Is Populace Coffee Expanding to Detroit?

Is Bay City-based wholesaler Populace Coffee opening a shop in Detroit? While it’s still unconfirmed, the brand just dropped a heavy hint on social media teasing an expansion to the Motor City. A video clip showing a wooden box with the words “Populace Coffee Detroit” scrawled on the side was shared on Instagram and Facebook on February 7. The post featured the the message: “A big crate, and even bigger news coming soon.”

While the location of the project and the specifics remains under wraps, there are still a few clues suggesting the shop could be a full-service cafe. Populace appears to have been eyeing the Motor City for some time. A Facebook post shared in 2014, features a — now hidden — page on Populace’s website that describes a “full scale retail operation” in Detroit. Eater has reached out for more information.

For those who aren’t familiar with Populace, the nearly seven-year-old company has become a go-to supplier of custom blends at Detroit restaurants. In January, it was named a runner up in the Notable Roaster category for the Sprudgie Awards, organized by coffee industry publication Sprudge. Spots like Rose’s Fine Foods, Sister Pie, and Gold Cash Gold already carry Populace beans, but a Detroit location could only serve to increase that name recognition. Stay tuned for updates.

• Populace Coffee Facebook [Official]

• All Rumormongering Coverage [ED]

• All Caffeine Nation Coverage [ED]