Leo’s Coney Island has been building a committed fan base for its Detroit-area restaurants since the company’s inception in the 70s. Now, the chain with more than 40 locations is moving westward – bringing some of the Leo’s excitement with it.
“The location is perfect,” says Bill Krall, president of Leo’s Coney Island MSU. “We've received great positive feedback from the students who have stopped by during construction saying, ‘We can't wait until you open.’"
They won’t have to wait much longer. The 2,600-square foot restaurant will open in the Marriot Hotel building in Downtown
East Lansing in mid-October. The new Leo’s Coney island will seat 82 and serve breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Making East Lansing the next home of Leo’s has been in the plans since 2008. The site was chosen not only for the customer base of students, downtown employees and residents, but because of the unique kind of graduates coming from MSU.
“MSU in known to have a great school of hospitality,” says Krall. ”I would like to recruit students and graduates who are looking to have a career in restaurant business management or as a franchise owner for future locations.”
The Kralls also have a family connection to the area. Owner/partner Chris Krall graduated from MSU in 1994 and was an Alpha Phi who lived on M.A.C.
“East Lansing has everything,“ says Krall. “I wanted to be in an area with a thriving downtown area close to a residential population.”
Enjoy this story?
Sign up for free solutions-based reporting in your inbox each week.