Photo Credit: www.michigan.org

The top MUST SEE sites in Detroit! If you are here for a quick trip or a couple of days these are our recommendations! Detroit boasts wonderful history, architecture, music, art, a vibrant biking scene and of course some awesome food! Taste your way through the city and experience the culture, places and people that make Detroit so special! There’s never been a better time to visit!

PLAN YOUR WEEKEND TRIP TO DETROIT:

1. Visit Eastern Market (00:38)

• Located at the heart of Detroit, Eastern Market is our favorite place in the city with more than 150 food and specialty businesses. It’s also one of the oldest and largest year-round markets in the United States.

Operating hours:
Saturday 7am-4pm (year-round)
Tuesday 9am-3pm (June-Sept.)
Sunday 10am-4pm (June-Sept.)

• Hungry? Grab a bite at two of our favorite places in the market:

Supino’s Pizza (03:49)
Store hours:
Tuesday-Saturday 11am-10pm

Germack Coffee (04:20)
Store hours:
Monday-Friday 730am-430pm
Saturday 700am-430pm

2. Feel the Detroit Vibe with Amazing Street Art (02:33)

• Detroit is an internationally renowned hot spot for street art. Artists in the city are reclaiming empty space and turning it into masterpieces that are garnering international attention. With so many artists coming through, there’s always something new to see!

3. Cruise Through Dequindre Cut (03:11)

• Formerly a Grand Trunk Railroad Line, the Dequindre Cut is now an exclusive subterranean greenway for pedestrians, bike and roller riders, or tourists who just want to chill out on a beautiful afternoon by the river.

4. A Trip to Downtown Detroit: Art Deco Buildings

• Downtown Detroit is home to amazing art deco buildings that never fail to turn heads like the Guardian Building (04:43) located at 500 Griswold St, Suite 160. You can sign up for a free tour from Pure Detroit Tours or you can choose to relax and enjoy a nice cup of coffee in the Café in the middle of the hall to admire the building’s crazy interior of colorful marble, mosaic, and murals. If coffee isn’t your thing, you can walk over to the Grand Trunk Pub, a 2-story high-ceilinged space, that features a vast beer selection and a full bar menu or go upstairs to a whiskey bar with live music on Saturdays.
• There’s the Fisher Building (06:58) at 3011 W Grand Blvd., designed by architect Albert Kahn, which was supposed to have 3 towers but the Great Depression nixed those plans. At the time, the now defunct Detroit Times wrote, “The tower will be to Detroit what the Eiffel Tower is to Paris.” If you’re into broadway shows, there’s the Fisher Theatre that seats more than 2,000 people or drop by and grab a bite at the building’s first floor restaurants and cafés.
• The Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA) (09:12) at 5200 Woodward Avenue is the city’s crown jewel that holds one of the world’s finest art collections. Visit DIA every Friday to experience a free concert during their extended operating hours.
• Craving great pizza & sour beer? Check out Jolly Pumpkin, one of our favorite restaurants located nearby.

Operating hours:
Sunday-Thursday 1130am-11pm
Friday-Saturday 1130am-1am

5. Head Down to Belle Isle (12:01)

• Detroit bought Belle Isle in the late 1800s and commissioned Frederick Law Olmsted, a chief architect of New York City’s Central Park, to oversee the landscaping. Features include a beach, zoo, conservatory, botanical garden, golf course, a huge playground area, and many different walking and fitness trails. We highly recommend that you bring stuff for a picnic and soak in the spectacular sunset views featuring the Detroit skyline.
• A small fee will be collected for those who are bringing their cars but bikes & pedestrians are free

