These Detroit Restaurants Are Donating to Organizations Supporting Black Communities and Protesters

More than two weeks after demonstrations erupted across the world drawing attention to police brutality and violence against black communities, many Detroit area restaurant owners have showed their support for the movement by feeding protesters and organizing fundraisers.

Protests in Detroit have been, in part, led by restaurant workers, including Avalon International Breads barista Tristan Taylor, who was arrested last week during a demonstration. Restaurants like Sicily’s Pizza owner Ali Beydoun and his staff have shown solidarity by handing out water to protesters marching by the West Vernor Highway restaurant on Tuesday, June 9, and on Thursday, June 4, Erica Pietrzyk of Pietrzyk Pierogi helped hand out pierogi to demonstrators in downtown Detroit.

Even with the financial and logistical challenges of operating during the COVID-19 pandemic, restaurants, bars, and cafes have also begun organizing fundraisers supporting local community groups such as the Detroit Justice Center. Below, Eater has collected a few of the places that are pledging support.

Chartreuse Kitchen & Cocktails

This Art Center restaurant is accepting online donations for the Detroit Black Community Food Security Network, the Detroit Justice Center, and Triumph Church in the North End.

Brooklyn Street Local

This Corktown restaurant is giving away free Black Lives Matter buttons made by a friend and pledging to donate a portion of its monthly sales to nonprofits including the Detroit Association of Black Organizations, Detroit Justice Center, Detroit Black Community Food Security Network, and the National Bail Out fund.

PizzaPlex

Southwest Detroit pizzeria PizzaPlex is selling pizza kits paired with books selected Know Allegiance Nation (KAN) Books, a cooperative bookstore in Detroit dedicated to authors of color.

Ochre Bakery and Magnet

These Core City restaurants are hosting a fundraiser from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday, June 14 benefiting local organizations including the Detroit Justice Center, the Ruth Ellis Center, the Detroit People’s Food Coop, and Freedom House Detroit. Food that’s unsold during the pop-up will be served to protesters.

Sister Pie

This West Village bakery raised more than a $1,000 through sales of salted maple pie to donate to the Michigan Solidarity Bail Fund.

Cairo Coffee

This Eastern Market cafe raised nearly $700 in two days through bag coffee sales and split the proceeds between Green Light Black Futures and the Bail Project. Customers are currently encouraged to donate directly to the organization.

Know of others? Let Eater know by email at detroit@eater.com.

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