Detroit, September 20, 2025
News Summary
Fixins Soul Kitchen in Detroit has partnered with Pensole Lewis College to design student-created uniforms for its employees. Each quarterly collection features designs inspired by local cultural icons, fostering a connection among Detroit’s diverse communities. This initiative not only enhances employee experience but also offers students hands-on opportunities in design, reflecting the intersection of gastronomy and fashion. The collaboration aims to invest in local talent while celebrating Detroit’s vibrant cultural landscape.
Detroit – Fixins Soul Kitchen, a downtown Detroit restaurant established by former NBA All-Star Kevin Johnson, has partnered with Pensole Lewis College of Business and Design (PLC) to create student-designed uniforms for its employees. This collaboration signifies a unique blend of culinary and creative arts, aimed at enhancing the working experience of Fixins staff while providing students with practical industry exposure.
The initiative will provide Fixins employees with new uniforms on a quarterly basis, each designed by a different student from PLC. The first set of uniforms, crafted by PLC student Jordan Dixon, pays homage to local music icon J Dilla and the distinct cultural identities of Detroit’s east and west sides. This design reflects Dixon’s vision of fostering unity between the two sides of the city, using the uniforms as a medium to narrate Detroit’s rich cultural tapestry.
Pensole Lewis College, the only Historically Black College and University (HBCU) solely dedicated to design, is highly regarded for its innovative approach to education, focusing on real-world applications. This partnership is in line with the college’s mission by providing students an opportunity to gain hands-on experience in branding and design, while also allowing them to explore the storytelling aspects of their craft.
The impact of this collaboration extends beyond just uniforms; it serves as part of Johnson’s broader commitment to invest in community talent and education. By offering students the chance to see their designs come to life in a professional environment, the partnership aims to bridge the gap between academic learning and practical application. Each employee will receive two shirts: one representing the east side of Detroit and the other representing the west side, further showcasing the city’s diversity.
This rotating design program will see a new student designer every three months, providing a platform for a multitude of voices and creative expressions. The project intends to transform workwear into dynamic canvases that narrate the evolving story of Detroit through seasonal designs. It is a celebration of the city’s creative energy and cultural significance, demonstrating how art and food can intersect harmoniously.
Beyond the practical benefits, this partnership also emphasizes the importance of community involvement and collaboration. By integrating local student talent into its operational ethos, Fixins Soul Kitchen not only enhances its brand identity but also roots itself more deeply within the community, making a serious investment in the future of Detroit’s creative landscape. The collaboration is being heralded as a model for how local businesses can work alongside educational institutions to foster growth and innovation, ensuring that the city’s vibrant culture continues to thrive.
The students at PLC are taking on a significant role in redefining the culinary space through fashion, an aspect often overlooked in the restaurant industry. This innovative approach might inspire similar partnerships across various local businesses, showcasing the talent residing within the community and promoting a sense of pride among residents.
The partnership between Fixins Soul Kitchen and Pensole Lewis College not only highlights the potential of student creativity but also aims to celebrate the city of Detroit as a hub of cultural and design excellence. It reinforces the idea that business and education can go hand in hand to create avenues for talents and narratives that are quintessentially Detroit.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Revitalization of Paradise Valley: A New Era for Black-Owned Businesses
Additional Resources
- Forbes: Fixins Soul Kitchen Expands
- Wikipedia: Food Service
- Detroit News: Paradise Valley Development
- Google Search: Community Engagement in Restaurants
- Eurweb: New Detroit Location
- Google Scholar: Culinary Arts and Education
- KCRA: Fixins Kitchen Expands to Tulsa
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Design Education
- DBusiness: Fixins Soup Kitchen Opens
- Google News: Fixins Soul Kitchen
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.
