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Spencer Restaurant in Ann Arbor to Close Temporarily for 'Recharge'

  //food-wine.news-articles.net/content/2026/01/07 .. ann-arbor-to-close-temporarily-for-recharge.html
  Published in Food and Wine on Wednesday, January 7th 2026 at 10:50 GMT by MLive
      Locale: Michigan, UNITED STATES

Spencer Restaurant in Ann Arbor to Close Temporarily After Decade of Success, Citing Need for "Recharge"

Spencer, a highly-regarded and popular restaurant in downtown Ann Arbor, Michigan, will be temporarily closing its doors after celebrating its 10-year anniversary this month. The announcement, made via social media and reported by MLive, comes as a surprise to many loyal customers, but owners emphasize the closure is not a failure, but rather a necessary “recharge” for the team and a chance to re-evaluate the business model. While a firm reopening date isn’t set, the restaurant anticipates being closed for several months, likely reopening in late 2024 or early 2025.

Spencer has become a cornerstone of Ann Arbor’s vibrant dining scene, known for its commitment to locally-sourced ingredients, innovative American cuisine, and warm, inviting atmosphere. Owned and operated by Chef Brandon Bannerman and his wife, Jennifer Bannerman, the restaurant consistently receives high praise from critics and diners alike. Its focus on seasonality and forging strong relationships with Michigan farmers and producers has been a defining characteristic, contributing significantly to its positive reputation.

The restaurant’s announcement detailed the immense effort and dedication put into running Spencer for the past decade, highlighting the toll continuous operation at a high level of quality takes on the team. “Ten years ago, we set out to create a neighborhood restaurant that focused on hospitality, local sourcing, and, most importantly, taking care of our people,” the statement read. “We’ve done that, and we’re immensely proud. However, the demands of running a restaurant like Spencer are immense, and we’ve reached a point where we need to step back, recharge, and strategize for the future.”

The decision wasn’t made lightly. According to the MLive article, the Bannermans had been considering a pause for some time, recognizing the need to prevent burnout and maintain the quality and passion that have defined Spencer. The timing, coinciding with the 10-year milestone, feels appropriate, allowing them to reflect on their accomplishments and plan for the next phase.

The closure impacts not only the Bannermans and their approximately 25 employees but also the wider Ann Arbor community. Spencer has been a frequent participant in local events and a strong supporter of regional agriculture. Its closure will leave a noticeable gap in the downtown dining landscape. However, the owners have expressed a strong commitment to returning, noting they view this as a temporary pause, not a permanent goodbye.

Further details gleaned from Spencer's Instagram page (@spencerannarbor) provide insight into their plans during the closure. They aren’t simply stepping away; they intend to use the time for staff training, menu development, and potential renovations. The Instagram posts also emphasize the importance of supporting local farms and producers even during the hiatus. They plan to continue working with their agricultural partners, possibly through pop-up events or other collaborations, ensuring those relationships remain strong. This suggests a commitment to the core values that made Spencer successful in the first place.

The restaurant’s model, while successful, is not without its challenges. The current economic climate, coupled with rising food costs and labor shortages, has significantly impacted the restaurant industry nationwide. Though not explicitly stated as the primary reason for the closure, these factors likely contributed to the decision to reassess and rebuild. Many restaurants are grappling with balancing quality and affordability while maintaining a positive work environment for staff. Spencer’s approach – prioritizing staff wellbeing and a temporary shutdown for revitalization – reflects a growing trend in the industry toward more sustainable and people-centric business practices.

The article quotes several regulars expressing sadness at the temporary closure but understanding the need for the owners to prioritize their well-being. The sentiment highlights the strong connection Spencer has cultivated with its customer base over the past decade. The restaurant has clearly become more than just a place to eat; it's a community gathering spot.

Looking ahead, the Bannermans are optimistic about Spencer’s future. They are hoping to emerge from this period refreshed and reinvigorated, ready to continue serving Ann Arbor with the same dedication to quality and community that has defined them for the past ten years. While the exact form of the “recharged” Spencer remains to be seen, the owners assure patrons they will be kept informed of their progress and plans via social media and their website. The pause is intended to ensure Spencer remains a beloved Ann Arbor institution for another decade and beyond.