Detroit, MI, December 28, 2025
Around 30 restaurateurs and industry professionals convened at the Detroit Shipping Company for a networking event organized by What Now Media Group. The Accelerate event focused on fostering connections and showcasing services tailored for the hospitality industry. Attendees were able to share insights and enjoy a variety of cuisines in a vibrant atmosphere. The gathering highlighted the diverse culinary landscape of Detroit while providing valuable resources to enhance restaurant operations.
Detroit Restaurateurs Convene at Detroit Shipping Company for What Now’s Accelerate Event
Detroit, MI – On December 18, 2025, approximately 30 restaurateurs and industry professionals gathered at the Detroit Shipping Company in the Brush Park neighborhood for What Now Media Group’s Accelerate event. The gathering aimed to foster networking and introduce services tailored for the hospitality industry.
Event Highlights
- Networking Opportunities: Attendees connected with peers and industry partners, sharing insights and experiences.
- Service Presentations: What Now Media Group showcased its offerings designed to support and enhance restaurant operations.
- Venue Experience: The Detroit Shipping Company, known for its diverse culinary options and vibrant atmosphere, provided an ideal setting for the event. The venue features six individually operated restaurants, a rotating selection of craft beers, and multiple event spaces.
Notable Attendees
- Genevieve Vang: Owner and chef of Sushi Lounge, which opened in August. Vang described the event as a “massive success” and appreciated its unique networking format.
- Juma and Esmeralda Ekic: Owners of Balkan House, focusing on operations for their Ferndale location after closing their Hamtramck site in September.
- Nate Wegryn: Chef for the upcoming JD’s Bistro in Chelsea, a project partnered with actor Jeff Daniels, set to be a multi-level restaurant, cocktail lounge, and concert venue.
- Diego Adrian Tula: Owner of La Patagonia in Ferndale, offering Argentinian cuisine since September, reporting strong business performance.
- Taryn Boggon: Owner of Dreamy Eats, preparing to open a new soul food restaurant featuring wings, pasta, seafood, and mac n’ cheese near New Center.
- MK Cannelle: Representatives provided updates on their new Rochester location, listed as “Coming soon” on their website.
- Reddy Mikhil: Co-owner of Aha Biryanis in Canton, celebrating the soft opening of their second location the day after the event.
- Our Town America: Representative Curtis Crawford discussed services including business solutions and direct mail marketing for new concepts.
- Auris: Formerly Heartland, a major partner for What Now, offering payroll services and tax credits.
Event Details
- Time: 3–5 p.m., with extended hours for networking and enjoying samples from Detroit Shipping Company’s restaurants.
- Host: Mariah Medley, Director of Events, facilitated introductions and discussions among attendees.
- Special Thanks: Julie Sailus for hosting the event at Detroit Shipping Company.
About Detroit Shipping Company
The Detroit Shipping Company is a food hall featuring six individually operated restaurants, each offering a unique take on classic street foods from around the world. The venue also includes a beer garden with a rotating draft beer selection and over 40 canned craft beers, as well as multiple event spaces hosting live music, comedy shows, and more.
About What Now Media Group
What Now Media Group is a platform dedicated to providing news and insights on food, retail, real estate, and events across the United States, with a focus on Detroit’s dynamic hospitality industry.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What was the purpose of the Accelerate event held at Detroit Shipping Company?
The Accelerate event aimed to foster networking among restaurateurs and industry professionals and introduce services tailored for the hospitality industry.
Who were some of the notable attendees at the event?
Notable attendees included Genevieve Vang, owner and chef of Sushi Lounge; Juma and Esmeralda Ekic, owners of Balkan House; Nate Wegryn, chef for the upcoming JD’s Bistro in Chelsea; Diego Adrian Tula, owner of La Patagonia in Ferndale; Taryn Boggon, owner of Dreamy Eats; representatives from MK Cannelle; Reddy Mikhil, co-owner of Aha Biryanis in Canton; Our Town America representative Curtis Crawford; and Auris representatives.
What is the Detroit Shipping Company?
The Detroit Shipping Company is a food hall featuring six individually operated restaurants, a beer garden with a rotating selection of craft beers, and multiple event spaces hosting live music, comedy shows, and more.
Who is What Now Media Group?
What Now Media Group is a platform dedicated to providing news and insights on food, retail, real estate, and events across the United States, with a focus on Detroit’s dynamic hospitality industry.
Key Features of the Accelerate Event
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Networking Opportunities | Attendees connected with peers and industry partners, sharing insights and experiences. |
| Service Presentations | What Now Media Group showcased its offerings designed to support and enhance restaurant operations. |
| Venue Experience | The Detroit Shipping Company provided an ideal setting with its diverse culinary options and vibrant atmosphere. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Detroit Event Highlights Culinary Competitiveness
Author: STAFF HERE DETROITMI WRITER
DETROIT STAFF WRITER The DETROIT STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREDetroitMI.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Detroit, Wayne County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Movement Electronic Music Festival, Detroit Grand Prix, and America's Thanksgiving Parade. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Detroit Regional Chamber and Focus HOPE, plus leading businesses in automotive and healthcare that power the local economy such as General Motors, Ford Motor Company, and Henry Ford Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREGrandRapids.com, HERENorthville.com, HERENovi.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
