Local European eatery Balkan House saw a spike in takeout orders during the pandemic, in part thanks to a generous customer who gave them free billboard advertising.
A fan of the restaurant known only as “Joey,” put together a billboard ad. It’s been displayed on 9 Mile and I-75 since April 27. Owner Juma Ekic wasn’t even aware of the billboard until it had been there for five days, she told Detroit Free Press.
Restaurant staff say they’re grateful for the act of kindness during the pandemic. Employee Duma Ekic writes, “There are actual tears in our eyes because of our amazing, positive, resilient customer base. We LOVE YOU!”
Since last week, the owners say “Joey” identified himself. As it turns out, he’s a regular patron who also works in the billboard advertising business. He called up co-owner Ariana Ekic, and told her, “I wanted to do it because I see you guys are working so hard. It’s the least I could do.”
Balkan House has locations in both Hamtramck and Ferndale. Like many other businesses, its sales decreased significantly after the “Stay at Home” order was enacted March 16. But in recent weeks, its Ferndale location is starting to see numbers “almost to pre-COVID levels,” the Free Press reported.
