05/18/2026
One thing we've learned about neighborhood development is that giving communities what they actually ask for is much harder than people think.
Most developers are focused strictly on profitability, national tenants, and whatever concept feels safest on paper. But from the very beginning of developing The Ribbon, one of the loudest and most consistent requests from the community was clear: bring a real sit-down restaurant to the East Warren corridor.
Not a chain.
Not another liquor store.
Not another vacant storefront.
A real destination that people could gather around and feel proud of.
During COVID, we reached out to more than 200 restaurant operators trying to make that vision happen. We signed multiple leases over the years with operators who, for different reasons, were ultimately unable to bring their concepts to life. Most developers would’ve pivoted to the quickest, safest, and most profitable tenant possible long before reaching this point — but we stayed committed to delivering what the community actually asked for.
But this past Friday, we officially celebrated the ribbon cutting for Little Liberia at The Ribbon — now the first Liberian restaurant in the State of Michigan! 🇱🇷
Moments like this remind us that true community development requires patience, persistence, and a willingness to work from the ground level with the people who actually live in and shape these neighborhoods.
Big respect to Ameneh Marhaba and her team for having the vision, resilience, and determination to bring Little Liberia to life...
And super proud that Flux City was able to deliver EXACTLY what the community asked for!