Local Coffee Coffee Roaster Sets Up Permanent Home at Somerset Collection #DetroitFood
Plus, the “world’s first” decaffeinated Burundian coffee, Folk carries Black-owned oat milk creamer, and more coffee news now
What started as a one-off seasonal gig at the Somerset Collection in Troy has evolved into a permanent residency for Coffeehaus, a consulting firm that provides beans, roasting, and other services for the region’s cafes, restaurants, and hotels. The company is currently working to transform a former Starbuck’s on the second level of the shopping center’s south wing into a space all its own — complete with a kitchen and an adjoining wine shop.
Coffeehaus founder Luke Kirtley tells Eater that Somerset hired his firm about two years ago to help build a pop-up coffee shop during the winter holiday season. Initially, it was just a consulting job. However, it wasn’t long before Coffeehaus was tapped to run the space on a full-time basis. With that sense of permanency, Kirtley is working on constructing a kitchen that can be used to make sandwiches, syrups made in-house, and other small bites. The former kitchen area next door to the coffee shop will be a wine shop called Lutine that will be staffed by Diego Aliste (formerly of Frame) and Dan Reinisch (previously of SheWolf Pastificio & Bar), who will handle on-site tasting and sales.
Kirtley says the new space is supposed to open in November. In the meantime, the Coffeehaus crew will continue popping up in a temporary space next door to the forthcoming spot.
Baobab, decaffeinated
The founders of Eater Award-winner Baobab Fare are continuing their mission to turn metro Detroiters on to the beauty of single-source Burundian coffee, with a takeover of roasting partners Sabbath Coffee Roasters at 24 East 14 Mile Road in Clawson from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday, September 21, and Sunday, September 22.
At the pop-up event, Soko by Baobab Fare (the company’s retail arm) will unveil its rebranded line of single-origin Burundi coffee beans — Matongo (washed) and Gahombo (natural). Those already familiar with the brand should know that these are the same beans that have already been available in store aisles, now just with updated packaging in bolder colors. Visitors can get a taste of the washed beans in nitro cold brew and espresso-based beverages, while the natural variety will be used for drip coffee. In addition, fans can purchase bags of Murata, coffee beans that Baobab says are the world’s first from Burundi that are decaffeinated. Visitors will also get a chance to try food from the Waka by Baobab Fare food truck, featuring its popular East African chapati on Saturday, and a new menu item, brochettes — skewered meat kabobs grilled over charcoal that will be part of the offerings at the forthcoming permanent space for Waka that, according previous reporting by Eater, is slated to open in the coming months at Eastern Market in the space formerly occupied by Russell Street Deli.
There’s a new oat milk in town
Folk is now serving Ghost Town Oats oat milk — the country’s first Black- and queer-owned oat milk company. Sepia Coffee Project is supplying the Corktown cafe.
Oat milk has surged in popularity over the years as a superior plant-based milk for its cow’s milk-like taste and texture, as well as being a source of protein and fiber. Ghost Town was founded in Los Angeles in 2020 by Michelle Johnson, of the Chocolate Barista, and partners, Ezra Baker and Eric Grimm.
Sepia opening
The Gathering Coffee Co. has shuttered for good, as of Sunday, September 8, after more than four years in operation in Detroit’s Milwaukee Junction neighborhood. In its place, Sepia Coffee Project will reopen the space on Tuesday, October 1. Sepia founder Martell Mason previously told Eater that taking the helm of the property at 2831 E Grand Boulevard will provide him with much-needed revenue as he continues working toward building out a roastery and tasting room in his hometown of Highland Park.
from Eater Detroit - All
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