By Jeffrey Buck

It’s happening this Friday, October 21 in a building that’s been sealed off from the general public for years. The Next Big Thing presented by Model D is a celebration of what’s next for Detroit, and will take place in the magnificent David Whitney Building overlooking Grand Circus Park.

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This incredible event plans to “bring together the very best of local art, music, food, culture and entrepreneurship for a tribute to the creative spirit alive and well (nay, bursting at the seams) in our city.” It will also showcase the musical talents of DJ crews from Future Jazz Kartel (David Armin-Parcells and Mark Szymanski) and Happy Endings, featuring Mike Trombley of Macho City.

The votes are in and the top four finalists for Hatch Detroit have been announced. Stage 4 of the competition will commence at the Next Big Thing with the “Hatch-Off.”

“The ultimate challenge of this whole process is the Hatch-Off. The four finalists will get in front of a panel of national and local judges for a five-minute pitch presentation followed by a Q & A session with the panel and the audience. Think Shark Tank with a Detroit twist to it.

“We’ll do it live at one of the D’s most vibrant hot spots. Live audience…live streaming on the web for the world to see…the public will vote one more time, and one winner will emerge to live their dream!”

The lucky four are:

Alley Wine

Twitter: @alleywine    Facebook: AlleyWine

While biking, walking, jogging or driving down Second Avenue in Detroit’s burgeoning Midtown neighborhood, take a quick detour through our alley and find yourself in one of the city’s most enchanting and unassuming destinations: Alley Wine!

Alley Wine is Detroit’s latest casual neighborhood watering hole, with the initial operating hours of 3:00pm to 12:00am, Thursday through Sunday. The bar will specialize in offering an affordable and rotating selection of wines from around the world, as well as a sampling of meat and cheese pairings. Occasional unplugged performances by local musicians (our liquor license permits a maximum of ―two entertainers at one time) will contribute to the venue’s relaxed ambiance, without impeding conversation or interfering with the educationally-oriented customerservice sought by those wishing to learn more about wine culture. In addition to our bar and food service, we also plan to supplement our revenue by retailing wine, beer, cheese, salami and other menu items.

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Hugh

Facebook: lovehughlongtime 

Inspired by the men’s magazines of the 50s and 60s, Hugh is a store that offers Detroiters a place to find cool stuff for sophisticated living.

With one foot firmly rooted in mid-century “Mad Men” style and the other firmly in the present, Hugh is a store that offers a contemporary take on classic bachelor pad style. Hugh sells all kinds of housewares – glassware, bar and smoking accessories, personal effects, books, furniture, lighting and cool home accessories – with a general masculine focus.  But despite its manly appeal, Hugh offers something for everyone.

If Hugh sounds familiar, it may be because of its far-reaching reputation as the first pop-up shop in the region. First in the Fall of 2009, then again in 2010 as a holiday season pop-up with a winter ski holiday bent. In the world of risky retail ventures in Detroit this model has already proven itself twice. The new and improved plan is to make Hugh a full-time shop!

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The Workroom

Twitter: @workroomD Facebook: WorkroomDetroit

Did you know that Detroit is becoming a hot bed of fashion, and desperately in need of a garment district dedicated to the support and encouragement of apparel businesses?  Well it’s true, and the WORKROOM is hoping to take the first step!

The goal of the WORKROOM is to establish a space that is more than just a retail space.  The concept would emphasize fashion and apparel from the sample/product development phase, all the way through to the retail storefront.  The WORKROOM could become a model for other independent design labels to use, as they improve upon the structure of their own businesses.  Development of these types of label facilities builds toward distribution, which then leads to a demand for production needs.  Those key factors create the district and push it to thrive.

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Woodbridge Gypsy Den & Tea Room

Twiiter: @WBGypsyDen    Facebook: WBGypsyDenTeaRoom

Are you looking for a natural, organic, vegan, local cafe that promotes culture and community?  TheWoodbridge Gypsy Den & Tea Room is your answer!

The Woodbridge Gypsy Den & Tea Room, nestled in the Detroit neighborhood of Woodbridge, will be for the people, by the people.  The Den will boast a sociable ambiance, viewed as an attraction to visitors & a sense of place by locals.  The café will offer simple dishes and sweets, teas & espresso, juice, smoothies, beer, wine & catering services.  The focus is all natural, organic, vegan, local.  Upon entering, you will be greeted with an eclectic collection of people as well as vintage furnishings acquired from local thrifts  & estate sales.  The Den renders culture, amity & a commitment to the slow food movement.  Come for a smoothie or juice after a run, a glass of wine & the world’s best vegan mac n’ cheese, or to watch a neighborhood friend play music in the Den.

Making your way to the back, you will see the Tea Room, situated behind a drapery entrance.  The Tea Room has an intimate, clandestine setting, ideal for a pot of tea with a friend, a quirky first date or some quiet time with a book.

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Tickets are available now. Go here to purchase them via PayPal. After the transaction is complete your name will be added to a guest list for the event.