Gather for coffee

For owner Emily Steffen, the Gathering Coffee Co. has been years in the making. With plans to open late this summer Steffen hopes its much more than just a coffee shop, she wants it to be a place for the community and one where they can craft change for the area. Located inside the Eightfold Collective space – 2831 E Grand Blvd., Detroit – there will be a pretty traditional drinks menu, think everything from lattes to cappuccinos, but they’ll also have additional syrups like chocolate, caramel, and a whiskey simple syrup to add some punch. They are working with multiple local partners, including the anticipated bakery and restaurant, Poppies, and coffee roaster, Populace Coffee. One of the most interesting elements is a pay-what-you-can menu that will offer three drinks sold at-cost, including hot chocolate and tea. “To me, if we’re truly a community shop we have to be able to accommodate to everyone within our neighborhood,” she said. Expect a lot of black and white photography on the walls – the 2,500-square-foot space will include a community darkroom – and a mural by Detroit-based artist Gisela McDaniel. ­Metro Intelligencer is a monthly column devoted to news stories, tidbits and gossip items about what's happening on the restaurant scene in the metro Detroit area. Metro Intelligencer is reported/created each month by Dana Casadei who can be reached at DanaCasadei@DowntownPublications.com with news items or tips, on or off the record.