A community cafe is in the works

Our cafe effort was awarded a Motor City Match grant to finish the buildout and purchase equipment for the space designed by Synecdoche. We know the importance of space for a community and the importance of community in making a place. While Vander has hosted some amazing events and exhibits, a third place needs to be easily accessible within the regular rhythms of a neighborhood, so the cafe became the obvious next step. Rhythm Coffee will help us get things started while they work on their own space, too!

Working with our neighbors, Goodwill of Greater Detroit, only a few blocks away, we plan to develop a service and hospitality program to train and hire Detroiters facing barriers to employment, including those with intellectual or developmental disabilities, mental health challenges, and justice involvement. Local sourcing, fair wages, and a place for everyone.

Many thanks to Detroit Economic Growth Corporation, Motor City Match, and everyone behind the scenes for continuing to cheer on this neighborhood space.

If you’re interested in being involved, we’d love to hear from you. Here are a few things we’re working to find and finalize:

• Retail coffee and products.

• Local food service suppliers.

• Morning pastries, afternoon prepared foods, evening snacks.

• Managing partners to lead the operations and vision of morning and evening service in a hospitality- and community-focused space.