When people ask, “Is Great Lakes going out of business?” the answer isn’t simple. That’s because several unrelated companies and organizations include “Great Lakes” in their name. Some have shut down, some are still operating, and others have experienced significant changes lately. If you’re worried about a specific “Great Lakes” business, it’s important to clarify which one you mean.
You might be thinking about an airline, a restaurant, a coffee company, or even a shopping mall. All these different businesses share the “Great Lakes” label but have their own stories and challenges. Let’s break down what’s really happening with each.
Great Lakes Airlines: Passenger Flights Ceased
If you’re in the U.S. Midwest or travel for business, you may remember Great Lakes Airlines. This regional carrier served smaller cities and was a staple for travelers connecting through Denver, Minneapolis, and Chicago.
In March 2018, Great Lakes Airlines announced that it would suspend all scheduled passenger flights, effective immediately. This was a huge blow for regional flyers and airport managers who depended on the airline for economic activity. So why did this company stop flying?
The main reason: pilot shortages. In 2013, the FAA increased the number of hours required for commercial airline pilots from 250 to 1,500. This rule aimed to improve safety, but it made it much harder for smaller airlines to find qualified pilots. Great Lakes simply couldn’t hire enough pilots to fill their cockpits or keep up with the requirements.
What’s important to know is that while the airline grounded its 34-plane fleet and let go of most staff, it did **not** file for bankruptcy. Instead, the company said it would try to keep certain segments of the business running. But for all practical purposes, Great Lakes Airlines as a passenger carrier is no longer in business.
If you’re a small airline trying to survive in this environment, this example shows how regulatory changes can tip your business overnight. Pay attention to compliance risks, and always have a plan in case a key rule changes.
Great Lakes Shipping Company Restaurants: Michigan Classics Closed
For decades, Michigan locals enjoyed hearty meals and lakeside ambience at restaurants called Great Lakes Shipping Company or Great Lakes Shipping Co. There were two notable ones, one in Grand Rapids and one in Kalamazoo. Both have now shut their doors.
The Grand Rapids Great Lakes Shipping Company, known for its cozy setting and prime rib, closed in May 2016. The decision happened because the landlord planned to tear down the building, making way for new development. The owner decided relocation costs were too high, so they closed instead.
Meanwhile, 50 miles down US-131, the Kalamazoo Great Lakes Shipping Co. closed in June after 44 years. The reason? Dwindling business. The owner pointed out that people’s dining habits had changed, competition had grown, and it was time to sell the property.
If you run a restaurant, these closures illustrate how external forces—like real estate changes—and shifts in customer preferences can force hard decisions. You can learn from this: Regularly survey your regulars, track customer trends, and always know your lease details inside out. Consider launching a loyalty program and track your repeat purchase rate to see if it moves. That way, you react before your customer base shrinks too far.
Great Lakes Coffee Roasting Co.: Tough Times and Location Closures
Craft coffee has boomed across the Midwest, but it’s still a tough business—especially in turbulent times. Great Lakes Coffee Roasting Co., based in Detroit, found this out the hard way.
In early 2022, one prominent Great Lakes Coffee location in Midtown Detroit closed due to a COVID-19 outbreak among workers. This wasn’t the owner’s fault—lots of restaurateurs dealt with similar issues during the pandemic. But the challenges didn’t end there.
Not long after, another flagship location shut its doors permanently. This closure followed a high-profile strike and a push for unionization among staff. While these issues were in the local news, there’s no public evidence that the entire company has folded. Instead, it appears certain locations have closed, with no word on possible reopening or broader shutdowns.
If you’re operating a food or beverage business, you can see how unexpected disruptions—like public health emergencies and labor disputes—can threaten your survival. Prepare ahead by having clear sick leave policies, keeping open lines of communication with your team, and using digital tools to stay agile if a single location needs to close temporarily.
If you’re unsure whether your favorite coffee shop is open, check their website or call ahead. Don’t forget to support local businesses by posting positive reviews and recommending them to friends.
