Family,
This February marks four years that Baobab Fare has been open! Can you believe it?
I was talking to Nadia about it the other morning and we were reflecting on how much we didn’t know when we started. All we knew was that we were opening a restaurant, and that’s it. We’ve had to learn so much along the way, and I’m so proud of us and our small team — for the way they’ve adapted and learned right along with us on this journey.
And every day we’re still improving. We’re always working on making our space more comfortable and better and better, down to small details. So, first I want to thank you, our loyal customers, especially those of you who have continued to support us over the years as we’ve implemented many changes along the way.
When we opened four years ago, it was right in the middle of COVID. We started with just to-go orders before we expanded to dine-in service. Recently, we added online reservations through OpenTable and online catering orders through Toast, and added an extra hour of dinner service on Sunday so that we close at 9 p.m. every night we’re open.
Each of these decisions, though they might seem small, took time for us and our team to work through and learn. Remember, our kitchen is very small, and for most of our staff at Baobab Fare, English is a second language (if not third or fourth). But we know that these changes will only help us as the Baobab family grows.
And we have more changes we’d like to see in our existing New Center space. We have plans to focus on the patio this summer. We know we need more shade and want to also use the additional greenery to make it feel more like a cool oasis, and less like you’re dining on the corner of two very busy streets.
My whole idea behind this is that we’re doing so many things, working on so many projects. And with all the news about our new Waka space in Eastern Market and new Baobab Fare location on the east side, I don’t want anyone to think we’ve forgotten about New Center. This is the place that allowed us to work on everything else we’re working on. It will always be our first restaurant in Detroit, and we want to continue to make it a little bit better every single day.
A few other projects we’re hoping to bring to the Woodward location involve some experience-based events that highlight our culture more, and we’re hoping to celebrate that in parties, with live music, or a DJ set.
We’ll also soon have a kids menu! We’ve heard so many great reviews from parents saying that even their pickiest kids love the food at Baobab Fare. We want to celebrate that! And we want to really embrace the fact that we’re a family-friendly restaurant because we are a family-run business!
Speaking of family, that’s honestly what we’re becoming here. When you see people every day and learn so much about them and grow with them, how can you be anything but? We’re feeling very grateful to be in the space we’re in currently and the incredible community that’s supported us. We wouldn’t be here without you. And in the midst of everything, that’s what’s most important to us. So, I also want to ask you to be kind to your neighbors, your friends, your family, your community, and to all people. Show them grace. We are here because of the kindness so many have shown us, and we’re so grateful for it and all of you every day.
❤️
Mamba
Warmth. Connection. Impact.
From Burundi to Detroit
Enjoy the flavors of East Africa in your own home! Our fiery Pili is a home recipe from Burundi. We mix fresh, fire-roasted habanero peppers with other aromatic spices in small batches to make a savory sauce with a KICK. Enjoy this bold and distinctive East African taste on eggs, chicken, fish fry, rice beans, sandwiches, and more! Take advantage of our current offer: 10% if you buy 3, 15% for 6, and 20% off for 12.
Your support of Soko by Baobab Fare bridges continents and cultures, celebrating our East African heritage and shared commitment to fairness, sustainability, and care.
Together, we’re creating connections that make a meaningful difference.
