10 Veteran-Owned Businesses to Support in Metro Detroit

Story by Alexa St. John

Meet 10 Metro Detroit veteran-run businesses making an impact

Detroit is a melting pot of many different communities, all of which contribute to the city’s deep culture. One of those communities is the veteran community. Not only is Michigan home to many of the nation’s veterans, over 30% of the state’s vets live in the metro Detroit region.

Here, we honor the service of veterans who continue to contribute to their communities and now own and operate a variety of unique businesses throughout the metro area, from restaurants, to retail, to bars and more.

Photo credit: Brayan Gutierrez

Pingree Detroit

Founded in 2015, Pingree Detroit produces unique goods such as bags, footwear, accessories, home goods and more right in the heart of the city. It opened its flagship shop in the District Detroit in late 2025.

Pingree, co-owned by Jarret Schlaff, Nathaniel Crawford II and other veterans from the community, prides itself on being a haven for meaningful work for those who were in service and others local to Detroit.

Pingree also has a mission for sustainability, diverting automotive leather from landfills and upcycling those materials for its products. It has also cut harmful chemicals from its processing and has a goal to reduce all waste from its supply chain by 2030.

The people who come into our shop, they are not just buying a bag, wallet, or pair of shoes I made. They are choosing to put their money into something local, something made right here by people who put service above self. The support we've received since 2015 has been incredible.
Nathaniel Crawford II Vice President of Footwear Operations, Air Force Veteran

Old Miami

The Old Miami is known to Detroiters as a popular live music venue that hosts many different local and traveling artists throughout the year.

The patio and outdoor space is a big attraction to Old Miami in the warmer months. But it’s no surprise from the decor inside the bar that it was opened by veteran Daniel Overstreet in 1980.

Guests of the Cass Corridor staple are greeted with a homey, cozy feel – and walls covered with military memorabilia and a “war veterans ambience,” visitors say.

Veterans attend events for free at Old Miami.

Café Noir

Café Noir is run by Air Force veteran and entrepreneur Evan Fay, alongside his business partner Asher Van Sickle. It opened in 2024 in Detroit’s North End neighborhood.

Stop by the shop for a unique, French-inspired coffee selection and delightful pastries and desserts.

You’ll be sure to find a relaxed, community-focused environment and a curated selection of local goods.

Divine Grace and Lace Boutique

A native of Taylor, Michigan, Michelle Lynn always felt she had an entrepreneurial spirit. But she put that on hold to serve in the U.S. Marine Corps for four years.

Once Lynn was ready to make her next step, she opened a wedding and special events dress shop, Divine Grace and Lace Boutique, in North Carolina.

Lynn moved the boutique to Belleville in the fall 2025, and has since been running it with her sister, Kristina Morgan. Divine Grace and Lace Boutique offers a variety of bridal gowns, special attire for events such as prom, accessories and much more.

Roar Brewing Co.

Fay, of Café Noir, is also the mastermind behind Roar Brewing Co. Opened in early 2025, it is also the city’s first Black-owned brewery.

Fay has credited his interest in craft beer culture to his time in the military.

Visitors should try the brewery’s flagship Honey Oat Stout!

Motor City Barbell Club

Justin Tebedo opened the Motor City Barbell Club around ten years ago.

The former Marine’s gym offers group coaching, personal training, an open workout space and yoga.

An Olympic weightlifting training facility at its core, Motor City Barbell Club also has youth sports development programs.

Burrell’s C&C

This business started off as Burrell’s Catering in 2006, but expanded to include desserts and other tasty options in 2014. Bryant Burrell, a veteran and a chef, has long been inspired by food.

Today, customers of Burrell’s can custom-order unique cakes – everything from Neapolitan Cake to Turtle Cake and even Butterfinger Cake Cheesecake – or other delicious sweets including cupcakes, strudel and cobblers.

Burrell’s can also meet any of your catering needs: stuffed cajun baked salmon, smoked pulled pork and raspberry walnut spinach are just a few of the options to order on his website. He also operates a mobile food truck.

Barber Station Detroit

Walking distance from Eastern Market, Barber Station Detroit is Black-owned and veteran-owned.

Aries Rodgers and team opened the current shop in 2022, but it has long been a mainstay in the community.

The shop offers precision cuts, fades, beard sculpting, braiding and more.

Barber Station Detroit is sure to bring good vibes – and prides itself on being family-friendly, too.

Shores Meat Shoppe

If you’re in the market for fine steaks, housemade sausage or other high quality meats to cook, this butcher shop is a perfect place to stop.

Locals have known the family-run shop for decades. Now, veteran John Buffa and his family own the business. Expect to find fresh, hand cut meats, seasoned specialties and nothing pre-packaged.

Active members of the U.S. military and veterans receive a discount.

Great Shots Backyard Bar and Games

This bar offers a little bit of everything: a warehouse-meets-backyard style space, social leagues for cornhole – and tournaments – along with great drinks. Air Force veterans Brian Tremblay and James Alves opened Great Shots in 2022.

Come in for themed events such as Wildcard Wednesdays, Thirsty Thursdays and more.

Rent a lane, host a party, become a member – just know you’re sure to have a fun time at Great Shots.

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