Baru has opened in the heart of Paradise Valley, adding Latin and Caribbean flavors to one of Detroit’s most historic neighborhoods. The restaurant is co-owned by Melissa Thrower, a Puerto Rican and Caribbean Latina from Miami, and business partner Andre Blair. It features a menu led by former Adachi head chef Lloyd Roberts and a basement speakeasy called Por, programmed for live entertainment and burlesque shows.
Its arrival comes during a period of continued investment in Paradise Valley, joining Fixin’s, Enomah, Vinyl, the updated park, and the expanded outdoor lounge at La Casa Cigars & Lounge. Together, these businesses are shaping the district’s revitalization while maintaining its cultural significance.
The grand opening included a ribbon-cutting ceremony, live music, and signature dishes from Baru’s menu. Guests moved between the dining room and the speakeasy, sampling plates that were as vibrant as the décor — chicken tacos layered with perfectly seasoned meat, fresh toppings and citrus, sliders that disappeared from trays as soon as they were set down, and signature cocktails that balanced tropical flavor with Detroit flair. From the color palette on the walls to the pulse of the music, Baru delivered a space that felt both upscale and welcoming, the kind of place where people could linger for hours.
Reverend Wendell Anthony opened the event with a blessing. “This is an exciting, blessed occasion. Welcome to the Isla de Baru. Baru means new, fresh, never happened before. And that’s what they have done. That’s what Andre and Melissa and all the way down — that’s what they have done. When you think about it and you look at its history, it’s very significant. I certainly like the name that you chose, because it has historic context. Baru is an island off Cartagena near Colombia. It was also a place where there was a fort in which our ancestors were enslaved as they made their way to the Americas. And so this new facility in Paradise Valley is exemplary of the paradise that we’re going to experience — eating, drinking, fellowshipping, and socializing and taking in the beauty of our city of Detroit. We salute you and thank you for what you’re doing, and I want to personally thank the Throwers, who are still throwing touchdowns in the city of Detroit.”
Paradise Valley’s revival is more than a real estate story. It’s about restoring an economic and cultural hub that was once home to Black-owned businesses, entertainment venues, and gathering spaces before urban renewal policies in the 1960s displaced much of the community. The name still carries weight across Detroit, and in recent years, a wave of new investment has been driven by Black and Brown entrepreneurs determined to see it thrive again. Restaurants, music venues, and retail spaces are bringing foot traffic back, and with it, the recognition that Paradise Valley deserves as a thriving business district.
Deputy Mayor Melia Howard spoke about what the opening means for the city. “I am so excited for Melissa and Andre. This is a special, special day. We get to partake in not just the restaurant… ooh, I’m not even going to give away the secrets. I’m going to let y’all tour this building. So I had the pleasure two weeks ago of being able to come through here, to tour the building, and to see all the possibility and the greatness of this space. And through Melissa and Andre’s innovation, dedication, and service, we are able to now be able to come into Baru and enjoy ourselves.”
Wayne County Treasurer Eric Sabree tied Baru’s opening to the Thrower family’s long-standing business legacy. “I want to congratulate Melissa and her husband Jamar. This is a brand new business, and as Deputy Mayor Howard said, we need to support this business. But we are talking about people who are not new to business. They are continuing a legacy of excellent restaurant operations taught by Jamar’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. Thrower, and his siblings, Joanie and Marissa Thrower. They have been doing this for a long time. This is a continuation of that legacy, taking it to another level. This is bringing jobs and taxes to the city and the county. So I want to congratulate you. God bless you.”
When Thrower addressed the crowd, she made clear that Baru is more than a business venture. “It means so much to stand here today. Not just as the owner of a restaurant in the heart of Paradise Valley, but as a proud Puerto Rican, Latina woman stepping into a space where so many dreams have been built and mine is about to become a reality. To be welcomed to a historic and growing part of Detroit is an incredible honor. This moment is more than opening a restaurant. It’s a result of many years of hard work, sacrifice, perseverance. I wasn’t born in the restaurant world. I didn’t go to culinary school. I was born in the Bronx. I was raised in Miami and wore many hats for many years. I worked closely alongside my wonderful husband, learning the ins and outs of running a business, managing people, building a team, and keeping a place alive and thriving. But I wanted something of my own — to create something with my culture, my values, my vision, to create a lane for others just like me.
“It took a long time to get there and I didn’t know if I would have made it without God’s grace and favor shining on me, and I’m forever grateful. Nothing about opening a restaurant is easy. We find that out the hard way. Every detail, every setback, every delay taught us something about perseverance, patience, faith. I wanted to make sure that this restaurant was here to serve more than just food. It was here to serve the community. To bring jobs, culture, and pride in the neighborhood. It’s a celebration of Latin and Caribbean heritage, a declaration that women of color belong in positions of leadership, creativity, ownership. To every woman who dreams of starting her own thing, her own place, her being a wonderful entrepreneur — I was you. You don’t have all the answers right away. Just stay focused, keep your eyes on God, work hard, and never stop believing in that dream.
“I want to thank the city of Detroit, the mayor, the deputy mayor, city council, Wayne County, Dennis Archer Jr. and the Summit Commercial Group, Bia, Jerome, Ben. I want to thank Reverend Wendell Anthony for the blessing. I want to thank my parents, my aunt, my uncle, cousin, friends that have flown in from many miles — I thank you for being here with me. I want to thank my beautiful sons, my absolutely amazing husband, my amazing staff — thank you so much. I do appreciate each and every one of you. Welcome to something that is built with love, patience, and purpose. Welcome to Baru.”
Guests stayed late, moving between conversations, food, and the music that carried through both floors. The main dining room’s vibrant colors and textures reflected the cultures represented in the menu, while downstairs, Por hinted at the intimate shows to come. Baru’s opening felt like a natural fit for Paradise Valley’s next chapter — a space rooted in heritage, owned and led by people of color, and part of a broader push to ensure this neighborhood’s economic future reflects the diversity and creativity that built it.
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