2023 has stood as an era for transformation in the city of Detroit, witnessing the unveiling of new establishments and bidding farewell to familiar landmarks. As the city continues to evolve, notable openings and closures paint a vivid picture of Detroit’s ever-changing narrative and provide a glimpse into what 2024 has to offer. From new culinary favorites to the heartbeat of nightlife transforming, a commendable community resurgence, and technological advancements, the city has been reshaping into a renaissance for business, development, and budding creativity.
Detroit’s 2023 Culinary Renaissance
The culinary scene in Detroit has experienced a surge this year as the city transforms into an enticing place to reside while simultaneously introducing distinctive restaurants to captivate and delight tourists. Whether in the vibrant downtown, the dynamic west side, or the charming east side, an array of exhilarating options for brunch, dinner, and craft cocktails have become the pulse of the city, redefining the dining experience.
The Gripper Kitchen: Chef Tony, the mastermind behind Durden’s Catering and the famed Yung Gripper sandwich, has not only delighted Detroiters for a decade but has expanded his culinary prowess to Houston, Tex. Renowned for his delectable creations, Chef Tony’s exciting ventures have earned him admiration and pride from the city.
Pressed Juice Bar: Founded by the determined ‘mompreneur,’ Kiara Smith, Fresh & Pressed Juice Bar has a heartwarming origin. Driven by a personal journey to heal her son’s gut issues, Smith discovered the transformative power of organic ingredients. Her passion for quality and holistic health is evident in every sip of their rejuvenating juices.
Table No. 2: Chef Mitchell’s Table No. 2, an elegant addition to Downtown Detroit, seamlessly blends sophistication with substance. Specializing in fine cuisine, the restaurant offers a selection of steaks, seafood, and sushi, complemented by a full bar with an emphasis on craft cocktails, wine, and champagne.
We’ve Got Brunch: This black-owned gem, drawing inspiration from brunch spots in cities like Atlanta and Miami, has become a Metro Detroit sensation. With a menu rooted in Southern cuisine with a twist, customers flock to savor the exclusive brunch experience, making it nearly impossible to resist ordering just one delectable dish.
Salt + Ko: Owned by Chef Ryan Eli Salter, Salt + Ko is a pinnacle of sophistication in Detroit’s culinary scene. Offering a refined dining experience, the restaurant personifies elegance while showcasing culinary artistry and a touch of opulence.
Fixin’ Soul Kitchen: Nestled in the historic Paradise Valley, Fixins Soul Kitchen is more than a restaurant; it’s set to become a soulful revolution. Reviving the spirit of a bygone era, this establishment blends comfort and culture, invoking memories of a prosperous past while stirring the pot of future possibilities.
Return of Kuzzos: Kuzzos staged a triumphant comeback this year, preserving its beloved waffle spot charm while infusing new energy with expanded menu options. Successfully blending nostalgic favorites with fresh additions, the restaurant emerged as a favorite go-to spot, offering a delightful mix of waffle meals, soul food classics, and tantalizing cocktails.
Petty Cash: Petty Cash underwent a remarkable transformation, featuring new menu options and a change in management that revitalized its ambiance and taste selection. Nestled on the rising Avenue of Fashion, Petty Cash provides a unique dining experience, capturing the essence of Detroit’s evolving culinary landscape.
Waffle Café: Waffle Café, owned by culinary enthusiasts Kimyana Freeman and Larry Phillips, brings breakfast dreams to life with creative and mouthwatering waffle creations. A delightful haven for waffle enthusiasts, the cafe has redefined breakfast indulgence in Detroit, becoming a go-to spot for those seeking a unique morning experience.
Cred Café: CRED Café is the brainchild of former NBA athletes and siblings Joe and Jordan Crawford. More than a coffee shop, Cred Café serves as a community hub owned by passionate coffee connoisseurs. With an expertly brewed selection of beverages in a cozy and welcoming atmosphere, the cafe contributes to Detroit’s vibrant caffeine culture, offering patrons a space to gather and savor exceptional coffee.
