A new cafe in downtown Ferndale is bringing a new experience for the community.
Those walking down E Nine Mile Road near Woodward Avenue have noticed a new sign for a cafe called “Balam” with coffee and wine to be served. This is being built in the space of the former AR Workshop at 207 E Nine Mile Road. An opening date has not yet been announced.
In the liquor license application to the City of Ferndale, the business model says “Balam Cafe will be a coffee house, speakeasy and art space, which will offer small plates and a selection of wine, beer and craft cocktails for customers to enjoy on the premises.”
The project is being introduced by restaurant owners Jose Granados and Sandra Haro. The two are siblings who previously opened Mezcal Mexican Bar & Kitchen at 201 E Nine Mile Road, very close to their new cafe. The owners have not yet responded to What Now Detroit’s request for comment.
Crain’s Detroit Business reported on the bar & kitchen opening in September 2021. Granados is an accountant and Haros is a social worker who wanted to create a project with Mexican street food and an emphasis on the beverage agave.
The menu for the new location has not yet been made known. In the application, it is described as bringing “Mexican traditions and culture” to the area, similar to their current location. As of February of this year, a public hearing was given to consider the liquor license application.
