The Motor City just got a little more sabor. Detroit welcomes its latest culinary hotspot, a Latin American dual-concept restaurant and coffee shop, in its burgeoning West Village neighborhood. Deputy Mayor Melia Howard, alongside the Detroit Economic Growth Corporation (DEGC), celebrated the opening of Encarnacion - Detroit and La Fonda Street - Detroit with an official ribbon-cutting ceremony, marking the 181st business launch facilitated by the Motor City Match program, according to a statement on the City of Detroit's official website.
Behind this venture is Robert Encarnacion, a Trinidadian native whose love affair with coffee began in Miami. Facing Miami's rising cost of living, Encarnacion gambled on Detroit's potential in 2019 and has since bet on a pair of dining experiences, "It was a crazy idea, but I knew Detroit was a place full of opportunity. I wanted to create a space that showcased my background and my culture," he told the City of Detroit's news outlet. After purchasing a building from the Detroit Land Bank in April 2021, he embarked on an arduous renovation culminating in his vibrant new establishment.
Foodies can now indulge in the flavors of Latin America at La Fonda Street – Detroit, where the menu features staples like the Dominican Bowl and $2 tacos on Taco Tuesdays, with prices ranging from $2 to $17. Meanwhile, Encarnacion - Detroit has become the morning go-to since its soft opening in November 2024, serving up espresso drinks, including the fan-favorite Encarnacion Original, and various grab-and-go breakfast options. Thanks to a $65,000 grant from Motor City Match, Encarnacion has installed a commercial kitchen hood and built an ADA-compliant elevator, among other improvements.
Motor City Match, a program designed to stimulate economic innovation, is a collective effort between the City of Detroit, DEGC, the Economic Development Corporation of the City of Detroit (EDC), and the U.S. Department of the Treasury through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). With a portfolio of $19.1 million in cash grants, leading to $102.7 million in leveraged investments, the program has facilitated the launch of hundreds of businesses, including Encarnacion's, which is a testament to its ongoing success. Open seven days a week, Encarnacion - Detroit and La Fonda Street - Detroit can be found with locals and visitors at 8016 Kercheval Ave, from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. for dining and varied morning hours for coffee aficionados.
