YPSILANTI, Mich. – Workers at Bobcat Bonnie’s in Ypsilanti learned Wednesday that the restaurant will be permanently closed after attempting to unionize over bounced paychecks and harassment.

While the store is closed, employees are struggling to prepare for the protest and are setting up vigils to prepare for the fight for better working conditions.

Employees reported financial difficulties due to inconsistent pay and launched a petition demanding better working conditions, which was met with an abrupt closure by owner Matt Buskard.

Officials at the restaurant said the decision was part of a strategic focus on other locations.

“We contacted these employees again to further investigate the claims and were rebuffed twice.

It’s incredibly hurtful to see negative comments because we’ve always been very proud of our place in the community.

We will not be reopening the Ypsilanti location. Like many small restaurants, we are downsizing our footprint so we can focus more on our other locations throughout Michigan.”

Bobcat Bonnies