Hey, it's Jer!

Let's start with something new and exclusive to Daily Detroit, then some stories around town.

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Soft opening over the weekend and launched today, Kazkara on John R. between 8 Mile and I-75 is a roaster and packaging operation with a small coffeeshop.

There's a selection of specialty coffees, coffee equipment, and more.

The retail space has a clean, modern design with bar-style seating along the wall. The owner is an engineer, and the chairs and furniture were designed and built in Michigan. A larger outdoor sign is to come, too.

Manager Pedro Suing has deep family roots in coffee, and tells me they'll be fresh roasting at Kazkara.

In time, they aim to open a Ferndale spot at the old Chazzano coffee location at Wanda and West Nine Mile, spreading their their Dtroitr coffee brand.

So why do this in Hazel Park? It's where they all live, so they're investing their time, money and talent in their community. Suing says the community warmly welcomed them for their soft open.

They're also doing something neat with the packaging for their bags. They're working with artists connected to the origins of their coffee — including Mexico, Peru, Nicaragua, Colombia, Honduras, Ecuador, and Brazil — for the art. The plan is to license the art instead of buying it outright, so the artist gets paid while retaining the rights to their work.

And the coffee? I tried the Cortado. Quite good. So was the regular brew. They focus on lighter roasts, as they are more complex and highlight the flavors of the coffee better.

You can find them at 21818 John R, Hazel Park, Michigan 48030 and their hours are Monday through Friday from 7am to 4pm and 8am to 4pm on Saturday and Sunday. Also on Instagram.

What to know

⛹🏽‍♀️ Detroit's riverfront might get a major upgrade. The former Uniroyal site at the foot of the bridge to Belle Isle is being eyed for a multi-sports complex and youth sports academy. The 44-acre site, once home to a tire factory, could become the new headquarters for a WNBA team if awarded. There would be indoor facilities for basketball and volleyball, plus outdoor fields for soccer, football, and lacrosse. [Freep]

My two cents? This could be a huge deal for the east side. There's a lot of vacant land nearby (including the former Big Boy restaurant that had a special soul food menu), and beyond the immediate benefits of being a draw for people — this would be the the kind of thing that might encourage others to build up around there.

🍸 Bar Louie is closing all but two of their local locations. What will be left are downtown Royal Oak and Clinton Township in Partridge Creek. Reports had mentioned Auburn Hills and Livonia, but as you see above, Dearborn is also closed — at least for now. The chain is based in Addison, Texas. [WXYZ] [Freep]

The bandshell moved from the State Fairgrounds and put into place at Palmer Park is looking good. Was out there over the weekend. There have been a ton of investments lately in the park at 7 Mile and Woodward, and I'll be sure to run through them all as the weather warms up.

I talked a bit about the history and the glow up of Palmer Park on our podcast last September.

Usually, this note ends with a music track. Today, I'll end with a little musical history connecting to Detroit, maybe in unexpected ways.

I'm a fan of the Röyskopp, a Norwegian electronic group. One of the tracks I like, "Happy Up Here," has a very identifiable, funky, hook.

Turns out that hook sample is from this Parliament track, "Do That Stuff."

It was on the Clones of Dr. Funkenstein album, recorded in part at United Sound in Detroit. It still stands today (though needs some love). I went and checked on it as it's a short walk from our podcast studio.

When I posted this on Instagram, a commenter pointed out that Röyskopp in another track on that same Junior album sampled Stevie Wonder's "Too High" as part of "Vision One."

Alright, that's it for now. Thanks so much for reading. For story tips, hit me up - dailydetroit - at - gmail - dot - com.

Remember that you are somebody — and I'll see you around Detroit.

-Jer