6. Famous Sites on the Mend

• The Michigan Central Station (16:09) was the tallest train stain in the world when it was built. Through the years, it has become a popular backdrop for numerous Hollywood films including Transformers and Four Brothers.
• Despite being a symbol of the economic downfall of the city, the Packard Plant (18:10) was the most modern factory in the world and the first factory ever to be built with reinforced concrete. Currently, the plant is owned by Spanish developer, Fernando Palazuelo, who is looking to revitalize the Packard Plant and develop the vast space into multi-use offices, commercial spaces, restaurants, and a gallery/event space.
• One truly unique attraction in Detroit is the Heidelberg Project (22:09) built by street artist Tyree Guyton who wanted to beautify his run-down community through recycled materials and found objects. Tyree’s materials were mostly salvaged from the streets of Detroit and is meant to tell a story about current issues plaguing society. There’s the polka-dotted streets, houses covered in technicolor paint blobs, strange doll sculptures in the yards – some love it, some hate it, but it’s certainly inspired debate and discussion.

7. Slow Roll Detroit: A Community Bike Ride (24:47)

• A uniquely Detroit experience would be Slow Roll – a must-do if you are here in the warmer season on a Monday. Slow Roll started as a casual group of friends taking their bikes out but quickly grew as more and more people joined over time. Today, thousands of people participate. Every week, a different neighborhood is featured and the riders get creative with their bikes. Many riders hook up lights and music that adds a fun and festive vibe to the ride and there is always somehting new and exciting going on. During one ride we even bought icecream sandwhiches from a bike-riding entrepreneour who brought her business along.
• Join Slow Roll and get to know the city and its people more.

8. The Motown Museum

• From the outside, the Motown Museum (27:57) looks like a normal house – it’s tiny but packed full of history and interesting stories. This museum is where Berry Gordy Jr. launched Motown Records and started the careers of Stevie Wonder, Diana Ross, Marvin Gaye and Michael Jackson with just an $800 loan back in 1959.
• Immerse yourself in the Detroit music scene right with their 1-hour on-site tour

9. Ford Museum & Rouge Factory Tour

• Your trip to Detroit isn’t complete without a visit to the Ford Museum and Rouge Factory Tour (29:32). Through the years, the auto industry has been pivotal to Detroit’s economic and cultural identity. Visiting the Ford Museum, you’ll get to see the Ford F-150 truck assembly line as well as classics like the 1965 Ford Mustang and the original Model-A that helped launch Henry Ford into the halls of history.
• If you get hungry around the area, head over to Ford’s Garage for a tasty burger and see some original Ford vehicles on display.

Detroit has a lot to offer and we think the above items are a great place to start your exploration of the city! Please let us know if you have any other favorites and we’ll keep this list updated for other travelers!

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PEOPLE MENTIONED

• Albert Kahn
• Frederick Law Olmsted
• Fernando Palazuelo
• Tyree Guyton
• Berry Gordy Jr.
• Stevie Wonder
• Diana Ross
• Marvin Gaye
• Michael Jackson

Sundays are for mouthwatering finds around Detroit. On this podcast, we are taking you to a tour on awesome places to eat. From lovely brunch spots to must-try craft beer, there is an incredible amount of things to taste and places to see.

Eastern Market (01:11) 

Photo credit: www.semienews.com

• If the weather is OK, this is one place you shouldn’t miss for the weekend. As one of the oldest markets in Detroit, the Eastern Market is thriving with merchants selling all types of produce. New businesses who wanted to showcase their products and try out the market is also given a space here to sell.
• To top off the feel of the place, you have graffiti on the walls showcasing the talent of local artists.

Detroit Churches (03:05)

Photo credit: Hour Detroit

• Detroit is home to churches that have been around for a long time. Take part in tours around the city to visit these churches and learn more about its history. These churches are beautiful and are considered Detroit’s architectural treasures.

**Side Story (04:20): Alex’s entertaining story of his crazy “tongue”-speaking experience**

Sourdough at Avalon Bakery (07:52)

Photo credit: www.avalonbreads.net

• A nice little breakfast wouldn’t be complete without the sourdough from Avalon Bakery. Pair it with french toast and you’re good to go!

Brunch please! (08:26)

Photo credit: www.rosesfinefood.com

• One of our favorite brunch spots would be Rose’s Fine Food – a diner located at East Jefferson Ave. It’s a very hip place that offers affordable meal choices perfect for your Sunday dining. Everything is made from scratch to it makes your dining extra special.

