Local flavors

of metro Detroit

The Midwest and specifically Michigan is a powerhouse to many industries here in the United States. Whether it’s agriculture, automotive production, renewable energy, or food production, Michigan is at the heart of these industries and a constant innovator in its own right. Michigan’s abundant farmland and unique climate plays an important role in the success of food production. We’ll be highlighting a handful of local producers and purveyors based in the metro Detroit area that have really shaped the unique food culture here. From large well known brands like Better Made, Germack, Guernsey Dairy, Dearborn Meats, Kowalski Sausage Co, and Wolverine Packing Co, Detroit is a cultural hub in the state for all things delicious. On top of the large scale purveyors and their influence, small local businesses play a huge role in our day to day experience as a consumer here in the metro area.

Seapharms, Southfield MI

Sea Moss in recent years has been a superfood that has gained a lot of popularity and traction in the wellness food market, known for its powerful health benefits and nutrient density, sea moss is becoming a more common item found in our fridges. Based out of Southfield, MI, Marcus Webb founded SeaPharms after discovering its power during his mother’s battle with cancer. Inspired to share its amazing benefits Marcus sought to create his own product. SeaPharms is hoping to provide southeast MI with a local product aiming for quality, consistency and transparency. With an array of sea moss products like gels, beverages and skin products SeaPharms aims to offer an affordable luxury ingredient.

Mike’s Kabobs, Detroit, MI

Mike’s roots in the restaurant industry stem from his family's business, a Lebanese restaurant started by his father, Mike has been in the restaurant industry since the age of twelve and has continued to push himself and build on his legacy. On top of a storefront on Gratiot Ave in Detroit, Mike’s Kabobs also offers a variety of Middle Eastern classics at local grocery stores and various markets. Everything is made from scratch and handmade, innovating passed down family recipes into the contemporary dining scene. Mike’s Kabobs is serving up breakfast, lunch, and dinner to the people of metro detroit.

Mr. Levi’s MyTfine Soul Sauce, Detroit MI

Detroit might not be the first city you think of when the topic of barbecue is brought up here in the US, many look to the southern states as the hub for great barbecue but metro Detroit locals have their own version of American barbecue culture. Detroit’s barbecue scene is widely spread out, predominantly in strip malls and gas stations, you’ll find a trail of smoke anywhere you look, typically single owner operations, someone with a grill and smoker cementing themselves within a neighborhood. From the hills of Tennessee, Levi Johnson is crafting artisanal small batch sauces for the barbecue lovers of metro Detroit. Coming from a family of cooks, Levi Johnson’s sauce encompasses many traditions you’ll find in southern barbecue but at the same time creating sauces that pair with just about anything, from topping eggs to marinating seafood, Mr. Levi’s sauces are sure to be a new favorite in your pantry. As consumers are becoming more health conscious and healthier alternatives are in demand, none of the products are made with high fructose corn syrup and preservatives, Levi’s commitment to natural ingredients is a testament to his love and care for his product.

Elaine’s Bagels, Metro detroit MI

A good bagel is a food loved by many if not most, and when done right, the mixture of flour, water, love and care really elevates a humble, often overlooked product. Whether you’re in the heart of Detroit, Berkeley, Troy, or in Clinton Township, Elaine’s Bagels is taking the city by storm fueled by their passion for a classic favorite from a variety of flavors and combinations to choose from. Elaine’s has several storefronts that offer full service dining all the way to their bagels being sold at your local grocery store, they also offer catering and bulk shipments for businesses in the area. An idea, combined with passion, has turned a small operation into a well known name, and it's no accident.

always supporting local

Much of the charm of a city is dependent on the local small business that build the community around them, especially food purveyors like those mentioned above. Meijer, a well known grocery store and supercenter chain across Michigan, dedicates their time and resources to not only source local products but also amplify and lift up local small businesses. Rivertown Market in Detroit especially, stocks their shelves with more local products than just about any other store in the metro area with the hopes the average consumer steps out of their comfort zone to try something new and local to them.