What’s your most popular cocktail?
WF, TC and RM: The Exotic Water!
RM: It’s a mixture of a variety of vodkas. It’s clear and sweet-tasting, almost like flavored water.
What type of entertainment do you offer?
RM: Our live DJs play a variety of cultural music. On themed nights, we offer everything from reggae to house music. On Wednesdays, we offer ballroom hustle lessons and karaoke.
How did you decide on the decor?
RM: When we came into the space we instantly saw the possibilities. We laid the floor, put together the chairs, sofas and tables. We’ve been told the blue settees are unforgettable too.
How important is it to be located in the community?
RM: People are familiar with East English Village, but not many know that the area we occupy is called Cornerstone Village. We want people to know that we’re a cornerstone of the community.
TC: We all grew up in the inner city, so having it here was important. I always tell people, “this is our bar, feel at home.”
What does it mean to be a Black entrepreneur?
WF: It’s the spirit. You’ve got to have the spirit to be an entrepreneur. Being an entrepreneur comes with responsibilities.
TC: To me it’s legacy. We all come from the struggle. Many people think it’s easy to get a bar, although it’s not. [I wanted] to show my family, siblings and children that this can be achieved. That’s important.
RM: To me it’s inclusion. Everyones seeing how Detroit is changing. The new Detroit has to have us, and it needs us. The new Detroit having that Black business owner is important within the community.
Cornerstone Village Bar & Grille is located at 17315 Mack Ave., on Detroit’s east side.