Louisianan Cerol Kitchen: For over 50 years, Louisiana Creole Gumbo has been a cornerstone of Detroit’s dining scene, embodying Bayou-born recipes and old-style Southern dishes. With a commitment to flavor, tradition, and community, this cherished institution is poised to redefine its role as a culinary mainstay, providing generations with a taste of Southern comfort.
Whatcha Wanna Eat Food Hall: Detroit’s first inner-city food hall, Whatcha Wanna Eat Food Hall, is home to nine minority-owned businesses. Featuring first-time ventures for budding entrepreneurs and food trucks transitioning to a physical space, businesses like Heavenly Chicken and Waffles, Delectabowl, Your Perfect Blend, and others contribute to the cultural diversity and culinary innovation inside this one-of-a-kind establishment.
Cibo: Cibo is an electrifying addition to Detroit’s culinary and nightlife scene, offering upscale brunch experiences infused with fun, music, and chic Mediterranean cuisine. Nestled within the Cambria Hotel, this fresh establishment brings an out-of-town experience right to the city, inviting patrons to indulge in a sophisticated blend of flavors and ambiance.
Detroit’s 2023 Notable Nightlife
In 2023, Detroit’s nightlife underwent a remarkable transformation, marked by pulsating beats, opulent venues, and community-driven initiatives that ignited unforgettable evenings and a revitalized energy after sunset. Michigan’s positioning as a must-visit destination was further solidified, with the city’s accolades for the year largely attributed to the myriad entertainment options and vibrant nighttime experiences that Detroit had to offer.
Godfrey Hotel: Bridging sophistication and revelry, the Godfrey Hotel offers a luxurious nightlife experience where opulence meets entertainment. This venue promises an elevated evening with top-notch amenities and a touch of extravagance.
One Mike Detroit: A convergence of comedy, music, and cocktails, Comedian Mike Epps One Mike venue stands as the ultimate entertainment hotspot. Seamlessly blending various forms of entertainment, this venue ensures a lively and engaging atmosphere for its patrons.
Zuzu: Setting the stage for unforgettable evenings, Zuzu is a chic and trendy nightlife venue that caters to those seeking a stylish and vibrant atmosphere. With its contemporary design and lively ambiance, Zuzu promises memorable nights out on the town.
Detroit’s 2023 Community Developments
Community development has emerged as a cornerstone of transformation in 2023. From innovative residential initiatives to cultural hubs and fashion destinations that transcend traditional retail experiences, the city has witnessed the flourishing of spaces that not only redefine the way we live and engage but also embody a commitment to fostering vibrant, interconnected communities.
Book Tower: After seven years of meticulous renovations and an investment of nearly $400 million, the historical Book Tower in downtown Detroit has emerged as a symbol of luxury and rebirth. With 28 stories of landmark living, 117 exquisitely designed hotel suites, a stunning 13th-floor event space, delectable dining options, a serene private study, a state-of-the-art fitness center, and an exclusive private terrace club, the Book Tower now offers a truly unparalleled experience.
Reverend Dr. Jim Holley Residences: A transformative $18 million project, the Reverend Dr. Jim Holley Residences is not merely a housing development but a community-centric initiative that reshapes the concept of residential living. By skillfully integrating living spaces with communal areas, this project goes beyond conventional housing, fostering a profound sense of community.
Neighborhood Grocery: Neighborhood Grocery is a distinctive addition to the community, addressing a significant gap by becoming the neighborhood’s first grocery store in several decades. It stands out as one of the few Black-owned grocery stores in Detroit, countering the trend of declining grocery options in the city and combating the rise of dollar stores, thus enhancing access to healthy and affordable food.
Mac Galleries: Mac Galleries is a beloved community art gallery that has been a beacon for local artists for over three decades. This year, the gallery marked a new chapter in its journey as it celebrated the grand opening of its new space on the Historic Avenue of Fashion. Functioning as a creative nexus, it serves as a platform for artists and enriches the community by showcasing diverse artistic expressions.
