Short Summary

Hi, I’m Derek English, the founder of Faust Haus Roasting Co., a Black-owned coffee roaster based in Detroit. I started this company with a passion for coffee, community, and celebrating the rich traditions of Ethiopia, and the African perspective on coffee. While we are excited and proud of the community, and commradery we have built over the years in the sheds. Our new café and roastery at Orleans Street in Detroit’s Historic Eastern Market is an exciting next step for us, and we need your support to make it a reality.

This project is more than just a new location—it’s about creating a space for our community, offering unique coffees, and supporting local small businesses. But our impact doesn’t stop in Detroit. We are deeply committed to giving back to the regions where our coffee comes from, supporting organizations like PACE (Kenya), Leja Bulela (Congo), and Waljaalladhaa (Ethiopia) that work to uplift communities on the continent. By contributing, you’ll help us expand our impact locally and globally, create jobs, and bring a fresh, sustainable approach to Detroit’s coffee scene. Join us in making a difference!

What We Need: We’re seeking $50,000 to help fund the next chapter of Faust Haus Roasting Co., which includes opening our new roastery and café at Orleans Street in Detroit’s Historic Eastern Market. This will allow us to continue serving high-quality, ethically sourced coffee to our community and grow our business. Here's how the funds will be allocated:

$20,000 for construction and build-out: This will cover the costs of making the space functional for both our café and roastery, including plumbing, electrical, and mechanical work.

$12,500 for equipment: This will cover the purchase of a commercial coffee roaster, brewing equipment, and essential café tools.

$7,500 for staffing and training: We plan to hire locally and invest in training for our new staff to ensure a smooth opening and exceptional customer experience.

$5,000 for marketing and promotions: To ensure the success of our launch, we’ll need to spread the word through digital marketing, local events, and signage.

$5,000 for initial inventory and supplies: This includes sourcing the coffee beans, pastries, and other ingredients that we’ll use to serve our customers.

What You Get: In exchange for your support, we’ve crafted a set of unique rewards that reflect our gratitude. From thank-you notes and exclusive merchandise to a permanent tribute on the walls of the new location, there’s something for everyone:

• $50 - Supporter:
  • A handwritten thank-you note and digital thank-you card with renderings of the new space.
• $100 - Friend of Faust Haus:
  • All of the above
  •  A limited edition sticker featuring the Faust Haus Roasting Co. Orleans Foundation logo and early access to updates.
• $250 - Coffee Enthusiast:
  • All of the above
  •  A 12oz bag of our signature coffee and exclusive digital newsletter on our behind the scenes progress as we build the Roastery.
• $500 - Community Builder:
  • All of the above
  • An invitation to an exclusive pre-opening event, plus a limited-edition branded mug.
• $750 - Patron of the Project:
  • All of the above
  • A custom coffee blend named in your honor and delivered to your address.
• $1,000 - Founder:​
  • All of the above
  • A VIP invitation to the grand opening with an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the roastery and café.
  • Your name painted on the interior wall of the café, VIP access to the grand opening, and a year’s supply of coffee (12 12oz bags of premium Faust Haus Roasting Co. coffees).

What Happens if We Don’t Reach Our Goal: With Indiegogo’s flexible funding, we’ll still receive the funds raised, even if we don’t reach our entire goal. However, if we don’t hit the full $50,000 target, we’ll adjust our plans to prioritize the most critical aspects of the project—such as construction and equipment—so we can open our doors and start serving you as soon as possible. Any funds raised beyond our goal will be used to enhance the space and further expand our community initiatives.

The Impact

Your support will help us build more than just a café—it will create a community hub that brings people together, celebrates coffee culture, and provides meaningful job opportunities in Detroit. Faust Haus Roasting Co. is committed to offering high-quality, ethically sourced coffee while fostering a space where people can connect, recharge, and experience the rich traditions of Ethiopia and the African Diaspora.

By backing this campaign, you’re not just contributing to the growth of a business—you’re investing in the revitalization of Detroit, in supporting local small businesses, and in the positive social impact we aim to create. A portion of every dollar raised will be donated to organizations like PACE, Leja Bulela, and Waljaalladhaa, which work to uplift communities in the regions where our coffee is grown.

We’ve already built a strong foundation through our pop-up at the Eastern Market and by establishing meaningful relationships within the community. Now, we’re ready to take the next step with your help. Faust Haus Roasting Co. is about more than just great coffee—it’s about making a lasting impact, one cup at a time.

By contributing to this campaign, you’re helping us open our doors and expand our reach, enabling us to serve the community and spread our message of quality, sustainability, and social responsibility. Together, we’ll create a space that honors tradition, fosters opportunity, and makes a difference for years to come.

Risks & Challenges

Like any ambitious project, we face challenges along the way. The most significant hurdles for us will be managing construction timelines and securing the necessary permits for our new roastery and café. The construction process is complex and can sometimes face delays, whether due to contractor schedules, supply chain issues, or unexpected site conditions. Permitting, especially in a historic district like Detroit’s Eastern Market, can also be time-consuming and require additional steps to ensure compliance with local regulations.

While these are real challenges, we are well-equipped to overcome them. As a team, we bring a combination of problem-solving skills and experience managing projects in the automotive and small business sectors. I’ve personally navigated tight timelines and complex requirements in past projects, and we have strong partnerships with contractors and the local community who understand the unique aspects of Detroit’s development landscape.

To address these challenges, we’ve already taken key steps. We’ve established relationships with trusted contractors and suppliers, ensuring that we’re ready to move quickly once permits are secured. We’re also in close communication with the City of Detroit’s permitting office to stay ahead of any potential roadblocks. Our goal is to be fully prepared, adaptable, and proactive, so we can keep the project moving forward smoothly.

While we may face some setbacks along the way, we are committed to staying transparent with our backers and adjusting our approach as needed. The end result will be a beautiful new space where we can continue to serve the community, create jobs, and build a lasting impact.

Other Ways You Can Help

We know not everyone can contribute financially, but that doesn’t mean you can’t be part of this journey! Here’s how you can help:

Spread the Word: Share our campaign with your friends, family, and social networks. The more people who know about our project, the more impact we can make together.

Use the Share Tools: Indiegogo makes it easy to share our campaign on social media, via email, or even through messaging apps. Every share helps us reach new backers!

Engage with Us: Follow us on social media @fausthausrc (IG), like, comment, and share our posts. Your engagement brings us closer to our goal and lets others know why you believe in what we’re doing.

Every bit of support counts, whether it's a donation or helping us get the word out. We appreciate you being part of our community!