A new Black-owned Cafe is Planned at The Residences at Water Square

Rosa on Grand River is opening a new cafe and market with grab-and-go snacks this summer.
rosa cafe + market interior rendering detroit water square
Rendering: Official

A Black-owned, women-owned cafe is working on its second location at Residences at Water Square. According to a press release, Detroit Rosa is working on a secondary concept called Rosa Café + Market at 222 3rd Ave, inside The Residences at Water Square. The news was first reported by Crains Detroit. The new store is anticipated in Summer 2024.

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The new boutique cafe and market concept will be located in the apartment complex’s main lobby, covering over 800 square feet. The interiors will feature bright colored tiles with large glass windows on one side of the building providing the vibrant streetview off Third Avenue. There will also be an outdoor patio for guests to enjoy the fresh breeze when the weather is nice.

“It’s a developing community, and as a Black owed cafe, we take pride in serving those community members and visitors of what an authentic Detroit brands looks like.” Charity Dean, Rosa’s owner, told What now Detroit in an email.

Dean, who came from a legal background, is the sole owner behind Rosa Detroit. With years of experience serving the local community as President and CEO of Michigan Black Business Alliance and an independent legal counsel, Dean’s roots grow deep in the Detroit soil.

The name Rosa pays tribune to Dean’s great-grandmother Rosa Malone, who was one of “the first Black homeowners to move into Rosedale Park in 1973.” Building upon her spirit of independence and liveliness, Rosa carries the Grandmont Rosedale neighborhood’s diverse and welcoming essence.

Bringing the coziness and community-centric atmosphere to Residences at Water Square, the upcoming Rosa Café + Market will have similar offerings compared to the brand’s signature Grand River location, with the addition of grab-and-go snacks “complemented by Rosa’s signature house blend and an assortment of ready-to-eat food options.”

“We are delighted to welcome Rosa Café + Market to our community,” said Danny Samson, Chief Development Officer at Sterling Group, the development group behind The Residences at Water Square, “With its enticing market fare and inviting outdoor seating boasting picturesque riverfront views, Rosa Café & Market is poised to become a cherished destination within our vibrant neighborhood.”

Xiao daCunha

Xiao daCunha

Xiao Faria daCunha is a practicing visual artist and independent journalist covering what's happening in the Midwest belt. Xiao has written for Chicago Reader, BlockClub Chicago, BRIDGE Chicago, Urban Matter, The Pitch KC, and KCUR. She considers all her practices essential for speaking on behalf of those who haven't been heard, and she sheds light on what hasn't been seen, whether it's emotional, cultural or societal.
Xiao daCunha

Xiao daCunha

Xiao Faria daCunha is a practicing visual artist and independent journalist covering what's happening in the Midwest belt. Xiao has written for Chicago Reader, BlockClub Chicago, BRIDGE Chicago, Urban Matter, The Pitch KC, and KCUR. She considers all her practices essential for speaking on behalf of those who haven't been heard, and she sheds light on what hasn't been seen, whether it's emotional, cultural or societal.

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