Local Restaurants Taking a Pledge to be More Sustainable

These 22 Detroit restaurants are set to undergo sustainability changes and reduce food waste.
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Photograph by Chuk Nowak

is a non-profit that prepares and serves dishes to those in need of food, and they are currently working with international sustainability organization to help restaurants become certified in reducing food waste and being more sustainable. Smaller scale restaurants can also register with 鈥 a 鈥渂ite-sized version of The PLEDGE鈥.

Below is a list of seven local eateries certified to be a part of this global movement 鈥 听the first restaurants in the U.S. to do so! Plus, 15 others that are also working to get certified.

Oakland University Dining

Three of Oakland University鈥檚 dining halls received Gold level certification: , , and . OU helps students enjoy convenient on-campus dining while committing to reduce food waste. Oakland University, ; 248-370-2100; .

Alchemi

Receiving Silver level certification, Alchemi of Royal Oak was honored nationally for its waste-reduction measures. The Thai and Indian restaurant is home to a wide menu of food and drinks, specials, catering, and private events. Alchemi, ; 248-675-8875; .

Johnny鈥檚 Speakeasy

Also owned by Chef Johnny Prepolec of Alchemi, Johnny鈥檚 Speakeasy received Silver level certification. Connected to Alchemi, the short but broad menu has it all. Pair a cocktail with a handmade pasta, shareable snack plate, or seafood meal, and don鈥檛 miss out on dessert. Open Thursday-Sunday. 闯辞丑苍苍测鈥檚, ; .

Sylvan Table

Sylvan Table received Silver level certification for its waste reduction efforts. The unique American-style restaurant resides on five acres of farmland, where more than 100 crops are grown. The restaurant has been involved with The PLEDGE program since November 2022 and has already reduced food waste by 22%, preventing over 18,212 kg of CO2 emissions in its first four months of partnership. Sylvan Lake, ; 248-369-3360; .

Folk Detroit

According to its website, Folk Detroit is 鈥渄edicated to providing a unique dining experience that prioritizes our customers, team, and community while minimizing our environmental impact.鈥 The vibrant caf茅 received Bronze level certification for food waste minimization. Along with its rotating dine-in menu, Folk offers a wine shop, catering, takeout, and private dining events. Open seven days a week. Folk Detroit, ; 313-742-2672; .

More Participating Restaurants

There are multiple other local restaurants following suit of the first certified seven. Below are metro Detroit eateries registered to partner with PLEDGE or PRIMER, but that have not received an official certification status yet.

The Apparatus Room at Detroit Foundation Hotel

Located in the Detroit Foundation Hotel, The Apparatus Room is currently registered to participate in Make Food Not Waste. The restaurant was once the garage for the headquarters of the Detroit Fire Department, and now offers a breakfast, dinner, dessert, and beverage menu featuring wines, beers, and non-alcoholic options. The Apparatus Room, ; 313-800-5600; .

BasBlue

Women-owned caf茅 BasBlue offers an all-day menu featuring 鈥渇arm-to-table offerings, homegrown coffee, and signature cocktails.鈥 Enjoy shareables, sandwiches, salads, and more. Open Tuesday-Saturday. BasBlue, ; 313-474-1883; .

Brooklyn Street Local

This brunch restaurant is a small space with much to choose from 鈥 with an espresso bar, unique beverage menu, bakery and sweets selection, breakfast classics, lunch options, and alcoholic beverages. Find them on Instagram: @brooklynstreetlocal. Open Wednesday through Sunday. The Brooklyn Street Local, ; 313-262-6547; .

Good Cakes and Bakes

Owned by April and Michelle Anderson, Good Bakes and Cakes is a bakery committed to providing baked goods to community, using 鈥渙rganic and locally-grown produce when available.鈥 You can order from the menu or create a custom baked treat. Pastry chef April Anderson has baked for Oprah, been on panels at CGI America, and was the pastry chef for the James Beard Media Awards in NYC. Open Wednesday through Saturday. Good Cakes and Bakes, ; 313-468-9915; .