Great Lakes Mall (Mentor, Ohio): Still Open, But Facing Big Changes
Maybe you’re asking about a different “Great Lakes”: the Great Lakes Mall in Mentor, Ohio, just outside Cleveland. Shopping malls everywhere are dealing with changing retail habits and tough times for their owners—as is the case here.
The mall’s owner, Washington Prime Group, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2021. Bankruptcy doesn’t always mean everything shuts down right away; often, it’s a legal step that helps a company restructure debts or sell off assets. In the meantime, local reports said it was “business as usual” at Great Lakes Mall. Shoppers could still visit favorite stores, and employees kept their jobs.
What’s next for the Great Lakes Mall? Washington Prime Group is now selling all its properties, including this location. That means new owners could step in, and the mall could be redeveloped, resized, or rebranded. No one knows for sure if it will stay a traditional shopping center or become something new, like a multi-use space with offices, entertainment, or apartments.
If you own a small retail shop or are in commercial real estate, monitor these shifts closely. This is a real-time example of how you may need to pivot if your anchor store or landlord faces financial distress. Stay proactive—build strong relationships with property managers, diversify your online and physical presence, and negotiate short-term leases if your site’s future looks uncertain.
If you’re researching business continuity tactics, or thinking of starting your own venture, consider exploring resources like this business playbook and guide site. It’s packed with ideas and how-tos that can keep your small business resilient in a changing world.
What Does “Going Out of Business” Really Mean?
When you hear that a company is “going out of business,” the specifics can look very different. Some companies officially file for bankruptcy and liquidate. Others simply stop operating certain parts of the business without any formal legal process. For instance, Great Lakes Airlines never filed bankruptcy—they just stopped providing scheduled flights and let their planes go.
Restaurants tend to close more suddenly—often because of lease issues, declining sales, or personal owner decisions. Malls and property owners might reorganize, find new buyers, or convert spaces into new uses. Understanding these differences is key to choosing your next step, whether you’re an employee, investor, or customer.
This means you should always check official brand statements, news reports, and social media channels for the most current status. The situation could change quickly—especially in challenging industries like travel, dining, and retail.
How to Respond if Your “Great Lakes” Business Is at Risk
If you’re a business owner facing uncertainty like these examples, don’t wait for trouble to escalate. Protect your business by being proactive.
– Review cash flow every month. This helps you spot shortfalls before they turn critical.
– Stay nimble with your staffing strategy. Have backup plans for labor shortages and keep communication lines open with your team.
– Build direct customer lists. Email and text marketing help you reach your customers fast—especially if locations or hours suddenly change.
– Negotiate lease flexibility. Understand your exit rights and renewal options to avoid getting blindsided by landlord changes.
– Keep innovating. Try new menu items, launch special events, or test delivery models to keep regulars engaged.
Even in tough times, you can often reinvigorate a loyal customer base or pivot to new markets. Ask for feedback, test ideas rapidly, and measure results. If you learn that a competitor or peer “went out of business,” treat it as a learning opportunity. Can you avoid their pitfalls? Can you acquire their assets, staff, or customer list to strengthen your own position?
Conclusion: Specify Your “Great Lakes” and Be Ready to Adapt
So, is Great Lakes going out of business? It truly depends on which Great Lakes you mean:
– Great Lakes Airlines: Ceased passenger operations, not bankrupt, but no longer flying commercial routes.
– Great Lakes Shipping Company (restaurants): Both Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo locations have permanently closed.
– Great Lakes Coffee Roasting Co.: Some Detroit locations have closed due to COVID-19 and labor disputes, but not all.
– Great Lakes Mall: Still open, but facing an uncertain future due to parent company bankruptcy and upcoming property sales.
If you want a targeted update, specify which Great Lakes business you’re asking about. And for business leaders and founders, use these stories as case studies. Study what went wrong, build in resilience, and keep customer and financial data at your fingertips.
The business world is always changing. With the right tactics, you can spot problems early, adapt fast, and find new opportunities—even as big names come and go. Stay alert, keep learning, and don’t be afraid to ask hard questions about your own business. That way, you’ll be better prepared—whether you’re keeping a legacy brand alive or building something new.
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