Popular Ferndale eatery Como's is set to reopen in May. The new owners, check out Zack Sklar and his Peas & Carrots Hospitality Group, are planning to keep the restaurant's focus on pizza. Beyond that, the restaurant is undergoing a complete renovation.
Sicilia Grego opened Como's Restaurant on the corner of Woodward Avenue and Nine Mile Road in 1961 and she ran and owned the restaurant for more than 50 years, until it closed in 2017. And for much of that time, Como's was not just a hotspot, but a safe spot, for the LGBGQ community.
"It used to be the place that if you wanted to go with your boyfriend or your girlfriend, you could go without feeling discriminated against, whereas you could go to another restaurant down the street and you would not feel comfortable at all," said Michael C. Lary, Ferndale's director of special events and projects. "And some of the ladies who were the waitstaff, they would go up some ass if you disrespected their customers."
Singer Barbara Payton was a regular at Como's, both as a diner and as a performer on Como's patio.
"I feel that Sicilia really opened up the doors to the gay community and really extended herself at a time when I don't think a lot of businesses were open to our community," Payton said. "So, I have a respect for her in that aspect."
Payton became well known for many years for her shows at Como's following Pride in Ferndale.
"There were so many great times that we had there," she said. "I have such a fondness for all the times I played at Como's and all the PrideFests I played on the patio. I miss those times and I'm actually looking forward to making some new memories on Comos's patio, and I'm looking forward to the rebirth that is going to take place. I am excited about it."
Ferndale Mayor Dave Coulter is excited about it, too.
"I'm thrilled that Como's will continued under the same name with new ownership that is committed to continuing their tradition in Ferndale of an iconic dining experience and involvement in the community," said Coulter. "They understand that legacy and want to be a part of keeping it alive."
Como's is set to reopen Monday, May 6, and will serve dinner only the first week it's open. Lunch will be served starting on the second week and the patio should be open by the end of the month.
Como's to Reopen Under New Ownership
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