Honey Dirt Coffee founder Teddy Shaska is graduating from market pop-ups to a full brick-and-mortar, moving the growing roast and pour operation into its first standalone Ferndale storefront. The new spot is set to offer more room for seating and on-site roasting while construction wraps up, and Shaska has been clear that he is counting on community support as the buildout continues and the still-to-be-announced opening date draws closer.
As reported by CBS News Detroit, Shaska is deep into planning the brick and mortar and told the station he "needs your help" to get the project over the finish line. The short feature leans into the hometown small business story, spotlighting both the shop's local roots and the owner’s appeal for neighborhood backing while the last bits of work get done.
From Pop-Up To Livernois Shop
Local outlet WhatNow reports that the new cafe will fill a larger space on Livernois, a clear upgrade from Honey Dirt’s compact stall inside the Rust Belt Market. According to the outlet, the building already sports a "coming soon" sign, and the new home will sit near other downtown Ferndale businesses, giving Honey Dirt room for actual seating and a more robust service setup.
Owner’s Background And Local Roots
A local profile notes that Shaska first launched Honey Dirt as a pop-up inside POST Detroit, where he began roasting beans in-house, a hands-on approach that helped build a loyal following. The Grosse Pointe News traces his path from emigrating to the area to working in the coffee industry and reports that Shaska has kept his focus on hospitality and connection.
Where He’s Selling Now And What’s Next
For now, Honey Dirt is still pouring from its spot inside the Rust Belt Market, and the market’s vendor directory lists Honey DIRT COFFEE among current vendors, so regulars know where to find their usual while the Livernois storefront comes together. Shaska has not announced a public opening date for the new location, but he has said he will share construction progress and launch details on Honey Dirt’s social channels as the schedule firms up.
Ferndale’s small business scene has been filling out with new arrivals, and Honey Dirt’s jump from market cart to larger Livernois footprint fits right into a familiar local storyline: independent coffee outfits that start as pop-ups and level up once demand is steady. Neighbors and fans now have a better sense of what is coming next: more seating, beans roasted in-house, and a cafe grounded in the same community that helped it grow in the first place.
