The culinary landscape of Detroit’s East Warren corridor is witnessing a transformative addition with the introduction of a new location for Baobab Fare, an acclaimed East African restaurant. This development is bolstered by support from Invest Detroit and the Strategic Neighborhood Fund, marking a significant step in the area’s revitalization efforts.
Award-Winning Cuisine Comes to E. Warren
Located in the East English Village neighborhood, the second Baobab Fare location will join other recent restaurant openings such as Little Liberia, Savoy, and Twelve Flavorz, further establishing the corridor as an emerging culinary hub. Spearheaded by co-owner Mamba Hamissi, a 2024 James Beard award finalist and a winner on the cooking show “Chopped,” the restaurant is set to bring its renowned Burundi-style cuisine to the east side of Detroit.
Community Investment and Development
The new location will involve the transformation of a former video rental store at E. Warren and Grayton into a beautifully designed African dining venue. This $2.5 million investment aims to replicate the success and vibrant atmosphere of Baobab Fare’s original location in New Center.
“Detroit welcomed Nadia and me and gave us the opportunity to build Baobab Fare,” said Mamba Hamissi. “Bringing Baobab Fare to East Warren is our way of continuing to invest in the city that believed in us. We look forward to sharing our food, creating jobs, and building a place where neighbors and families feel at home. We are grateful to everyone helping us take this next step.”
Economic and Cultural Impact
Detroit Mayor Mary Sheffield commented on the expansion, stating, “Baobab Fare is more than just an incredible, nationally acclaimed place to eat; it is a testament to the spirit of entrepreneurial resilience that defines Detroit. Bringing this award-winning establishment to E. Warren is a huge win for Detroit and the east side. This expansion ensures that our neighborhoods are receiving the same world-class dining opportunities and economic investments as our commercial centers, helping us build a more equitable and vibrant city for all Detroiters.”
The development is part of a broader initiative to enhance the E. Warren corridor, which has seen a surge in business and residential projects following a city-funded streetscape renovation. The involvement of Invest Detroit and the Strategic Neighborhood Fund underscores the collaborative funding effort aimed at fostering growth in commercial corridors and community projects throughout Detroit.
Derek Edwards, SVP of Lending at Invest Detroit, expressed his support: “Nadia and Mamba have poured their hearts into Detroit, sharing their culture with our city one dish at a time through the flavors of Baobab Fare. Their success in New Center has made Baobab Fare a beloved Detroit institution, and we’re proud to support their next chapter on East Warren. The Strategic Neighborhood Fund has helped this corridor see real growth in housing, business and community, and Baobab Fare East will add a unique culinary destination that draws neighbors and visitors alike.”
Construction of the new Baobab Fare location is set to begin immediately, with the anticipated opening date to be announced soon, promising a new chapter for Detroit’s east side culinary scene.
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