BIKES FOR RENT, NEW CAFES HOPE TO DRAW MORE PEOPLE TO THE RIVERFRONT

After the initial success of the Detroit Riverwalk last summer, the Riverfront Conservatory is continuing to make upgrades in hopes of drawing even more people to the river.

This year's upgrades include two new cafes and a bike rental shop. The Riverwalk Cafe will open at Rivard Plaza at Rivard st. and the riverfront, and at a second location in Richard Gabriel Park just east of the MacArthur Bridge heading to Belle Isle.

The cafe at Rivard Plaza should do well as the plaza has proven to be a popular spot along the riverfront. On the other hand, we haven't seen that many people make their way all the way down to Richard Gabriel Park. Maybe it's because it's further from downtown, or the fact that the Riverwalk is still under construction in some areas which presently do not allow for a fluid stroll, but nevertheless, we think a cafe would be hard pressed to succeed in that area. There was however a qualification made about the Riverwalk cafe east of Belle Isle. It might only be open on weekends and/or special occasions, and this is a good idea considering the present circumstances.

With regards to the cafe at Rivard Plaza, John Gallagher of the Detroit Free Press writes:

"The larger of the two will open at Rivard Plaza at Rivard and the riverfront. To be run by Diamond Hospitality of Detroit, the café will operate daily and feature specialty sandwiches linked to cuisine famous in Detroit, in Michigan at large and in Windsor.

Among the offerings: petite pasties, Hamtramck pierogi, Mexicantown quesadillas, Greektown spinach pie and chicken gyro, and Michigan dried cherry salads."
(John Gallagher, Detroit Free Press)

Adding amenities such as cafes and bike rentals will only add to the riverfront's allure. We hope that the Riverwalk continues to succeed as it is a great addition to downtown Detroit.
Detroit Army