Detroit

blue

Get smarter, faster on what matters in Detroit with Annalise Frank and Joe Guillen.

Axios Detroit

Standard

Detroit Alerts

Alert

A daily look at the most significant and interesting stories affecting Detroit.

Axios Detroit Thought Bubble

Thought Bubble

Axios Detroit Partners

Detroit Members

Membership

Detroit's JW Marriott staffs up for opening

The 601-room riverfront hotel has already booked more than 50 events.

News

Detroit&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="newest luxury hotel" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/05/06/hotel-boom-events-conventions" data-vars-content-id="0d48d5d2-92b8-4cd6-b245-37f536d2c49b" data-vars-headline="Detroit&#x27;s JW Marriott staffs up for opening" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/05/06/hotel-boom-events-conventions" target="_self">newest luxury hotel</a> is staffing up ahead of its February opening.The latest: JW Marriott Detroit Water Square recently announced its executive leadership team, led by general manager Joleisha Bradley, who previously oversaw the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="reopening of the Dearborn Inn" data-vars-click-url="https://www.freep.com/story/news/local/michigan/wayne/2025/03/19/dearborn-inn-reopens-after-renovations/82538817007/" data-vars-content-id="0d48d5d2-92b8-4cd6-b245-37f536d2c49b" data-vars-headline="Detroit&#x27;s JW Marriott staffs up for opening" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.freep.com/story/news/local/michigan/wayne/2025/03/19/dearborn-inn-reopens-after-renovations/82538817007/" target="_blank">reopening of the Dearborn Inn</a>.

Nonprofit pays people $15,000 to call Detroit home

The first Move Detroit grants are helping new and longtime residents move here or stay.

Politics

A new business-funded nonprofit that <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="aims to grow Detroit&#x27;s population" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/04/06/coalition-incentives-attract-residents" data-vars-content-id="59e36ad1-2f50-46a9-9fd3-b0df125b859f" data-vars-headline="Nonprofit pays people $15,000 to call Detroit home" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/04/06/coalition-incentives-attract-residents" target="_self">aims to grow Detroit&#x27;s population</a> is giving money to people who pledge to move to or stay in the city.The latest: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Move Detroit" data-vars-click-url="https://www.movedetroit.com/" data-vars-content-id="59e36ad1-2f50-46a9-9fd3-b0df125b859f" data-vars-headline="Nonprofit pays people $15,000 to call Detroit home" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.movedetroit.com/" target="_blank">Move Detroit</a> announced the first 13 winners of its Make Detroit Home grants on Tuesday. They&#x27;ll get $15,000 each.

1-minute voter guide: Michigan's Senate race

Compare Abdul El-Sayed and Mike Rogers before Election Day.

Michigan&#x27;s nationally watched U.S. Senate race pits rising progressive <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Abdul El-Sayed" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/31/el-sayed-rogers-piker-jewish-antisemitism" data-vars-content-id="397a5ff0-27c4-49cc-94cc-32985a0af279" data-vars-headline="1-minute voter guide: Michigan&#x27;s Senate race" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/31/el-sayed-rogers-piker-jewish-antisemitism" target="_self">Abdul El-Sayed</a> against Republican <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Mike Rogers" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/22/mike-rogers-aipac-michigan-senate" data-vars-content-id="397a5ff0-27c4-49cc-94cc-32985a0af279" data-vars-headline="1-minute voter guide: Michigan&#x27;s Senate race" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/22/mike-rogers-aipac-michigan-senate" target="_self">Mike Rogers</a>, a former congressman making his second straight Senate run.Why it matters: Michigan is one of a handful of battlegrounds that could determine control of the Senate, where Republicans hold a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="53-47 majority" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/08/2026-midterms-congress-house-senate-predictions" data-vars-content-id="397a5ff0-27c4-49cc-94cc-32985a0af279" data-vars-headline="1-minute voter guide: Michigan&#x27;s Senate race" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/08/2026-midterms-congress-house-senate-predictions" target="_self">53-47 majority</a>.

