Voting Deadline For Hatch Detroit Semi-Finalists Nears
By Edward Cardenas
DETROIT (CBS Detroit) - A new take on Polish food, a music retail store and a men's clothier are a sampling of some of the 10 semi-business concepts competing for votes in the final hours of the 2014 Comerica Hatch Detroit Contest presented by the Detroit Lions.
Voters have until 11:59 p.m. Thursday to visit the Hatch Detroit website and select which of the businesses will move onto the finals and compete in the finals for a $50,000 grand prize.
The businesses vying to be one of the four finalists through a public vote, with links to short video profiles, are:
- Algeria Pops will make paletas (Mexican ice pops) incorporating fresh, whole fruits and a variety of other authentic Mexican ingredients such as Chili and tamarind.
- Bumbo's aims to be a true working class neighborhood bar with a fenced-in, cozy back patio area featuring healthy yet delicious dining options.
- Cockadoodle is a full-service breakfast and lunch concept planned for the Avenue of Fashion that embodies the values of farm-freshness, genuine hospitality, quality standards and community honor.
- Gabriel Hall plans to be a live entertainment bar & restaurant which celebrates the rich New Orleans-Detroit musical history and connection featuring an authentic Cajun menu and signature drinks.
- McClary Bros. Outpost aims to be a tasting room/soda shoppe/bottling facility in Corktown serving fountain sodas made from drinking vinegars otherwise known as "Shrub Sodas."
- Rocco's Italian Deli hopes by offering high quality meats, cheeses, vegetables and herbs to add to Midtown's food options and bolster its ethnic diversity by delivering a product and experience that is unique and affordable
- Sister Pie plans to celebrate the seasons through pie and will use seasonal, locally-sourced ingredients to create sweet and savory food, including pies, cookies, breads and breakfast pastries.
- Third Wave Music is an instrument retail store concept that plans to sell new and used instruments, provide lessons and operate a repair facility, and aims to become a necessary place for Detroit musicians.
- Uncle Bug's Organic Creamery intends to be an ice cream manufacturing company with a retail scoop shop and wholesale distribution business offering a sustainably delicious ice cream that closes the gap in Detroit's demand for artisanal ice cream.
- 1701 Bespoke is a group of clothiers dedicated to providing designer custom clothes, such as suits, shirts and overcoats, crafted from hundreds of fabrics for men who value fit and style.
"In terms of locations, in terms of the owners, in terms of the plans, it's our most diverse, representative selection of all the great ideas in Detroit and all the neighborhoods in Detroit," said Nick Gorga, founder of Hatch Detroit, which is in the midst of its fourth competition.
The winning business pitch will receive a $50,000 grant courtesy of Comerica Bank and legal, marketing, accounting and IT support from Hatch Detroit.
The top four finalists will be announced Friday.
