Amer's Deli closing in Michigan Union after 19 years of business

After nearly 20 years in the Michigan Union, Amer’s Mediterranean Deli will close its doors for good Saturday, May 4.

According to a report in the Michigan Daily, an anonymous Facebook campaign that garnered more than 1,100 likes was not enough to save the restaurant.

In the Daily’s story, owner Amer Bathish expressed frustration with the university for not giving him an opportunity to extend his lease. The Union announced in April that another Mediterranean deli, Ahmo’s Gyro's and Deli, will be opening on the ground floor once renovations to the Michigan Union Grill area are complete.

According to the Daily, a “Summer Selections” area will be set up outside what is currently Amer’s during the renovations. The selections will have a rotation of local food vendors including Palm Palace, The Jamaican Jerk Pit and the Earthen Jar. Amer’s has two remaining locations near campus, one on South State Street near the Diag and the other on Church Street above Rick’s American Cafe.

• Read the full story from the Michigan Daily.

Ben Freed covers business for AnnArbor.com. You can sign up here to receive Business Review updates every week. Reach out to Ben at 734-623-2528 or email him at benfreed@annarbor.com. Follow him on twitter @BFreedinA2