News Summary
Walter Pat’s Bakery Café, owned by Lauren Ellis, has won the Comerica Hatch Detroit Contest, receiving a $100,000 grand prize to build a storefront. Competing against ten semifinalists, their bakery will offer high-quality pastries and celebrate local flavors while enhancing the community. Three runner-up businesses also received grants in recognition of the program’s support for entrepreneurship in Detroit.
Detroit Celebrates Local Bakery’s Victory
Detroit’s Walter Pat’s Bakery Café, a small-batch bakery owned by Black entrepreneur Lauren Ellis, has won the 2025 Comerica Hatch Detroit Contest, securing a grand prize of $100,000 to establish a brick-and-mortar store. The competition was fierce, with over 21,000 votes cast by the public, ultimately leading to Ellis’ bakery being selected as the winner among four finalists.
Contest Details
The Comerica Hatch Detroit Contest, organized by TechTown, aims to support and empower neighborhood retail development in Detroit, Hamtramck, and Highland Park. This year, the contest saw ten semifinalists compete, culminating in live pitches made by the four finalists to a panel of judges and an audience at the Wayne State University Industry Innovation Center on June 11.
In addition to the grand prize, three runner-up businesses—Detroit Culture & Clay, Halie & Co, and Livy’s Sweet Rolls—each received a $10,000 grant, highlighting the contest’s commitment to fostering entrepreneurial spirit in the region.
About Walter Pat’s Bakery Café
Named after Ellis’s grandmother, who inspired her through the values of hard work and authenticity, Walter Pat’s Bakery Café focuses on creating high-quality viennoiseries such as croissants, Danish pastries, brioche, and specialty breads. The bakery prides itself on using seasonal produce sourced from Michigan, while also blending flavors from both the Midwest and the South to create unique combinations that respect traditional baked goods.
Ellis, who has over a decade of experience as a pastry chef in cities like New York, Chicago, and Sydney, plans to open Walter Pat’s Bakery Café in District 5 of Detroit, a significant area tied to her family’s history. The establishment will not only provide delicious baked goods but also serve as a vibrant addition to the local community.
Hatch Detroit’s Impact
Since its inception in 2012, Comerica Bank has invested around $1.3 million into Hatch Detroit, which has supported the launch of numerous neighborhood businesses. Previous winners of the contest include notable enterprises like Sister Pie (2014) and Baobab Fare (2017), which have made significant contributions to the local economy.
TechTown Detroit plays a crucial role in supporting the Hatch Detroit initiative. Since 2007, TechTown has assisted over 6,090 companies, resulting in the creation of 2,277 jobs and the raising of over $406 million in capital. The support from Hatch Detroit is reflected in the 50 alumni businesses that have opened since the contest started, collectively employing more than 500 people and contributing over $10 million to economic development in the area.
Looking Ahead
With the funds from the Comerica Hatch Detroit Contest, Lauren Ellis is one step closer to realizing her dream of establishing Walter Pat’s Bakery Café in Detroit. The bakery not only honors her grandmother’s legacy but also represents the resilience and creativity of local entrepreneurs striving to enhance their communities. As Ellis prepares to open her bakery, the local economy stands to benefit from the fresh flavors and spirited atmosphere that Walter Pat’s Bakery Café will undoubtedly bring.
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Additional Resources
- PR Newswire: Walter Pat’s Bakery Café Wins Comerica Hatch Detroit Contest
- Crain’s Detroit: Walter Pat’s Bakery Café Wins Comerica Hatch Detroit Contest
- MITech News: Hatch Detroit Down to Top 4 Startups
- Wikipedia: Hatch Detroit
- Google Search: Walter Pat’s Bakery Café