1-minute voter guide: Michigan governor

Get up to speed on Jocelyn Benson and John James before Election Day.

Michigan voters will elect their first new governor in eight years, choosing between Democrat <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Jocelyn Benson" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2025/01/22/secretary-of-state-jocelyn-benson-michigan-governor-race" data-vars-content-id="b8d67938-c642-4a68-8964-9953a8f17fa7" data-vars-headline="1-minute voter guide: Michigan governor" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2025/01/22/secretary-of-state-jocelyn-benson-michigan-governor-race" target="_self">Jocelyn Benson</a> and Republican <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="John James" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/04/21/john-james-governor-gop-debate-primary-campaign" data-vars-content-id="b8d67938-c642-4a68-8964-9953a8f17fa7" data-vars-headline="1-minute voter guide: Michigan governor" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/04/21/john-james-governor-gop-debate-primary-campaign" target="_self">John James</a>.Why it matters: The winner will inherit a state confronting economic headwinds, from an <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="uncertain" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/09/18/trump-china-vehicles-evs-cars" data-vars-content-id="b8d67938-c642-4a68-8964-9953a8f17fa7" data-vars-headline="1-minute voter guide: Michigan governor" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/09/18/trump-china-vehicles-evs-cars" target="_self">uncertain</a> auto industry and a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="shrinking workforce" data-vars-click-url="https://bridgemi.com/michigan-government/michigan-is-old-and-getting-older-experts-warn-of-looming-consequences/" data-vars-content-id="b8d67938-c642-4a68-8964-9953a8f17fa7" data-vars-headline="1-minute voter guide: Michigan governor" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://bridgemi.com/michigan-government/michigan-is-old-and-getting-older-experts-warn-of-looming-consequences/" target="_blank">shrinking workforce</a> to an ongoing trade war <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="with Canada" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/09/08/trump-tariffs-canada-import-ban-alcohol-dairy-motorcycles" data-vars-content-id="b8d67938-c642-4a68-8964-9953a8f17fa7" data-vars-headline="1-minute voter guide: Michigan governor" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/09/08/trump-tariffs-canada-import-ban-alcohol-dairy-motorcycles" target="_self">with Canada</a>.

Slutty Vegan nears Detroit opening

We sampled the viral chain's burgers, wings and peach pudding.

Things to Do

Slutty Vegan, the viral and vulgar plant-based <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="restaurant chain" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/10/05/bad-brads-bbq-otus-supply" data-vars-content-id="ad7fbbbb-6f30-48d4-920e-a03326458af9" data-vars-headline="Slutty Vegan nears Detroit opening" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/10/05/bad-brads-bbq-otus-supply" target="_self">restaurant chain</a>, is getting closer to opening its first Detroit location.Dig in: During a recent Axios work retreat in Atlanta, Georgia native and repeat customer Kristen Swilley took Axios&#x27; Casey Weldon and editor Tyler Buchanan to see what all the fuss is about.

Dutch Girl Donuts opens second location

The beloved bakery's new location opens Tuesday with morning hours.

Food and Drink

Starting <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Tuesday" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/p/Dd-FAdUizVW/?stkn=dzJybDQyM2R2M29n" data-vars-content-id="9aee4fac-9183-4cb5-a2fe-cc9b8675ecdb" data-vars-headline="Dutch Girl Donuts opens second location" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Dd-FAdUizVW/?stkn=dzJybDQyM2R2M29n" target="_blank">Tuesday</a> on East Grand Boulevard, you can get <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Dutch Girl Donuts" data-vars-click-url="https://www.dutchgirldetroit.com/" data-vars-content-id="9aee4fac-9183-4cb5-a2fe-cc9b8675ecdb" data-vars-headline="Dutch Girl Donuts opens second location" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.dutchgirldetroit.com/" target="_blank">Dutch Girl Donuts</a>.The big picture: Beloved bakery Dutch Girl is expanding to a second location.

