The Halal Shack to replace Subway in Michigan Union. Students returning to campus in fall 2026 may have noticed a change in food options at the University of Michigan Union basement. Subway's former storefront, located next to Panda Express and Wing Snob, was permanently closed. Following renovations to the Union from 2018 to 2020, only two restaurant vendors returned: Subway - formerly one of nine franchise locations in Ann Arbor - and Panda Express. They joined a new lineup that included Blue Market and Panera Bread. According to University officials, Subway's lease ended at the end of April, shortly after the winter semester wrapped up. However, a new restaurant will take Subway's place in winter 2027: The Halal Shack. The New York-based Mediterranean restaurant chain will be the first business to open in the Union since Wing Snob first welcomed customers in August 2024. In an email to The Daily, Susan Pile, senior director of University Unions and Auxiliary Services, wrote The Halal Shack was chosen - with the help of students - because of its philosophy. "Students serving on our advisory boards played an important role in selecting (Subway's) replacement, The Halal Shack, as part of a Request for Proposal process," Pile wrote. "We're excited to welcome The Halal Shack to the Michigan Union, with an expected opening in the winter 2027 semester. Its mission to unite people through food closely aligns with University Unions' role in cultivating community and belonging at the University of Michigan." Several other chains that have closed in Ann Arbor recently, including both Buffalo Wild Wings and Bruegger's Bagels in May, highlighting the difficulty of maintaining businesses amid rising expenses associated with rent and post-pandemic changes. In an interview with The Michigan Daily, LSA sophomore Omar Rashid said although he was surprised this particular location closed, he understands the decision considering the reported financial troubles several Subway franchise owners have faced in recent years. Discover more College Athletics Gear "I was a little bit surprised, but I have heard in the news that Subway in general is having some financial issues," Rashid said. "I think they are closing down a lot of locations if they're not getting enough business. I imagine this place as well is very expensive to rent out, so that might've played a role." In an interview with The Daily, LSA sophomore Jonatan Contreras, who worked at Michigan Dining over the summer, said the drop in spending activity in the summer can cause businesses to struggle. "Compared to the school year, when we have lunch rushes lasting hours, the summer is essentially quiet all day long," Contreras said. "Not like a complete ghost town, but definitely diminished foot traffic. I feel like that is definitely a key part of which businesses survive in Ann Arbor and which don't." Discover more Ann Arbor Event Calendar Digital News Access Ann Arbor Local Guide In an interview with The Daily, LSA freshman Diego Peralta said The Halal Shack will provide students with a new, more diverse option for on campus dining. "I would say Subway is pretty boring - you can find Subways anywhere," Peralta said. "But, you don't see halal food very often, so for me, that's a far better option that I would much rather prefer on campus." Daily Staff Reporter Kevin Gonzaga can be reached at [email protected].

One of the last remaining Bruegger's Bagels locations in Boston has closed. By Boston Restaurant Talk - published september 3, 2026 - updated on september 4, 2026 at 8:33 am. A location of a chain of bagel spots with roots in the local region has closed, and now there is only one remaining within the Boston city limits. According to an article from Universal Hub, Bruegger's Bagels in West Roxbury is no longer in business, with a sign out front saying "thank you for allowing us to make your mornings brighter and mor delicious." The note refers customers to the Longwood location of the chain, which is the sole remaining outlet in Boston as its downtown location closed earlier last year. (A number of others can still be found in the suburbs.) Bruegger's Bagels first started out in Troy, NY in 1983, with its corporate offices being in Burlington, VT, until about ten years ago (they are now headquartered in Denver). The address for the now-closed location of Bruegger's Bagels in West Roxbury was 667 VFW Parkway, West Roxbury (Chestnut Hill), MA, 02467. The website for the chain is at https://www.brueggers.com/ Local. In-depth news coverage of the Greater Boston and New England area. MLB 3 hours ago Maine 3 hours ago [A related post from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): List of Restaurant Closings and Openings in the Boston Area] Please help keep Boston Restaurant Talk and Boston's Hidden Restaurants going by making a one-time contribution or via a monthly subscription. Thanks! (Donations are non-deductible.)