Did you know? Rose’s Fine Food started out of a kickstarter project. Read more about it here.

• Craving for the best pancake ever? We know just the place. The Original Pancake House may not technically be around the area since it’s in Metro Detroit but it still makes the cut as a go-to place for Sunday brunch. Their pancakes are fluffy, tasty, and simply irresistible. If it’s your first time, try their amazing Bacon Pancake. It hits all the flavors perfectly and leave you wanting for more!

Cycling Around The City (11:15)

Photo credit: Detroit Riverfront Conservancy

• If the weather is nice, you can try cycling around the city. Cruise around the neighborhood, the different parks, and Belle Isle to explore what Detroit has to offer.
• Formerly a Grand Trunk Railroad Line, the Dequindre Cut (launched last year) is now an exclusive subterranean greenway for pedestrians, bike and roller riders, or tourists who just want to chill out on a beautiful afternoon by the river.

A Slice of Pie (12:14)

Photo credit: Daily Detroit

• Whenever Jenny’s family visits Detroit, we almost always hangout to a nearby pie place called Sister Pie. If you have a sweet tooth (or even if you’re not but enjoy your pie), this is the perfect place to grab a slice of pie or some freshly baked cookies paired with a nice cup of coffee.

Trip To Downtown Detroit (13:05)

Photo credit: Expedia

• One thing you shouldn’t miss on a Sunday in Detroit is visiting the breathtaking art deco buildings downtown. Join tours that would take you around to view these architectural gems and know more about Detroit’s rich history.
• Some buildings worth visiting are Fisher Building, Packard Plant, and the Guardian Building.

Head Down To Belle Isle (13:31)

Photo credit: Savino Miller

• Bring your stuff for a picnic at Belle Isle and view the spectacular sunset view featuring the Detroit skyline.
• If you’re not into picnics, you can choose which activity you want from Belle Isle’s many areas: beach, zoo, conservatory, botanical garden, golf course, a huge playground area, and many different walking and fitness trails.
• On Sundays, there is a kayak tour of the canals of Jefferson Chalmers. We love this because this tour feels like kayaking through a grungy version of Venice and Amsterdam.

Choose Your Brew (15:13)

Photo credit: Chicago Tribune

• The weekend wouldn’t be complete without booze. After a long day of exploring the city, here are a few recommendations on where to grab a few bottles:
  • Batch Brewing Company
  • Atwater Brewery
  • Motor City Brewing Works

We love the Detroit food scene and it’s seriously hard to identify only a few places where you can spend the night chilling in a casual restaurant setting or feasting in a fancier, fine dining place. Because there’s just so many places that are in our top list today, we present you 16 restaurants to eat like a local in Detroit:

Roast

Credit: www.nyctalking.com

Address: 1128 Washington Blvd, Detroit, MI 48226 Downtown Detroit
Phone: (313) 961-2500
Website: www.roastdetroit.com
Rating: 4 stars
Price Range: $$$

Credit: www.flickr.com/photos/ltmayers/

Who doesn’t love Happy Hour? We bet everybody does! Good deals are always expected from restaurants offering happy hour specials to their guests and Roast is no exception.

Roast, located in Downtown Detroit, was awarded Best Steakhouse by Hour Detroit Magazine and they own that title for a reason. A white tablecloth, fine dining restaurant, their menu boasts of a variety of food items that will surely make your mouth water. Steaks and chops, anyone?

Happy Hour food menu begins at 4:30pm Monday thru Friday until 6:30pm and is only served at the bar area. Their food menu usually costs around $40 to $50 per item but Happy Hour you’ll get them half the price. Be sure to arrive early to get your spot as Roast gets packed with guests easily.