Bad Brad's BBQ buildout takes shape in Ferndale

The local barbecue chain is preparing to open its sixth location.

Business

Construction work was underway last week at the former Otus Supply in Ferndale.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Bad Brad&#x27;s BBQ" data-vars-click-url="https://badbradsbbq.com/" data-vars-content-id="4f11d10c-2066-4465-886d-5f91b977c87c" data-vars-headline="Bad Brad&#x27;s BBQ buildout takes shape in Ferndale" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://badbradsbbq.com/" target="_blank">Bad Brad&#x27;s BBQ</a> plans to open its sixth location there, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="per Crain&#x27;s" data-vars-click-url="https://www.crainsdetroit.com/restaurants/cdb-bad-brads-bbq-ferndale-20260508/" data-vars-content-id="4f11d10c-2066-4465-886d-5f91b977c87c" data-vars-headline="Bad Brad&#x27;s BBQ buildout takes shape in Ferndale" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.crainsdetroit.com/restaurants/cdb-bad-brads-bbq-ferndale-20260508/" target="_blank">per Crain&#x27;s</a>.

We tried downtown Detroit's new Unc's Pizza

Unc's Pizza, which recently opened in downtown's Capitol Park, serves pies, wings, mozzarella sticks and salads.

👋 Annalise here, reporting back after trying the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="latest" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/08/11/uncs-pizza-detroit-style-capitol-park" data-vars-content-id="496120df-8126-4c15-8599-fee977a665ad" data-vars-headline="We tried downtown Detroit&#x27;s new Unc&#x27;s Pizza" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/08/11/uncs-pizza-detroit-style-capitol-park" target="_self">latest</a> entrant to our Detroit-style pizza scene.The big picture: Recently opened <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Unc&#x27;s Pizza" data-vars-click-url="https://uncspizza.com/" data-vars-content-id="496120df-8126-4c15-8599-fee977a665ad" data-vars-headline="We tried downtown Detroit&#x27;s new Unc&#x27;s Pizza" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://uncspizza.com/" target="_blank">Unc&#x27;s Pizza</a> in downtown&#x27;s Capitol Park serves pies, wings, mozzarella sticks and salads.

Axios Social Club brings mystery dinners to Detroit

Meet fellow locals over dinner at a restaurant we hand-picked.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Axios Social Club" data-vars-click-url="https://axiossocialclub.dnnr.io/" data-vars-content-id="47f2f808-ad1a-488c-979a-cc84eb6d49db" data-vars-headline="Axios Social Club brings mystery dinners to Detroit" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://axiossocialclub.dnnr.io/" target="_blank">Axios Social Club</a> is bringing readers together for dinner to Detroit&#x27;s Corktown neighborhood on Tuesday, Oct. 6.Why it matters: Your city is full of interesting people you haven&#x27;t met yet. We&#x27;re making it easier to change that.

Metro Detroit restaurants offer cheeseburger deals

Metro Detroit restaurants and chains are serving up discounts Friday.

Finally, a day that can unite us all — National Cheeseburger Day.Why it matters: Local burger joints and national chains are offering cheeseburger discounts Friday.

The Red Hook is closing its Midtown cafe

The coffee shop's last day on Woodward Avenue will be Sept. 26.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The Red Hook" data-vars-click-url="https://theredhookcoffee.com/" data-vars-content-id="f3eb0d78-9f3a-4566-9c55-1ea647c61c58" data-vars-headline="The Red Hook is closing its Midtown cafe" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://theredhookcoffee.com/" target="_blank">The Red Hook</a> plans to close its Midtown location after Sept. 26.The big picture: The local coffee shop chain announced the news <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="on Instagram Thursday" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/p/DdZDWR1xWaz/?stkn=MWRpOXhuazJ1NnZl" data-vars-content-id="f3eb0d78-9f3a-4566-9c55-1ea647c61c58" data-vars-headline="The Red Hook is closing its Midtown cafe" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DdZDWR1xWaz/?stkn=MWRpOXhuazJ1NnZl" target="_blank">on Instagram Thursday</a> and thanked customers for their patronage.

