfulness that got it noticed in the first place. But now, a decade later, it’s time for the brand to grow up, says Fallon.
“When we started this, we were just trying to have fun – and that’s what we’re still trying to do,” Fallon explains. “But what was fun for us 10 years ago, it’s a little bit different now.”
Fallon says that like so many of his restaurant industry colleagues, he and his team have been struggling to adapt to an ever-changing landscape since Covid. Their doors are still open, so they have fared better than many of their counterparts, but it was time for some soul searching, he adds.
“Last year we struggled quite a bit in a lot of ways, but as the economy continues to do what it does, the political world continues to evolve, we are faced with some tough choices,” he explains. “Either we really pull back on all the extra things that we do outside of Gordon Square or we double down, elevate the brand and give people a reason to choose Ninja City, become more aware of Ninja City, and to come back more often.”
To accomplish that, Fallon will close the doors following Dyngus Day on Monday, April 21. On Friday, May 2, Ninja City will reopen with a refreshed interior, revamped menu and restored sense of purpose.
“We are doing what we can to elevate the space – to take away some of the older, immature items that don’t necessarily need to be there,” he says. “Softening up the place is really important.”
In addition to new wall colors and décor, they will seal up the open kitchen, install Shou Sugi Ban (Japanese charred-wood siding), and introduce a permanent host station.
The format of the comic book-style menu will change, with more options – both new and old – and improved versions of classics.
“We’ve spent the past several months tweaking, working through, and trying new things – bringing in cool ingredients from the markets,” says Fallon. “We think we’ve got it to where we want it to be and we’re ready to launch it.”
Fallon says that no changes are planned for their east-side outpost in the Market Hall at Van Aken District.
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This article appears in Apr 10-23, 2025.
