A vegan stuffed pepper shop, a new pizzeria, a cafe, and a coworking space. That's quite a roster for a stretch of commercial corridor on Detroit's east side that hasn't seen much attention in decades. But these are just a sampling of the new businesses coming to or already open in the East Warren and Cadieux area.

The neighborhood is one of seven targeted by the city of Detroit's Strategic Neighborhood Fund, but that funding has not yet materialized. Even so, local entrepreneurs are launching their ventures.

"This is mainly neighborhood-driven Black business opening on a neighborhood commercial corridor without much incentive," says Joe Rashid, director of the East Warren Development Corporation. "I think it's amazing."

Rashid expects funding and resources to come together soon to launch a strategic neighborhood planning initiative that will focus on parks, streetscape improvements, housing, and commercial development. The effort will get a boost from a $5 million investment from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, announced last week. But local entrepreneurs aren't waiting around.

Model D spent some time on East Warren to talk to some of the corridor's newest entrepreneurs. Here's what we found.

The Detroit Pepper Company

E. Warren Tool Library



ZAB Cultural Collective



Flamz Pizzeria

Morningside Cafe