Social Sushi, Detroit Vegan Soul, and More Score Motor City Match Grants

The fourth round of Motor City Match grants was today to a slough of local businesses and startups including several area restaurants — some familiar and other new — across multiple Detroit neighborhoods. Among the big announcements today, long-awaited project Social Sushi received a MCM grant and revealed its forthcoming brick-and-mortar location on Livernois. Here’s a rundown of the latest food industry winners:

• Block Party LLC: This development company owns properties at 16647 and 16651 and has secured two restaurant tenants — sustainable sushi concept Social Sushi and Michi House, a Japanese ramen and small plates eatery. Block Party received a $70,000 grant.
• Detroit Vegan Soul: This West Village vegan eatery’s owners confirmed in June that the company would expand to a second location in Grandmont Rosedale. The $60,000 MCM grant will go toward funding the restaurant buildout.
• Norma G’s: Caribbean-influenced food truck Norma G’s announced plans to open a brick-and-mortar location on East Jefferson last week. The restaurant received $60,000 to open the "fine-dining" concept.
• Guadalajara #2 Inc.: This existing butcher shop, known for its steaks and chorizo, received $50,000 to expand into a full-service location at 1630 Lawndale in Springwells.
• Beau Bien Fine Foods: Artisan preserves and condiments maker Beau Bien Fine Foods received $20,000 to complete the buildout on its commercial production kitchen and storefront at 2478 Riopelle in Eastern Market. The brick-and-mortar location will offer their pre-packaged goods and "other light fare."

The Motor City Match program launched last year with the goal of providing small businesses financial assistance and real estate options. The program also offers business planning assistance, technical support, and design assistance. Numerous restaurants and small businesses have gained access to resources through the program including Always Brewing Detroit, Slyde Restaurant, Woodbridge Bikes and Coffee, and Itadaku Sushi.

• Motor City Match Website [Official]
• All Motor City Match Coverage [ED]
• All Eater Tracking Coverage [ED]