Detroit entrepreneur’s second Motor City Match win brings Asian-Caribbean soul fusion speakeasy to historical Paradise Valley

• Enomah 1895 brings fusion of Asian American and Caribbean soul cuisine to Paradise Valley’s Harmonie building, featuring blueberry lamb chops and hand-rolled sushi

• Detroit entrepreneur LaDonna Reynolds secures second Motor City Match grant, receiving $65,000 in Round 25 for the downtown venue after previous MCM award helped launch Good Times on the Ave

• New restaurant employs 15 Detroit residents and sources ingredients locally, offering weekend jazz performances, private dining for 46 guests and Sunday brunch

• Motor City Match has awarded $19.5M in cash grants; 85% of overall winners are minority-owned businesses, 70% are women-owned and 68% are owned by Detroit residents

MAY 5, 2025 (DETROIT) — The Detroit Economic Growth Corporation (DEGC) and the City of Detroit held an official ribbon cutting for Enomah 1895, a new restaurant lounge in the historic Paradise Valley district. The establishment represents the 183rd brick-and-mortar business launched through the Motor City Match program.

Created by entrepreneur LaDonna Reynolds, Enomah 1895 is a speakeasy-style destination that merges bold flavors, curated entertainment and a luxe downtown experience. The establishment features Asian-American and soul food fusion cuisine, offering dishes like blueberry lamb chops, jerk Chilean sea bass, hand-rolled sushi and craft cocktails.

Reynolds received a Motor City Match grant in 2019 for Good Times on the Ave on Detroit’s Avenue of Fashion. The entrepreneur said Paradise Valley’s historical significance as a center for Black business inspired her new venture.

The Downtown Development Authority approved $52.4 million in private investment in 2016 to redevelop nine properties around Beatrice Buck Park, aiming to increase minority business ownership in the area. In February, the Detroit Economic Growth Corporation released "Back to Paradise: Detroit’s Historic District Reborn," a seven-episode docuseries chronicling the district’s restoration.

“I really just wanted to bring what I started with Good Times on the Ave and carry that energy downtown to be a part of the revitalization and the New Detroit,” said Reynolds. “This opportunity in Paradise Valley was too good to pass up, and I knew I wouldn’t get this chance again."

The restaurant occupies a basement space in the Harmonie building, a centerpiece of downtown development efforts in Paradise Valley. Enomah 1895 offers live jazz and R&B on weekends, happy hour Thursdays and Fridays from 4-7 p.m., and Sunday brunch with a DJ. The venue includes private dining areas that accommodate up to 46 guests for events.

Reynolds received a $65,000 Motor City Match grant in Round 25 to purchase furniture and fixtures for Enomah 1895. She said Motor City Match provided essential support during key growth periods for both of her businesses.

“Dealing with Motor City Match was a good process. They walk you through everything, and everyone is down to earth, relatable and helpful,” she said. “When there’s a gap in funding, and there’s a resource like MCM, that’s just so helpful for a business owner.”

Reynolds has staffed Enomah with 15 Detroit-based employees, many living downtown and walking to work. She also partners with local and Michigan-based suppliers including Motor City Seafood, city-grown produce vendors, and state-crafted spirits like Valentine Vodka.

“What LaDonna is doing here matters. She’s creating Detroit jobs, supporting local suppliers and bringing fresh energy to Paradise Valley,” said Marshall Bullock, director of Government Affairs for the City of Detroit. “This restaurant is honoring the district’s legacy as a hub for Black entrepreneurship while bringing something bold and soulful to downtown Detroit.”

“LaDonna’s success illustrates what happens when Detroit entrepreneurs receive the right support. They start one business, grow, then create something even better,” added Sean Gray, vice president of Small Business Services at the DEGC, which manages the Motor City Match program. “We are proud to provide backing for her vision once again.”

Through 28 rounds of Motor City Match:    

• Total cash grants: $19.5 million (Total leveraged investment: $104.5 million)   

• 85 percent are minority-owned businesses   

• 70 percent are women-owned businesses   

• 68 percent are businesses owned by Detroit residents

About Motor City Match    

Motor City Match is a unique partnership between the City of Detroit, the Detroit Economic Growth Corporation (DEGC), the Economic Development Corporation of the City of Detroit (EDC) and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Competitive financial assistance is supported by a broad partnership of Southeast Michigan community development financial institutions and corporations including, Bank of America, Fifth Third Bank, Ford Foundation, Hudson Webber Foundation, JPMorgan Chase & Co., Knight Foundation, The Kresge Foundation, New Economy Initiative and the W.K. Kellogg Foundation. Motor City Match applications are available quarterly. More information is available at www.MotorCityMatch.com