Scotty Simpson’s

credit: detroit.eater.com

Address: 22200 Fenkell St, Detroit, MI 48223
Phone: (313) 533-0950
Website: www.scottysfishandchips.com
Rating: 4.5 stars
Price Range: $$

credit: detroit.eater.com

If you’re a fish and chips person, Scotty Simpson’s is the place to be. They are best known for their golden fries and onion rings that has that melt in your mouth goodness that will leave you wanting for more.

We like this place so much because these guys know how to fry their stuff and seriously, if you haven’t tried it while you’re in Detroit, you don’t know what you’re missing! Scotty Simpson’s can make you feel at home, just chilling and enjoying your fried goodies.

To top if all off, they’re desserts is just as amazing as their fish and chips. They bake their own pie so make sure to grab a piece when you visit.

Jolly Pumpkin

credit: detroit.eater.com/

Address: 441 W Canfield Ste 9, Detroit, MI 48201 Midtown, Cass Corridor
Phone: (313) 262-6115
Website: www.jollypumpkin.com
Rating: 4 stars
Price range: $$

credit: opportunitydetroit.com

A great pizza place with equally great sour beer, Jolly Pumpkin is a place that shouldn’t be missed when in Detroit.

Enjoy the rustic feel of this restaurant as you make your way to their wide selection of pizza and pasta choices available. Jolly Pumpkin’s very own craft brewery lets you experience a variety of beer options from stouts and ciders to sours.

When you visit, make sure to order their delicious truffle fries, veggie burger, and Brussels sprouts pizza!

Andrews On The Corner

credit: www.yelp.com

Address: 201 Joseph Campau St, Detroit, MI 48207
Phone: (313) 259-8325
Website: www.andrewsonthecorner.com
Rating: 4 stars
Price Range: $

Get to enjoy delicious food and great atmosphere at Andrews On The Corner.

Being one of Detroit’s oldest restaurants, it has established itself as the go-to place for anyone looking to chill on a great night. Be sure to order their Stacked Corned Beef or their Wings while pairing it with a pint of beer.

And hey, don’t hesitate to go for the jukebox if you want to play your jams!

Atwater Brewery

credit: www.metrotimes.com/

Address: 237 Joseph Campau St, Detroit, MI 48207
Phone: (313) 877-9205
Website: www.atwaterbeer.com
Rating: 3.5
Price Range: $

credit: www.crainsdetroit.com

If acoustic open mic nights and painting parties thrill you, Atwater Brewery is the place to be.

The restaurant offers a selection of board games on hand that you can pair with your favorite brew for a fun night with friends. What we like about Atwater is their comfortable and open space that makes it cozy and perfect for a great night out.

Looking to sign up for a membership at any bars in Detroit? Sign up at Atwater’s mug club to enjoy special perks and discounts.

Ottava Via

credit: www.carriedawaydetroit.com

Address: 1400 Michigan Ave, Detroit, MI 48216 Corktown
Phone: (313) 962-5500
Rating: 4 stars
Price Range: $$

credit: detroit.eater.com

Freshly-cooked Truffle Pasta? Yes please!

Ottava Via may not look big and spectacular from the outside but from the inside, it’s pleasantly surprising with that clean and rustic feel that will transport you to worlds unimaginable. Plus, the service was great and on point.

We’re currently on a low carb diet and cannot eat pasta as much as we want to, but their pasta is so worth it that we might just end up at Ottava Via on a cheat day.

Bucharest Grill

credit: detroit.eater.com

Address: 1623 Michigan Ave, Detroit, MI 48216
Phone: (313) 965-3111
Website: www.bucharestgrill.com
Rating: 3.5 stars
Price Range: $

There are also cheaper and equally amazing places like Bucharest where you can head on over to grab their best-selling shawarma, quesadilla, and burgers.

Service is pretty good with a streamlined system that allows customers to go in, order and pay, pick up the food, walk out, and enjoy your delicious order wherever you want.

If you’re looking to stay, don’t fret. Bucharest finally added a dining area for customers who wanted to sit down and enjoy their meal in the restaurant.

