For decades the Dynamo Deli has given customers some of the best corned beef sandwiches in Detroit. The family business is known for great prices, a family atmosphere and excellent corned beef sandwiches.
Now, customers looking for the sandwiches they love are finding locked doors.
The owner says one crime was the last straw.
Johnny Lewis says he has opened the doors of the Dynamo Deli almost everyday for 35 years. Then a man came in his business as he closed Father’s Day night.
“He had a mask on and a big old gun. He put it up to my head and told me to get on the ground,” said Lewis.
Lewis says he did as he was told. Then he saw his friend come in to check on him. The robber ordered his friend to the ground, so Lewis got up, ran to the back and grabbed his gun.
“When I tried to shoot my gun, my gun jammed, so he turned around and just started shooting at me,” said Lewis.
The bullet holes at head level in the wall show that armed robber aimed to kill. Lewis fell to the ground, and the robber ran. Somehow he and his friend weren’t hurt.
“I work for my kids and my wife and my family,” said Lewis.
That fateful Father’s Day he went home to see the son and daughter whose pictures have been up in the deli for years, thinking about what could have happened. He told his family what happened and told them he was closing the deli.
“Something did die that night. My deli died. I got to find another way to give back. There are many ways you can give back,” said Lewis.
Lewis says while he is giving up the business he isn’t giving up hope. He says he plans to work to mentor youth. He says he is going to continue coaching basketball at Frederick Douglas Academy to inspire Detroit’s next generation. He says he hopes they build the neighborhood so other businesses don’t die.
“I am so happy to be alive with my kids,” said Lewis.
