DETROIT – A small business owner is trying to remain positive after a couple of people were seen on surveillance video vandalizing his coffee shop.
Jeffrey Lewis, II owns Morningside Café’ on E. Warren Avenue in Detroit. He arrived to his business to find windows smashed on Friday, December 27.
Morningside Café is among new businesses opening along the E. Warren corridor, in an area that’s seeing new development and a lot of positive momentum.
“This project was a passion project,” Lewis said. “You know, something that was needed for the area.”
The costly damage to the coffee shop has become an inconvenience for the small business.
“I arrived here Friday morning, getting ready to start the day, and the entire window was completely smashed and damaged,” Lewis explained.
Surveillance video shows two men walking back-and-forth in front of the coffee shop. One man is seen throwing a cinderblock at the windows several times. Lewis said he believes one of the alleged vandals is someone who has been inside Morningside Café, in the past, asking 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,” Lewis explained.
The incident has been reported to the Detroit Police Department. As the investigation continues, there has been a steady flow of regular customers and new visitors stopping by Morningside Café. People who heard about the crime have shown up to support small businesses.
“We definitely have received a lot of love,” Lewis said. “Can’t thank those individuals enough. I hope they all come in to Morningside Café and check us out if they haven’t yet. You know, one thing about us, we’ll keep pushing forward.”
Neighbors are urging people across the community to consider stopping by Morningside Café at 16369 E. Warren Avenue, Suire C, Detroit, MI 48224. Anyone interested in assisting Morningside Café with its window repairs can learn more here.