After years of growing a following by reviewing Black-owned businesses across the U.S., popular social media food influencer Starex Smith — better known to many as the Hungry Black Man — is opening a restaurant of his own in Detroit.
Located at 1428 Gratiot Ave. in Detroit’s Eastern Market area, Smith & Williams is holding a preview this weekend ahead of its grand opening on May 1.
The restaurant is named after Smith and his business partner Devante Williams and will feature a soul food-inspired menu. The duo also opened a Smith & Williams restaurant in Toledo.
Originally from Miami, Smith says he was drawn to Detroit’s culture during his travels.
“People in Miami always ask about the cold. I tell them the truth: Miami has the sun, but Detroit has the warmth,” Smith wrote on social media. “Not the kind you measure in degrees, the kind you feel when a city embraces you, feeds you back.”
Built in the early 1930s, the building is known for its elegant geometric Art Deco architecture and was the former home of the Antietam and Le Culture Cafe restaurants in recent years.
The Smith & Williams preview will take place from 5-10 p.m. Friday, noon-4 p.m. and 5-10 p.m. on Saturday, and noon-4 p.m. and 5-9 p.m. on Sunday. Reservations are encouraged by calling 567-970-9059.
