Detroit Restaurant Startups and Sweets Shops Win Motor City Match Grants

Motor City Match — the small business program lead by the City of Detroit — announced another lineup of grant winners today including three restaurant and food businesses. The program, which launched in 2015, provides support to entrepreneurs including business planning assistance, technical support, and design assistance and helps connect new businesses with real estate owners. Here’s a roundup of the latest food industry grant winners:

• The Kenilworth Club: Billed as a New Orleans-inspired restaurant with West African influences, this North End restaurant will serve farm-to-table cuisine utilizing ingredients from a 1.5 acre neighborhood urban garden. The restaurant will also double as a food and restaurant incubator with a community kitchen and pop-up chefs. Kenilworth Club received a $50,000 grant.

• Social Sushi: A sustainable sushi concept that’s been in the works for nearly three years, Social Sushi is currently slated to open a brick-and-mortar restaurant on Livernois Avenue near the Avenue of Fashion. Social Sushi received a $45,000 grant.

• Detroit Marshmallow Co.: An existing business operated by Michele Bezue, Detroit Marshmallow Co. aims to build out its current marshmallow facility into Detroit’s only gluten-free commercial kitchen using a $10,000 grant.

Chene Street Grocers, Terri’s Cakes, and What Up Dough were among the fifth round food-oriented design winners. Rolais' Caribbean Baking Co., Peace Meal Kitchen, Nikki's Ginger Tea, The Teatroiter, and Detroit’s Potato Lady earned space awards.

Additionally, Food incubator Beta Bar & Bistro, cafe and boutique Mind, Body N Soul, Jetta's Gourmet Popcorn, cigar bar Ash on the Ave., food truck Big Mixx, dessert shop The Sweet Suite, boozy dessert purveyor Slice of Liquor, Chandice's Catering, and Legacy's Loft community cafe received business plan awards.

• Two Cafes and a Slider Restaurant Awarded Motor City Match Grants [ED]

• Social Sushi, Detroit Vegan Soul, and More Score Motor City Match Grants [ED]

• All Coming Attractions Coverage [ED]