Patrons, Friends Mourn Loss of 2 'Generous' Restaurateurs

In just a few days, Shelby Township has lost two of its great and longstanding restaurateurs.

On Tuesday, Dennis Forbes, owner of Mr. B’s on Van Dyke died of natural causes in a metro Detroit area hospital.

On Wednesday, Nickolas Andreopoulos was one of four Macomb County men who died in a crash in South Dakota Wednesday morning. Andreopoulos was the original owner of Nick’s 22nd Street Steakhouse.

Both restaurants, located just a few hundred feet apart, have been in businesses for nearly two decades.

“It’s definitely a loss in the area and loss to the business community in Shelby," said Andreopoulos' son Bill.

Both men were acquaintances and very involved in the community, according to Bill Andreopoulos.

“He (Nikolas Andreopoulos) will probably remembered as a great businessman,” added Bill Andreopoulos.  “He helped a lot of people and he was very friendly.”

Trent Terry, manager of Mr. B’s, said Forbes was regarded the same way.

“He was a very, very nice man,” he said. “He was very giving and donated to local schools."

“Forbes didn’t have any kids, so this (Mr. B’s) was his baby,” added Terry.

A celebration of Forbes life will be held at the restaurant Saturday from 1 to 5 p.m.

Terry said he is expecting nearly 1,000 people to turn out in honor of Forbes.

The Andreopoulos family is working on setting funeral details, as they away for their father’s body to return from South Dakota.

Share your favorite memories of these two men in the comments below.