Two of Detroit’s most popular nightclubs announced they will be closing at the end of June. The owners of Spot Lite and the UFO Bar, Roula David and Jesse Cory, have decided to move away from running nightclubs.
“With a lot of thought and consideration, we have decided to close this chapter in our lives and move away from nightlife,” David said in a statement, according to The Detroit News.
Spot Lite opened in 2021 at 2905 Beaufait St. in Islandview on the city’s east side, tucked inside what used to be a lumber warehouse that spans 7,900 square feet. This venue had DJs playing music while patrons danced on the expansive dance floor. There was space for artists to hang their artwork, and visitors could view the many records lining the shelves.
“Spot Lite has been the most meaningful project of my life for the past five years,” David said. “As an Arab American woman, I have always seen joy as a form of resistance. From the pandemic to troubling times locally and globally, we have all been able to reconnect on this dance floor to find joy and community.”
David purchased UFO Factory last year and renamed it UFO Bar. Located at 2110 Trumbull in Corktown, which used to be Hoot Robinson’s Bar. “UFO Bar is a special place that lived a big life before we took it over,” the owners said in their statement. “For the past two years, we have tried our best to honor the legacy and add our own spin to it.”
Spot Lite will close on June 28. UFO Bar follows two days later on June 30.
Cairo Coffee, which operated inside the Spot Lite space, will remain open until it finds a new location.
“We are incredibly grateful to all of our patrons, artists, dancers, and most of all, our team that made the party happen each night. Their dedication to customer service, safety, and sound created the energy that Spot Lite became so famous for. Honestly, there are too many people to thank and we hope to see each one of you so that we can thank you individually,” the owners stated, according to WXYZ.
At this time, Detroit Vinyl Bar will operate in the space where the UFO Bar was. They will sell records and cocktails.
These closures are part of a wave of Detroit nightlife businesses closing, including the Fowling Warehouse in Hamtramck closing its doors at the end of June due to economic and cultural changes.