Michelin picks Detroit for awards ceremony

The region's first Michelin restaurant awards will be revealed at Michigan Central.

The famed, restaurant-ranking Michelin guide <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="chose Detroit" data-vars-click-url="https://michelinmedia.com/pages/blog/detail/article/c0/a1484/" data-vars-content-id="ddd2e687-438a-4d71-9656-165dd69b9a1f" data-vars-headline="Michelin picks Detroit for awards ceremony" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://michelinmedia.com/pages/blog/detail/article/c0/a1484/" target="_blank">chose Detroit</a> to host its first Great Lakes region ceremony.Why it matters: Restaurants included in the first-ever Great Lakes regional guide will be revealed at the ceremony.

A hidden Midtown lunch spot worth the visit

Head downstairs for shawarma, falafel and other affordable favorites at Small World Kitchen.

👋 Annalise here. Did you know that if you take the stairs to the basement of a Midtown office building, you&#x27;ll end up in an affordable lunch spot?The vibe: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Small World Kitchen" data-vars-click-url="https://www.iimd.org/small-world-kitchen" data-vars-content-id="2335670a-10b9-4c11-b4e2-3c984d9e7d34" data-vars-headline="A hidden Midtown lunch spot worth the visit" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.iimd.org/small-world-kitchen" target="_blank">Small World Kitchen</a> serves Indian, Middle Eastern, Italian and other cuisines from a welcoming, cafeteria-like setting. It was bustling with diners at lunchtime on a Wednesday, but not too busy.

Yemeni cafes from Metro Detroit surge nationwide

Haraz, Qahwah House and others are growing to dozens of locations across the U.S.

Yemeni coffee cafes have expanded beyond Metro Detroit as favorites among coffee shop enthusiasts everywhere.The buzz: Yemeni cafe brands like <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Qahwah House" data-vars-click-url="https://qahwahhouse.com/" data-vars-content-id="1320ea78-d559-4dec-86ca-7b805b8c9305" data-vars-headline="Yemeni cafes from Metro Detroit surge nationwide" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://qahwahhouse.com/" target="_blank">Qahwah House</a>, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Shibam Coffee Co." data-vars-click-url="https://shibamcoffee.com/" data-vars-content-id="1320ea78-d559-4dec-86ca-7b805b8c9305" data-vars-headline="Yemeni cafes from Metro Detroit surge nationwide" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://shibamcoffee.com/" target="_blank">Shibam Coffee Co.</a>, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Qamaria" data-vars-click-url="https://www.qamariacoffee.com/" data-vars-content-id="1320ea78-d559-4dec-86ca-7b805b8c9305" data-vars-headline="Yemeni cafes from Metro Detroit surge nationwide" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.qamariacoffee.com/" target="_blank">Qamaria</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Haraz Coffee House" data-vars-click-url="https://harazcoffeehouse.com/?srsltid=AfmBOorAPHjJ676lGpVjllchwZX3uUiyQQ1lzdtBZEwzF4rjdkF__SEF" data-vars-content-id="1320ea78-d559-4dec-86ca-7b805b8c9305" data-vars-headline="Yemeni cafes from Metro Detroit surge nationwide" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://harazcoffeehouse.com/?srsltid=AfmBOorAPHjJ676lGpVjllchwZX3uUiyQQ1lzdtBZEwzF4rjdkF__SEF" target="_blank">Haraz Coffee House</a> started in and around Dearborn and have grown to dozens of locations nationwide.

Food and Drink 🍽

Slutty Vegan nears Detroit opening

Dutch Girl Donuts opens second location

Bad Brad's BBQ buildout takes shape in Ferndale

We tried downtown Detroit's new Unc's Pizza

Axios Social Club brings mystery dinners to Detroit