History
Artifacts
Our Thoughts
The history of Chin Tiki is gathered from many internet and text sources. Though every attempt is made to present up-to-date and accurate information, we cannot guarantee that inaccuracies will not occur. All rights reserved.
| Chin Tiki | |||||||||||||||||||
| 2121 Cass Ave., Detroit |
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| Status: | Closed | AKA: | |||||||||||||||||
| Style(s): | Polynesian | Architect : | Marvin Chin | ||||||||||||||||
| Owner: | Ilitch Holdings | Architectural Firm: | Unknown | ||||||||||||||||
The Chin Tiki opened in 1967 with Marvin Chin designing the building, as well as having a huge hand in the construction of it. The restaurant was the first Polynesian restaurant to open in the city of Detroit. Entertainment was sometimes offered on the Chin Tiki stage, such as Hawaiian dancers. The restaurant managed to stay open through the major riots that occurred in Detroit but finally closed in 1980. The decaying restaurant had its second-floor banquet cleaned up and restored to its original splendor in 2001 for a cameo in the movie "8 Mile" featuring Detroit rapper Eminem. Universal Studios paid $20,000 for the use of the building. Marvin Chin was happy to see the Chin Tiki filled with activity. Unfortunately, Chin noticed that crew members and actors took valuables from the building, including autographed photos, mugs and kitchen equipment. When Chin witnessed the building filled with people once again, it inspired him to reopen the restaurant. Soon after the scene was filmed, Chin began to undertake the project of restoring the building. Work had been tough for Chin. He had been funding the restoration out of his own pocket and performing the work without much of a crew. He had hoped to reopen the building one day. Chin passed away April 26, 2006, leaving the future of the building in doubt, and the building was put up for sale. Ilitch Holdings bought the building in February, 2007, which may mean the end for Chin's famed restaurant. |
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