The finalists of the 2015 Hatch Detroit Contest have been announced. The finalists are Norma G’s Fine Caribbean Cuisine, Live Cycle Delight, The Royce Detroit, and Eskimo Jacks Artisan Cookies+Ice Cream. At stake is a $50,000 grant, a flood of publicity, and momentum for these small businesses to establish themselves at a brick-and-mortar location in Detroit.
Round two of voting begins now, with each business starting from a blank slate. The winner will be announced August 28 at the Hatch Off, where the finalists present their business plan to a panel of judges. The judges’ votes combined with the Round 2 votes are tabulated and the winner is announced that same night.
Vote on Hatch Detroit’s website, their Facebook voting page, and at their Community Voting Booths.
This is what the finalists had to say about their business’ future and why they need your vote.
Live Cycle Delight
Entrepreneur: Amina Daniels
What is the business and what gave you the business idea?
We are looking to be the first indoor cycling facility in Detroit. I also plan to sell cold-pressed juice and have a hydration station. I moved to Detroit to start a fitness business, but I wasn’t sure what kind. Two months after moving back, I was hit by a car while biking to Whole Foods, when a car failed to stop at a stop sign. After that, I knew I was destined to open a biking facility. We need more bike awareness.
Where do you plan on locating?
I’m looking to locate downtown, Midtown, or the Eastern Market area.
Why does Detroit need you to exist?
Detroit has a reputation for being one of the fattest cities. I want to get Detroiters back to living an active lifestyle. There are limited options, that aren’t bars, to have fun and meet people in downtown Detroit.
The Royce Detroit
Entrepreneurs: Ping Ho and Angela Rutherford
What is the business and what gave you the business idea?
Royce Detroit is all about tradition, sustainability and good design. It is reflected in the wine we will carry and the home goods we will sell. It is my passion to host parties and bring people together. We are hoping to bring the community of Detroit together over great wine and great food.
Where do you plan on locating?
The location we are looking at is in the downtown area. We should know in the upcoming weeks where we will be.
Why does Detroit need you to exist?
Recently, we were driving in Detroit and there was nobody on the streets, yet a lot of people live here and work here. We want to bring retail to the downtown area where people can live, work and play.
Norma G’s
Entrepreneur: Lester Gouvia
What is the business and what gave you the business idea?
I plan to open a Caribbean restaurant. Detroit doesn’t have Caribbean food, not in the true sense. What we do as Caribbean people is share food, which is why I decided this should come about.
Where do you plan on locating?
We want to locate in Midtown or the Gratiot Woods community, near Eastern Market and I-94.
Why does Detroit need you to exist?
Detroit is an international city. They want to see different things. No disrespect to other restaurants, but people want to try different foods from different cultures. I think Detroit will eventually become like New York, with its Chinatown, Little Italy, and Little Caribbean. Detroit needs to get to that point to be truly growing, when people say, “when I go there, I can eat anything, not just a burger.”
Eskimo Jacks Artisan Cookies+Ice Cream
Entrepreneur: Joshua Charlip
What is the business and what gave you the business idea?
Artisan ice cream sandwiches. We make our own cookies and ice cream. I’ve been in the bagel business for many years, and I wanted to start something new. I knew about the concept of an ice cream sandwich business from California. I visited and I brought the idea back to the Detroit area.
Where do you plan on locating?
We just launched in a few supermarkets, including Busch’s Fresh Food Market, Fresh Thyme Farmer’s Market, and Nino Salvaggio. Our goal is to find a manufacturing facility as well as a retail component. The location has not been finalized.
Why does Detroit need you to exist?
Detroit needs Eskimo Jacks because it is an unique product in an unique city.