Green Dot Stables

credit: www.michigan.org

Address: 2200 W Lafayette Blvd, Detroit, MI 48216
Phone: (313) 962-5588
Website: www.greendotstables.com
Rating: 4 stars
Price Range: $

credit: detroit.cbslocal.com

Going out with a big group for a night out can be a bit tricky sometimes, especially if you don’t have a good place in mind. Luckily for you, there’s Green Dot Stables that we can recommend for a night out with a group of friends.

The restaurant has an energetic vibe that lets you and your gang stay up until 2:00am to enjoy a huge selection of sliders that ranges from pork, chicken, fish, cheeseburgers, and even kimchi!

We recommend this because we like how creative they are on their menu choices to ensure that customers keep coming back. How creative? Think mystery meat slider and s’more slider. You know what to do – order the bunch and pick your faves.

Batch Brewing

credit: www.onlyinyourstate.com/

Address: 1400 Porter St, Detroit, MI 48216 Corktown
Phone: (313) 338-8008
Website: www.batchbrewingcompany.com
Rating: 4.5 stars
Price Range: $$

credit: detroit.curbed.com

The eclectic assortment of beer and tap by Batch Brewing will keep you coming back. There’s always something new and unique in the board and this is one thing we like about this place.

Batch Brewing also has great pretzels and other food selections that you can pair up with your beer of choice. Perhaps the most iconic thing about this place that makes sit stand out among the rest are their beer slushes that proves to be amazingly refreshing on a hot summer day.

When visiting Batch, you have the option to stay at the large patio for an outdoor setting or stay inside the brewery.

Rose’s Fine Foods

credit: www.snaxnthecity.com

Address: 10551 E Jefferson Ave, Detroit, MI 48214
Phone: (313) 822 2729
Website: www.rosesfinefood.com
Rating: 3.5 stars
Price Range: $$

credit: www.rosesfinefood.com

Roses Fine Foods is highly recommended if you’re going out early in the day as breakfast is their specialty. We think the best thing about this place is how they’re experimental with everything that they do so it makes them unique.

Everything is made-from-scratch food with quality local ingredients. From the outside, it may look like just an old hole-in-the-wall neighborhood diner but the people waiting outside, and their offerings say otherwise.

Service is good with a host available to seat you or take down your name in case of a wait. When you visit, don’t forget to ask for their daily specials!

Original Pancake House

credit: www.tripadvisor.com

Address: 19355 W 10 Mile Rd Southfield, MI 48075
Phone: (248) 357-3399
Website: www.originalpancakehouse.com
Rating: 4 stars
Price Range: $$

A place not exactly in Detroit but *near* Detroit where you can grab one of the best bacon pancakes you’ll ever have!

Worth a visit if you’re craving for a great breakfast menu. The best thing about this place is that you really can’t choose wrong. Order anything on the menu and you’ll be impressed. Their service is also spotless but prepare for long lines on weekends on all locations. But then again, it will be worth the wait.

Don’t leave without trying their signature Apple Pancake, their Dutch Baby, or even their gourmet crepes and unique omelets.

Stache Intl.

credit: www.detroitnews.com

Address: 1416 Fisher Fwy Detroit’s Eastern Market, Detroit, MI 48207
Phone: (313) 974-6895
Website: www.stacheinternational.com
Rating: 4.5 stars
Price Range: $$

credit: detroit.eater.com

Stache International in the Eastern Market boasts of their incredible Stache Favorite Sandwich made of housemade bologna, smoked thick-cut bacon, caramelized onion, melted American cheese and a tangy Carolina mustard on grilled garlic bread. Now if it doesn’t sound appetizing and mouthwatering to you, we don’t know what is!

You know a restaurant has so many great choices when you end up ordering a lot just to get a taste of everything – that is how it is here at Stache International.

What’s best? The cool and hip atmosphere complements the unique and delicious food offering. It’s funky and unassuming which makes it a nice spot for a new sandwich bar you’ll start to love.

