March 5, 2020 | Cameron Sanders

Yum Village located on Woodward in the New Center area has made a name for itself as one of Detroit’s best up-and-coming restaurants with its Afro-Caribbean cuisine. Owner Godwin Ihentuge spoke with Christy McDonald about the cultivation of Yum Village and future plans for the restaurant.

Ihentuge says that Yum village began as a series of popups with the intention of providing a shared kitchen space for up-and-coming chefs, who needed help to overcome barriers of owning their own spaces. The popups then evolved into a food truck and most recently, the addition of a brick-and-mortar location.

Yum Village still acts as an incubator for new restaurants and food concepts every 3-6 months, providing information on managing finances and marketing. Ihentuge says that they are many challenges facing up-and-coming restaurateurs of color when it comes to sustainability, and that’s why it is important to have steps and programs in place to help people acknowledge these realities.

Yum Village also hosts cooking workshops twice a month as well as various arts and entertainment events.

Ihentuge says that he is excited to continue to spread the Afro-Caribbean influence in Detroit and is planning on expanding his hours to introduce the breakfast he grew up eating as a kid.

Featured Image: Chef Godwin Ihentuge of Yum Village​