Many of Detroit’s new and experienced restaurateurs traveled on Dec. 18 to Detroit Shipping Company in the Brush Park neighborhood for What Now Media Group’s Accelerate event. Around 30 people attended, including What Now’s preferred partners, to network and hear about the services the company has to offer for the hospitality industry.
Detroit Shipping Company has recently seen expansion with new restaurant additions. What Now Detroit previously featured Sushi Lounge, opened by owner and chef Genevieve Vang in August. Vang was at the Accelerate event on Dec. 18 and called it a massive success.
“It was a great way to go,” Vang said in an interview. “I’ve went to many networking events, but not like this.”
Of the many attendees were the owners of Balkan House, Juma and Esmeralda Ekic, who are opening a new location in Detroit. Their Hamtranck location closed as of September, and now they are focusing on operations for their Ferndale restaurant at 314 W Nine Mile Road.
Another notable attendees was Nate Wegryn, chef for the upcoming JD’s Bistro in Chelsea. Actor Jeff Daniels is a partner on the project, which will be a multi-level restaurant, cocktail lounge and concert venue. Wegryn has experience as a chef in Ann Arbor, and he was the head chef for Echelon which opened in January.
Going a bit north, the owners of La Patagonia at 18000 E Nine Mile Road in Ferndale were guests at the event. Diego Adrian Tula opened their restaurant featuring Argentinian cuisine in September and told guests their business is doing very well. They had been planning their restaurant for a year-and-a-half.
Dreamy Eats owner Taryn Boggon is making a name for herself, with her new restaurant coming to 8991 Linwood Street. At the event, she gave an update that her new spot will be opening soon just north of New Center, and she is excited to serve soul food like wings, pasta, seafood and mac n’ cheese.
Restaurants are not the only businesses that were in attendance for the event as representatives from MK Cannelle gave an update on their new spot for Rochester 4480 Orion Road. Staff have not opened the doors for this new location yet, but it is now listed as “Coming soon” on their website. The company currently has seven operating bakeries.
It was an exciting week for Reddy Mikhil, co-owner of Aha Biryanis in Canton, as he announced he was soft opening his second location the day after the Accelerate event. He and business partner Bharat Kumar had been planning the new restaurant since September. Now that the grand opening happened yesterday, their second location is in full swing.
Also loyal partners of What Now, Our Town America, showed up to Detroit Shipping Company. Representative Curtis Crawford told restaurateurs about the many services the company offers, including business solutions and direct mail marketing for new concepts. More information on Our Town America is available on their website.
Auris, formerly Heartland, is a major partner for What Now with payroll, and they were also in attendance. Representatives gave guests a snapshot of what their business offers, such as handling pay stubs and giving tax credits.
The event lasted from 3-5 p.m., with many staying later to enjoy drinks and samples from the restaurants at Detroit Shipping Company. Director of Events Mariah Medley as always gave introductions for all of the restaurateurs and business owners. Special thanks to Julie Sailus for allowing What Now to host the event.
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