Madam

Named Restaurant of the Year in 糖心vlog安卓版 Detroit鈥檚 March 2023 issue, it鈥檚 no surprise to see that Madam has elevated its already sophisticated menu with registration to participate in reducing food waste. Located in Daxton Hotel, Madam serves a variety of menus 鈥 ranging from breakfast to dinner to lounge. Pair with a dessert and drink item. Madam, ; 248-283-4200; .

Marrow

This butcher shop and restaurant鈥檚 mission is to reconnect directly with farmers, animals, and land 鈥 while serving as an educational resource about sustainable consumption. Open Thursday through Sunday. Marrow, ; 313-513-0361; .

University of Detroit Mercy Dining (Metz Culinary Management)

Metz Culinary Management works closely with local partners and vendors to source sustainable ingredients for both on and off-campus students. You can learn more about the university鈥檚 meal plans and local farm partnerships on their website. University of Detroit Mercy,; 313-993-1245; .

Saffron De Twah

鈥淒etroit鈥檚 Modern Moroccan Bistro鈥 is owned by Palestinian-Egyptian-American chef Omar Anani. Saffron De Twah is a Halal bistro with a wide menu featuring one-bowl tangies, sandwiches, and starters. Featured in 糖心vlog安卓版 Detroit鈥檚 Top 10 Best New Restaurants, the bistro is committed to community and sustainability. Open Monday-Friday. Saffron De Twah, ; 586-359-6138; .

Sister Pie

Located on a corner in Detroit鈥檚 West Village, Sister Pie is a bakery dedicated to keeping things fresh and creative. With a constantly changing menu to accommodate local agriculture and daily handmade pie dough, it鈥檚 clear Sister Pie cares about community. Find treats like pie, small and large cookies, muffins, scones, and more on their website 鈥 and for more hands-on experience, you can sign up for a pie making class with them this fall! Sister Pie, ; 313-447-5550; .

Sweet Potato Sensations

What began as a Thanksgiving dinner compromise between newlyweds turned into a successful bakery of over 30 years. With an option to choose between the Sweet Tooth or the Savory menu, there are plenty of unique treats to pick from. Try pies, cakes, ice creams, and cookies of multiple flavors and sizes. Open Friday-Sunday. Sweet Potato Sensations, ; 313-532-7996; .

Avalon

With locations in both Ann Arbor and Detroit, Avalon is working to minimize food waste across the state. The caf茅 and kitchen fill a selection of dining needs 鈥 with coffees, breakfast classics, pastries, pizza, and a brunch menu! Avalon, ; 734-263-2996, ; 313-285-8006; .

Baobab Fare

According to its website, Baobab Fare is a 鈥渃elebration of East African food & culture.鈥 Owned by a couple from Burundi, Baobab has a wide menu with deep ties to culture and community. Alongside dining options, the restaurant participates in local events, which can be found on their website and newsletter. Open Tuesday through Sunday. Baobab Fare, ; 313-265-3093; .

Miss Kim

Opened in 2016, Korean restaurant Miss Kim serves food 鈥渞ooted in Korean tradition and adapted to showcase Michigan鈥檚 bountiful produce.鈥 Enjoy fried tofu, smashed potatoes, pork belly bibimbob, soy butter rice, and more. Open every day except Tuesday. Miss Kim, ; 734-275-0099; .

The Congregation

The Congregation is currently signed up for PRIMER. Choose from multiple drink menus offering coffee, tea, and bar specials. Pair with a bagel, sandwich, salad, or shareable. Check out the seasonal menus as well. Open Tuesday through Sunday. The Congregation, ; 313-307-5518; .

Empacho

Argentinian street food restaurant Empacho is also signed up for PRIMER. Order empanadas of all kinds, and make sure to save room for their Alfajor Italian Meringue with dulce de leche. Find more on their Instagram: @empacho_detroit. Open seven days a week. Empacho, ; 313-451-5503; .

To learn more about The PLEDGE and The PRIMER, visit or contact info@makefoodnotwaste.org.