Whatcha Wanna Eat is the first Black-owned food hall to open in Detroit | Eater Detroit

"Opened completely under the radar on Detroit’s westside, I found Whatcha Wanna Eat—said to be the first Black‑owned food hall in the city—revealed itself to massive crowds during its opening weekend in a single‑story space on McNichols. Founded by husband-and-wife duo Bobby and Gena Bailey, the couple converted a former rental hall (one property the Baileys had owned for about 25 years) into a nine‑vendor food hall that they paid to renovate largely out of pocket and financed using revenue from their nearby small businesses (Cafe 6, the Beauty Cafe, and Spud Headz). The hall features a variety of cuisines from vendors who pay a deposit plus $3,000 a month and are responsible for supplying extra equipment; most visitors learned of the opening via social media or word‑of‑mouth. Crowds and cramped, narrow stall layouts have produced long wait times and confusing lines, and parking is a challenge in the residential‑bordering business district, though the Baileys hope to add a small outdoor patio for seating. The organic buzz even attracted Detroit native TikTok reviewer Keith Lee and drew interest from local media and Mayor Mike Duggan’s office about a potential ribbon‑cutting, while neighbors and visitors have expressed gratitude for a more diverse dining option closer to the community. The hall is at 10625 West McNichols and is open 11 a.m.–9 p.m. Tue–Thu, 11 a.m.–10 p.m. Fri–Sat, and noon–6 p.m. Sun." - Serena Maria Daniels