DDN – A small business owner is attempting to stay optimistic after a handful of people were caught on surveillance footage vandalizing his coffee shop.
Jeffrey Lewis, II runs Morningside Café on E. Warren Avenue in Detroit. On Friday, December 27, he arrived at his shop to discover its windows damaged.
Morningside Café is one of several new companies to open in the E. Warren corridor, which is experiencing new growth and strong energy. “This project was a passion project,” Lewis explained. “You know, something that was needed for the area.”
The pricey damage to the coffee shop has caused an inconvenience for the tiny business.
“I arrived here Friday morning, getting ready to start the day, and the entire window was completely smashed and damaged,” Lewis told me.
Surveillance video captures two males strolling back and forth in front of the coffee shop. One man is seen hurling a cinderblock at the windows multiple times. Lewis believes one of the alleged vandals had previously visited Morningside Café and asked for help.
“For someone who’s actually been through our doors and come to find out its actually someone who I recognize and actually had the time to communicate with, it’s heartbreaking,” says Lewis.
The incident was reported to the Detroit Police Department. As the investigation proceeds, Morningside Café has seen a constant flow of regular customers as well as new visitors. People who heard about the crime have turned out to support local businesses.
“We have definitely received a lot of love,” Lewis stated. “I can’t thank those people enough. I hope they all come into Morningside Café and check us out if they haven’t already. You know one thing about us: we’ll keep moving forward.”
Neighbors are encouraging visitors in the community to visit Morningside Café at 16369 E. Warren Avenue, Suire C, Detroit, MI 48224.
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