Fam,
Spring is here, and with it comes that feeling of renewal — the kind that reminds me why I fell in love with Detroit in the first place. I still remember my first spring in Michigan. I arrived in the dead of winter and thought, I can’t stay here. But then, the sun came out. I was celebrating my birthday (April 7) and suddenly, everything felt different. People were smiling. Flowers were blooming. I had never lived through seasons like this before. Back home in Burundi, it’s always hot and humid. But in Michigan, after winter, you feel that positive change. That’s when I realized I was home.
My mom used to tell me, “God made our fingers different lengths for a reason.” And the seasons are the same. Having only one season would be boring. Change keeps life dynamic, and I’m feeling that shift again. We’re growing, and it’s not always easy. There’s a lot of love and joy in this industry, but also a lot of struggle. So many restaurants are closing. So many of us are working hard to keep going. It takes everything to stay here and keep growing. But the community? The community is always there, giving, showing up, and being patient with us. I’m so grateful for that.
Speaking of growth… We’re excited to share something new from Soko by Baobab Fare: Fizzy Passion Fruit (pictured above) and Fizzy Hibiscus, our refreshing, carbonated versions of the drinks you love. They’re bright, full of flavor, and just what you need as the weather warms up. You can find them now at Baobab Fare and select retailers. Last month, we began working with our distribution partners, M4 C.I.C., who are helping us get Fizzy into shops and restaurants all over the state, so expect to be seeing more. (And if you see Fizzy somewhere, please take a photo and tag @sokobybaobabfare on Instagram!)
And while we’re looking ahead, I’m so happy to see our Waka truck back at DCFC home games this year. Seeing familiar faces, connecting with our vendor friends, and being part of that community for a third season — it’s a beautiful thing. People know exactly what they want now. They don’t ask as many questions. They’re just happy we’re there, and that connection is everything. This is where Waka started, and we are so grateful for all of our friends at Keyworth Stadium who come out to try our East African street food. In the meantime, the Eastern Market location is moving along, and we plan to be open in time for summer. (More on that in future newsletters.)
I can’t lie, fam, sometimes I wake up and think that this is the hardest thing I’ve ever done. But then I see someone’s face light up after tasting our food; I see friends laugh and create beautiful moments over comforting plates of the food that my own family has grown up on, and I know — All of this is worth it.
Thank you for being part of this journey. I’m sending positive energy to all of you as we step into this new spring season.
❤️
Mamba
It’s true. Fizzy is finally here!
Bright and refreshing, light and FIZZY! What more could you need from your next favorite non-alcoholic beverage? Fizzy Passion Fruit and Fizzy Hibiscus, a part of Soko by Baobab Fare’s retail line, are ready for enjoyment. Shop our beverage collection online today!