New Coffee Shop Brings Life to Detroit’s Historic Michigan Central Station
A sweet new chapter in Detroit’s story of revitalization has begun. Yellow Light Coffee + Donuts officially opened its doors last Friday inside the iconic Michigan Central Station, becoming the first food and beverage tenant in the newly restored landmark. This momentous occasion marks a key step in the station’s transformation into a vibrant community hub.
In lieu of a traditional ribbon-cutting ceremony, Yellow Light celebrated its grand opening in true creative fashion — with Detroit community leaders and the restaurant’s ownership slicing through a string of doughnuts. The event was a delicious symbol of the spirit and innovation driving Detroit’s resurgence.
Located on the first floor of the historic former train station, Yellow Light Coffee + Donuts blends modern aesthetics with the timeless charm of the building’s architecture. The shop offers its signature handcrafted doughnuts, house-roasted coffee, and hearty biscuit sandwiches. With its cozy yet contemporary ambiance, the café is already proving to be a welcome spot for locals and visitors alike.
This new location marks the second Detroit outpost for Yellow Light, operated by InLaws Hospitality, the team behind beloved city staples like Blitzen’s on Bagley and Green Dot Stables. Its flagship location, established in Detroit’s Jefferson-Chalmers neighborhood, has earned a reputation for its exceptional offerings and strong community ties.
The opening of Yellow Light also signifies a major milestone for Michigan Central Station, a historic structure that sat vacant for decades after closing its doors in 1988. The station is now at the heart of Ford Motor Company’s redevelopment plans to transform the surrounding Corktown neighborhood into a global hub for mobility and innovation.
Beyond Yellow Light, the station’s redevelopment is attracting other creative ventures. In November 2024, Detroit café Folk announced its plans to open a retail space inside the station named Neighbor X Folk. Together, these enterprises are part of a broader vision to reimagine Michigan Central as a vibrant gathering place for Detroiters and visitors.
The buzz surrounding Yellow Light Coffee + Donuts exemplifies the deep connection between Detroit’s history and its forward-looking aspirations. As the city continues its journey toward renewal, establishments like Yellow Light shine a bright — and delicious — light on what’s to come.
