The founders of MotorCity Mimosa in Detroit aren’t calling their new brunch house a “restaurant” – because, they say, it’s so much more than that.

Co-founders TeQuion Brookins and Nina Love wanted to create a space where people could not only eat delicious food but also collaborate with like-minded people, support local entrepreneurs, give back to the community, and learn new skills.

“I’ve worked in restaurants my whole life, and the goal is usually to turn tables and get customers in and out. But MotorCity Mimosa isn’t like that,” said Love, COO and creative curator.

“It’s a more intimate experience, almost like you’re eating at your auntie’s house. Food is a great connector, so we wanted to bring people together over a meal. I want people to feel the love, and I want people to feel cared for when they’re here.”

MotorCity Mimosa is set to open inside Eastern Market this fall at 2055 Gratiot Ave. in Detroit. In the lobby area, customers will shop at Bespoke Noir, a boutique featuring products from various Detroit-area businesses. From there, guests can enter the kitchen and bar area, where they can order brunch, lunch and spirit-free mimosas all courtesy of The Love Experience, an upscale catering company owned and operated by Chef Love. There will be a range of seating options, including luxury couches, café style seating, and communal high tops, to cater to those who want to work, meet others, catch up with friends, hold private meetings, or enjoy entertainment hosted by MotorCity Mimosa.

“We encourage people to come by themselves and sit next to someone they’ve never met before. You can introduce yourself and spark up a conversation, which could possibly be the beginning of a relationship. Collaboration is a huge part of what we’re creating here,” said Love.

Brookins, an award-winning consultant and philanthropist, and Love, CEO and founder of All Black Everything Hospitality Group LLC, met two years ago through the Michigan Black Business Alliance. They quickly learned they had a lot in common, both personally and professionally, and decided to create a partnership combining their culinary and social responsibility talents.

Brookins, CEO of MotorCity Mimosa, said, “While I’ve never worked in the restaurant industry before, I’m definitely a foodie, and I’m very passionate about food that makes you feel better. With my educational background in biochemistry, I understand the impact food can make on healing people and lifting their mood. That’s where the intersection lies between Nina and me.”

As part of this space in Eastern Market, Brookins and Love are also launching a membership-based social club called Aya House. Membership will include discounts on food & beverages, access to meeting & event rentals, coworking space, as well as invitations to exclusive events and workshops centered around wellness, art and culture, fellowship, community, and learning and development. Aya House will officially kickoff its membership model on November 7th during its founding member induction ceremony. Founding members include over 20 of Detroit’s most prominent community, civic, and business leaders.

One of Aya House’s signature programs launching in October and will be an artist residency program, showcasing the work of a different Detroit-based artist each quarter. The artwork will be featured throughout the space and will be available for purchase following each residency. In addition, participating artists will receive a stipend and free coaching to strengthen their business acumen. Aya House also plans to offer community service opportunities and dedicates a portion of proceeds to a different nonprofit or community initiative each month.

“We want to make sure we’re intentional about not only creating something new in the community but also transforming and improving what’s already here. We are very focused on not just being extractive but also pouring into the area where we’re located to make it better,” said Brookins.

MotorCity Mimosa will be phasing in its food & beverage offerings and programs over several months, starting this month with hosting coworking days and private events. Once fully launched, they will be open seven days a week with an all-day happy hour every Monday. Aya House will have regular hours for both members and the public, with different access levels based on membership status.

For more information on upcoming events at MotorCity Mimosa, becoming a member of Aya House, or booking the venue for your special event, visit www.motorcitymimosa.com. For the latest updates, follow them on Instagram at MotorCity_Mimosa.