Livonia-based Cafe Au Lait is partnering with La Gelati to launch its second outlet at 22001 Michigan Avenue in West Dearborn. The new cafe, set to open on March 25, will offer coffees, sandwiches, and unique drinks alongside the existing gelato shop's menu. Co-owner Bashar Hallak shared details on the expansion plans.
Cafe Au Lait, founded by brothers Bashar Hallak and Abbas Hallak, aims to introduce French-inspired coffee to the region. The flagship location opened in Livonia last August at 34782 Plymouth Road, featuring items like coffees, breakfast sandwiches, and desserts. Popular offerings include the smoked salmon bagel, topped with onion and chive cream cheese, smoked salmon, fresh tomato, and capers, as well as ice espressos, lattes, refreshers, and smoothies.
The new site inside La Gelati at 22001 Michigan Avenue marks the chain's second venture. This downtown West Dearborn spot, across from Qahwah House, already hosts restaurants such as Paradise Street Eats & Biryani, The Great Commoner, and Modern Greek and Salad Bar. La Gelati currently serves gelato, ice cream, crepes, and smoothies. Construction at the location is nearing completion.
Bashar Hallak told What Now Detroit that the opening is scheduled for March 25. "We will have some good unique drinks," he said. The cafe's Instagram describes it as "A taste of Paris – crafted with love." Hallak added that there are no immediate expansion plans beyond this, though future growth is possible.
What Now Detroit has contacted La Gelati's owners for comment but has not yet received a response. The partnership adds coffee and sandwich options to the gelato shop's existing selections.