History Lesson
Rudy’s recognized for their renovation of a downtown Clarkston ‘treasure’
By Steve Stein
Two Chaldean businessmen were honored by the state earlier this year for their transformation of a historic downtown Clarkston grocery store into a fine dining establishment.
Robert Esshaki and Christopher Thomas received a Building Award from the Michigan Historic Preservation Network for their renovation of a more-than-century-old building at 9 Main Street that’s now Rudy’s Prime Steakhouse, which opened in October 2024.
The award is presented annually for an outstanding building preservation project completed within the previous three years. The project may be restoration or rehabilitation, must include exterior work, and may involve interior work.
“We own an iconic building in Clarkston, a community treasure, and we wanted to turn it into a first-class restaurant,” Esshaki said. “We understand we’re just temporary stewards of the building. It was here long before we owned it, and it will be here long after we’re gone.”
Birmingham-based Saroki Architecture and Kelly Building & Development Company were hired by Esshaki and Thomas to do the design and renovation work of the former Rudy’s Market, “after we partnered with the Clarkston City Council, Planning Commission and Historic District Commission to come up with a plan that would allow us to update the building, and at the same time keep its character,” Esshaki said.
Michael Moon, secretary of the Historic District Commission, and his wife Nancy accepted the Building Award for Esshaki and Thomas at the Historic Preservation Network’s annual awards ceremony at Lake Superior State University in Sault Ste. Marie.
Esshaki and Thomas became the owners and operators of Rudy’s Market in 1989 after buying it from the family of Rudy Schwartz. They closed Rudy’s Market in 2021 because of their concerns about the future of independent grocery stores and pondered what’s next for the building.
“We thought, ‘What’s going to change and what’s not going to change in 10 years?” Esshaki said. “I’m afraid independent grocery stores aren’t going to be around. But people always want a great dining experience.
“It was a challenge adhering to the guidelines of renovating a historic building, but it was worth it. There’s been a lot of community interest in the building renovation.”
Rudy Schwartz, a German immigrant, founded Rudy’s Market, a grocery store and meat market, in 1933 at the corner of Main and Washington streets in downtown Clarkston and moved the business to 9 Main Street in 1954, keeping the bright red “Rudy’s” neon sign on the front facade.
The “Rudy’s” neon sign now graces the front of the Rudy’s Prime Steakhouse building. The restaurant is named for Schwartz.
Built in 1915 as a one-story parapeted native stone structure, the 9 Main Street building was originally the home of Voorheis Ford Service & Auto Supply Company.
There were two bay windows and a large double door on the south side of the building.
By 1942, the bay windows and double door were enclosed with stone and a Kroger Grocery & Baking Company location operated out of the building. By the mid-1950s, Kroger had outgrown the building and moved to a new spot in Independence Township.
That paved the way for Schwartz to move his business there.
Thanks to the recent renovation, the bay windows and double door are seeing the light of day as four large windows. Also, the stonework was taken down, repaired, and put back up.
Esshaki said business at the restaurant has been fantastic so far, mainly because of his “amazing” team that includes General Manager Jean Baptiste, Executive Chief Josh Stockton and Beverage Director Ann Howard.
The restaurant employs 45 and seats 130 including the bar/lounge.
Esshaki and Thomas purchased the former Clarkston News building that’s next door to Rudy’s Prime Steakhouse and adjacent parking lot in 2021.
They plan to turn the building into another restaurant, upscale cigar and bourbon bar, and a wine cellar that will serve all their venues.
