By Kelli B. Kavanaugh
Detroit Development News

DETROIT — The sign in the window of the former Cookie Factory-slash-Flying Apron claims that Taste of Ethiopia is opening in that location “By Popular Demand!” That sounds like a bold claim to make but, after talking to owner Meskerem (Meskie) Gebreyohannes, it turns out to be one that is true.

It seems that customers at her Southfield restaurant have been begging her to open one in Detroit. “People requested and requested. I kept hearing ‘downtown, downtown, Detroit, Detroit,’ ” she says. “Demand is what brought us here.”

After scouting locations for almost a year, Gebreyohannes is preparing to open in June in her corner spot.

Taste of Ethiopia will serve food prepared at the Southfield location buffet-style Monday through Friday 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday brunch, served from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., will serve waffles and crepes alongside more Ethiopian fare such as bulghar.

Gebreyohannes is looking forward to joining the Eastern Market community. “I am very excited — and nervous too, since expectations are high,” she says. “Hopefully, we do good and we integrate well.”