Sister Pie

credit: www.dailydetroit.com

Address: 8066 Kercheval St, Detroit, MI 48214
Phone: (313) 447-5550
Website: www.sisterpie.com
Rating: 4.5 stars
Price Range: $$

credit: detroit.eater.com

Calling all dessert lovers out there! Let’s head on over to Sister Pie for best-tasting, best-selling pies.

Their pies are so great that it sells out early everyday so if you’re planning to get a slice or a whole pie, drop by early. Honestly, we’ve been there a few times but only actually bought anything a couple of times because we got in too late and all the pies are sold out! Unfortunate, we know. But hey, we keep coming back for a taste of that heavenly pies!

We really must commend their store – it’s cute and clean. There were plenty of seating room inside if you want to chill and a couple of tables outside to sit if you want the open air. Their food offerings may be a little pricey but you really can’t complain with the quality they are providing. Be sure to order the Buckwheat Chocolate Chip and the Salted Maple when you visit.

Wahlburgers

credit: www.bostonmagazine.com

Address: 569 Monroe St, Detroit MI 48226
Phone: (313) 209-4499
Website: www.walhburgersrestaurant.com
Rating: 3.5 stars
Price Range: $$

credit: detroit.eater.com

Owned by Mark Wahlberg and his brothers, Walhburger is a pretty nice burger place in Detroit that serves fantastic burgers and sides paired with your favorite beer.

The service was good and attentive, and we love that they put their signature Wahl sauce (a ketchup and mayo mixture) in everything you order. It’s a hit!

However, if you’re visiting during the peak hours, it’s best to give yourself extra 20 minutes or so to wait to be seated.

Five Guys Burgers

credit: www.tripadvisor.com

Address: 508 Monroe St, Detroit, MI 48226 Greektown
Phone: (313) 237-7777
Website: www.fiveguys.com
Rating: 3.5 stars
Price Range: $

Located right in the heart of Greektown, Five Guys is known for their fresh, hot, and ready to eat food. We recommend trying the Cajun handcut fries with your burger and you’ll thank us later!

Five Guys is not only great for dinner but also for late night snacks. Who would’ve thought that this place gets packed at 2:00am on a Saturday?

The friendly staff and the location are also a perfect complement for the good burgers.

National Coney Island

credit: www.tripadvisor.com

Address: Detroit Metropolitan Airport-North Terminal 601 Rogell Detroit, Detroit, MI 48242
Phone: (734) 413-2800
Website: www.nationalconeyisland.com
Rating: 3 stars
Price Range: $

If ever you get hungry while waiting for your flight at Detroit Airport, drop by the National Coney Island for your dose of coney dogs or breakfast goodies.

Service here is quick and friendly. The place gets a little too crowded during the peak hours but during mornings, there weren’t much people to compete with.

We like the variety of choices for their menu items as well as the number of available toppings for the hotdogs.

At one point though, I can’t stop asking myself:

• Am I really always engaged in all these hours-long meetings?
• Do I deep down share the same excitement my sales manager seems to have, reaching our year end target?
• Do I learn new things that is relevant to me everyday (bare in mind one can always ‘learn’ something but relevance is the key), feeling energized and cannot wait to go back to work?

I guess the bottomline is this: Work takes up more than 10 of my waking hours a day (easily!), is what I am doing everyday worth my while? Do I love my life?

After much consideration and experimentation, And I traded my “bright-future” job for an ADVENTURE!

Being here in Detroit, I am living in a completely different universe: out of my comfort zone and away from my family & friends; a different world of social dynamics, culture & language; and I often find myself doing things that I’ve never thought of doing before. I’ve never even mowed a lawn before coming to the US and now I am doing renovation work here! There have been days that we needed clean up shit all day long after a sewer malfunction (no kidding!), our walls have literally melted down on us while repairing the plaster, our vacant property was broken into on multiple occasions (luckily not much was taken), and so many nights we have come home past midnight after being so focused on our work that we’ve forgotten to eat all day! Exhausted and hungry, there were moments when I thought – WHAT THE HELL AM I DOING HERE?

