Drifter Coffee in Ferndale has closed after seven years. The cozy neighborhood cafe served its final coffee on Sunday, May 3. The coffee house team announced the closure on social media, citing costly expansion plans as the reason.
Drifter Coffee Said Goodbye After 7 Years in Ferndale
Drifter Coffee was known for its freshly brewed coffee. The cafe, located in the Woodward Heights area, served the community for the last time on May 3.
In an Instagram post, the team wrote, “We have made the extremely difficult decision to close down the coffee shop after an amazing 7-year run.”
The café was known for its casual neighborhood atmosphere. With quality beans and simple offerings, the cafe had a loyal customer base.
Founded in 2015, the cafe began its journey as a mobile coffee shop and operated inside a 1971 Serro Scotty trailer called the Caboose. Over time, it became a staple at Eastern Market and Wayne State Farmers Market.
What Led to the Closure
According to the official announcement, the cafe had planned to expand its operations to Livernois. The expansion plan led to increased expenses. The team said, “Long story short, we took a big risk last year, hoping to expand our business by opening a bigger space. Unfortunately, that project falling through was the beginning of our downfall.”
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They cited staffing challenges, operational strain, and rising costs as key factors. “Small businesses are incredibly hard to keep alive, and we’ve done our best, but this is the end of the road,” highlighted the team.
“Last year, Drifter unveiled plans to relocate into a two-story, roughly 4,500-square-foot building on Livernois, a move that was supposed to bring a bakery, more seating, and a dedicated events space,” stated the Hoodline report.
Before closure, the restaurant was raising funds to support its staff. “Our goal is to raise enough money so that the team will have a cushion to support themselves as they search for new employment. A link to a fundraiser is in our bio and stories, and 100% will go to the team,” the post read.
The closure of Drifter Coffee marks the end of a well-loved neighborhood spot.
