From lollipops to lattes, a sugar-coated revival is coming to Detroit’s Hubbard Richard neighborhood. A vacant 1890s Victorian home—with a brick storefront that once housed a candy shop—is being reimagined as The Grand Porter, a cozy daytime cafe and restaurant.
The Grand Porter is set to open at 3620 Porter Street, led by Reimer Priester, owner of Cafe Sous Terre. While plans are still coming together, Priester told What Now Detroit that “the cake is still baking.”
According to Eater Detroit, the cafe will serve breakfast and lunch staples, house-made baked goods by pastry chef Camry Smith and a coffee program led by general manager Joel Jones. While the space won’t launch with a liquor license, Priester is open to exploring the idea in the future.
The new concept will include a full kitchen—something missing at Cafe Sous Terre—and will seat around 30 guests, with potential for expanded outdoor seating on a neighboring lot.
Opening a second location wasn’t originally on Priester’s radar. But after being contacted in 2024 by Hubbard Richard residents and property owners Louisa and Devon Caldwell, he toured the space and quickly saw its potential.
Though an exact opening date hasn’t been announced, Priester hopes to welcome guests sometime this year.
