Abandoned Ponderosa in Dearborn Heights Will Bring Back Memories

Back in the 80s, going to Ponderosa with the family was a pretty big deal. It was the go-to spot for buffet-style dining in Michigan.

Dad didn't mind breaking out his wallet on Ponderosa nights because he knew it was one meal that he could truly afford. I mean, you could get an entire dinner including steak, potatoes, veggies, a salad, fruit, and all-you-can-eat sundaes for just $3.99.

Surprisingly, 16 Ponderosa Steakhouses remain in the U.S., with five still operating and serving customers in Michigan.

Thanks to Detroit Unseen, we get to take a look inside an Abandoned Ponderosa Steakhouse that once served customers in Dearborn Heights.

This Ponderosa Steakhouse was built in 1974 on Van Born Road in Dearborn Heights.

The once-popular Ponderosa in Dearborn Heights closed in 2019.

You have to admit that just looking at these photos takes you back to the '80s and early '90s. I only say that because I believe that was the last time I visited a Ponderosa Steakhouse.

At its peak, Ponderosa had hundreds of locations. By 1989, there were nearly 700 Ponderosa restaurants, with the majority located in the Midwest.

These photos were taken in 2020, roughly a year after the Dearborn Heights location closed.

Michigan Ponderosa Steakhouse Locations:

• Bay City
• Mt. Pleasant
• Coldwater
• Clare
• Ludington

Ponderosa Steakhouse - "Where great steaks cost less."