Mature: More than a fashion destination, MATURE is a unique and inspiring venture co-founded by brothers Darryl Humes Jr. and Koven Humes. Beyond transcending the typical clothing store experience, MATURE is fueled by a deep passion for fashion and a commitment to the community and serves as a portal to a world where style and self-expression reign supreme.
Centric Place: With a passion for creating inclusive and equitable opportunities, the Allens embarked on a mission to create an environment where Black professionals could thrive, collaborate, and succeed. The result? Centric Place is a co-working space that has become a hub for Black entrepreneurs, freelancers, and creatives in the city of Detroit.
Tech Triumphs
Technological triumphs are steering the city toward an innovative and connected future. From collaborative hubs to cutting-edge labs and infrastructure initiatives, Detroit’s tech scene is at the forefront of shaping the city’s narrative.
Urban Tech Exchange: Bedrock, Bosch, Cisco, and KODE Labs have joined forces to launch the Urban Tech Xchange (UTX), a revolutionary real-world test lab dedicated to tackling the most pressing challenges faced by modern cities. This dynamic project not only positions Detroit as an open tech hub but also propels the city to the forefront of smart city development.
Michigan Central -New Lab: Where creativity converges with technology, New Lab is an epicenter for pioneering ideas that propel Detroit into the digital age. This innovative space serves as a catalyst for technological exploration, encouraging a fusion of creativity and cutting-edge advancements that redefine the city’s technological landscape.
Black Tech Saturdays: With a keen understanding of the obstacles that Black founders encounter, Black Tech Saturdays have united to establish an all-encompassing environment for collaboration, mentorship, and empowerment. This groundbreaking initiative is swiftly gaining traction and revolutionizing the Detroit tech arena.
Wireless Charging Roadway: Serving as a technological thoroughfare, the Wireless Charging Road is paving the way for electric mobility in Detroit. This initiative represents a commitment to sustainable transportation, marking a significant stride towards an eco-friendly future.
Detroit’s 2023 Notable Closures
As Detroit ventures into the future, there’s a bittersweet symphony playing in the closures of familiar names and cherished establishments, each one representing the conclusion of an era and resonating with nostalgic memories. In 2023, we bid farewell to these significant places, acknowledging the indelible mark they’ve left on Detroit’s collective consciousness.
Delmar: The abrupt shutdown of this well-loved club has created an absence in Detroit’s nightlife, muting the beats and memories that once echoed throughout its walls and rooftop. The mystery surrounding the closure of the Greektown party spot continues to linger over the city, giving rise to speculation and conspiracy theories surrounding the reasons behind its sudden end.
Monroe Street Midway: In 2023, the Midway bid farewell to its final summer season, concluding an era that played a significant role in uplifting the spirits of Detroiters during the pandemic. This beloved outdoor entertainment park, a collaborative effort involving Detroit, Bedrock, and local creatives, has gracefully bowed out to make way for thrilling expansions and developments in the heart of downtown.
Operation Welcome Home: In a heart-wrenching turn of events, Operation Welcome Home, a Detroit nonprofit dedicated to providing refuge and assistance to homeless veterans, was forced to shut down due to the loss of grant funding from the Veterans Affairs Department.
Molano Bakery: The cherished Milano Bakery, a beloved establishment in Eastern Market renowned for its sandwiches, salads, and homemade soups, has temporarily closed its doors. Known for occasional closures, the business is anticipated to reopen in 2024, leaving eager patrons awaiting its return to continue enjoying its delectable offerings.
Burger King: Twenty-six Metro Detroit Burger Kings were to close permanently following the failure to reach an agreement on restaurant operations and royalties between a franchise company and the corporation. Tragically, this dispute led to the layoff of 424 employees. The closures had a significant impact on Detroit residents, many of whom depended on these locations for accessible and affordable food.
Jabs Gym and Detroit vs Everybody: While these two Detroit brands did not permanently close, they experienced a temporary displacement due to an infrastructure issue affecting the building housing of both businesses. This incident spotlighted unforeseen challenges faced by small businesses and underscored the need for adequate resources in place to aid their recovery and restoration. Of note, however, Detroit vs. Everybody reopened in its new downtown Detroit District Detroit location in late
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