Fast forward a few months… 2 weeks ago we were part of a pilot shoot for a potential TV show. From our brief encounter with the tv host and renovation expert, we’ve learned so much more about our house! Our admiration grows every day for those who put their hearts, efforts and resources together to build this beautiful home that we are now the stewards of. And this time, I know we are doing something that’s worthwhile, not only on a personal level but also as part of something much bigger. It gets me really excited to bring a piece of history back to life and through which contributes to the rebirth of our beautiful neighborhood and the once great city of Detroit that is becoming great again.

In between juggling all our projects and renovation work, sometimes it’s easy to forget the bigger picture, seeing the setbacks more than the progress. But while I am writing this at our ‘branch office‘ (aka backyard office under a tree branch) under a beautiful blue sky, reaffirming what we are doing, I can say I am absolutely loving my life and living in the moment.

It has taken a lot of time and hard work to get here, but it all began with a leap of faith.

One of the magical things about Detroit is that you can do so much here with so little.

When we first came here, being our normal selves, we just couldn’t help contemplating different business opportunities. We still do that all the time and open our arms to the new adventures that come but we are also more caught up with the projects we have on hand here.

Around 2 years ago, we found ourselves in front of this pizza place on Jefferson Avenue, right in the middle of our neighborhood, and we were wondering what kind of business someone might be able to start with a storefront and apartments upstairs (where we can live in or rent out). The shop front window had a for sale sign with a phone number and a price of 80,000USD.

Out of curiosity, we called the number and arranged a meeting to view the place. A few hours later, a guy showed up in his working clothes with a semi-beat up truck. He shook our hands and we went inside to see the place. To our surprise, he told us he was the owner of the building and he had originally ran a pizza place at the shop. He explained where things needed to be fixed, how much it would cost, and how the place had been broken into before (like a lot of other places in Detroit).

“So why did you sell the place?” We asked him.
“I used to own this place and a few others, running them as a pizza chain. But now, I’m selling this to use the money to buy another building. You see the skyscraper downtown with the T-Mobile ad on top? That building is mine.” The guy said, in an enthusiastic and unassuming way.

We didn’t end up buying the place and by the way, after he sold his chain whoever ran the business did a horrible job. We went to visit one of the shops, pushed the door open, and under the neon ‘Pizza’ sign was a stone-cold slice of pizza on display in a heavily fortified acrylic case with flies buzzing around and dysfunctional blank-faced customers pathetically waiting for their pizza in silence. The place looked like a cult movie crime scene before the crime. This was the most horrible food place we’ve seen in Detroit.

But that interaction left an impression on me until today. Of course, the price was jaw dropping to a newbie Detroit transplant: The place has a store-front on one of the main streets near an affluent neighborhood and it costs less than 1/5 of the price of the tiniest apartment we could get in Hong Kong. Compared to any major cities, the affordability of Detroit really makes a lot of businesses possible that wouldn’t work in other places! You can start with nothing but a “can-do” spirit and turn your idea into reality.

Another incredible thing about Detroit is how flat the social hierarchy is in many ways. In any other major city, if you call a number to view a commercial building, I would assume you are talking to some sort of agent or employee #101. Here in Detroit, the one who picks up the phone is the successful businessman who owns food chains and skyscrapers. He shows up with his beat-up truck and working clothes, shakes your hand and tells you he is showing you his place for sale! Alex and I jokingly said it was like you call the number and Lee Ka Shing* or Donald Trump shows up! I know it’s an exaggeration here but you get my point.

So here we have another DETROIT SPECIAL and this is another reason why we love this place. No matter how much you have, if you are capable, want to make a change in your life, want to make a difference in the world and make things work, Detroit offers unprecedented opportunities to all who dare to take the adventure of a lifetime!

* For those who don’t know who Lee Ka Shing is, he’s the richest guy in HK who arguably owns at least half of Hong Kong, His foot print is dominating everything in HK from real estate, super market to telecom company.