Daily Detroit Happy Hour Podcast / Detroit · September 8, 2017 0

PODCAST: Rev. Jonathan Merritt on his new coffee shop, Livernois’ resurgence and faith in Detroit

Jonathan Merritt, the owner of the Narrow Way Cafe, and yours truly.

On the newest episode of the Daily Detroit Happy Hour podcast, we visited the Narrow Way Cafe, one of the newest businesses to open on the so-called “Avenue of Fashion” on Livernois in Detroit. Our guest is Rev. Jonathan Merritt, who also serves as pastor at Straight Gate International Church.

Narrow Way Cafe is a beautiful coffee shop, with white subway tile, navy blue leather-upholstered banquette seating, coffee roasted by Zingerman’s and baked goods from Avalon. The place was popping when we visited on a warm, late-summer’s day.

Merritt discusses the cafe’s path to opening, from a church gathering place to a $45,000 Motor City Match grant. We also discuss the revitalization of the Avenue of Fashion and the role of the church in the city of Detroit.

“It’s the people,” Merritt says, “it’s always been about the people. It’s always been about serving the community. And I feel like the more we have people that are focused in on that goal, the greater impact we’re going to have on the city for future generations.”

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