Brothers, Detroit natives, and former NBA athletes, Joe Crawford and Jordan Crawford, have returned after achieving remarkable success in professional sports to open a family business in their hometown. The new business, CRED Cafe, which celebrated its grand opening earlier this month, is a unique bar-cafe blend inspired by their time living and traveling abroad.
The unique shop offers its customers a chance to enjoy some simple snacks and baked goods, as well as the ability to sip on some locally and sustainably sourced coffee throughout the day, but at night, is converted into a speakeasy-style bar accessible via a hidden door.
The Crawford brothers first approached their family about the idea after noticing the success of similar businesses in other cities around the world and noting the lack of similar spaces in Detroit, once winning over their confidence in the plan, began the process of turning the idea into a reality. Not much later, the family applied for one of Detroit’s Motor City Match small-business programs meant to support the launch of local small businesses and were awarded a grant for $60,000 to assist with costs associated with renovations and equipment.
CRED Cafe officially opened its doors with a grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony on December 6th of 2023, which included a significant amount of media attention and even included the Mayor of Detroit himself. Mike Duggan, as well as members of the Detroit Economic Growth Corp.
Sylvia Crawford, Joe and Jordan’s mother, the president and CEO of the new business, was quoted at the ceremony saying, “Our story is one of passion, commitment and a genuine desire to contribute to Detroit’s growth,” denoting that their family is committing to not only giving back to the Detroit community but also are hoping to take an active role in its continued development moving forward.
Location: 6340 E Jefferson Ave, Detroit, MI 48207