Saginaw's Motown-Inspired Eatery Revitalizes Downtown

In the heart of Saginaw, Michigan, a new restaurant has emerged, captivating the community with its Motown-inspired ambiance and mouthwatering soul food. Sarah's Cafe, co-owned by Omar Linder and Kenya Millege, is not just a dining destination, but a testament to the city's resurgence and the power of lifelong friendships.

Bringing Soulful Flavors and Community Spirit to Saginaw

A Friendship Forged in Childhood, Rekindled in Business

The story of Sarah's Cafe begins long before its doors opened. Linder and Millege's friendship dates back to their childhood, when they were toddlers attending the same daycare. Though they lost touch after preschool, fate would bring them back together years later, setting the stage for their culinary collaboration.It was a chance encounter that sparked the idea for Sarah's Cafe. Linder, already an established restaurateur with his successful Big O Burgers and Barbecue, crossed paths with Millege, who was selling her delectable desserts through her business, Kenya's Tasty Treats. The two friends reconnected and began discussing the possibility of opening a restaurant together, each bringing their unique strengths and visions to the table.

Reviving the Downtown Saginaw Experience

For Linder, the desire to serve breakfast on the East Side of Saginaw, coupled with Millege's idea for a dinner concept, led to the creation of their full-service restaurant. The name Sarah's Cafe pays homage to Linder's grandmother, a nod to the personal connections that underpin the business.The restaurant's opening coincides with a broader revitalization of downtown Saginaw, a transformation that Linder and Millege are thrilled to be a part of. "I remember when I was younger, we used to ride around and there was a fountain downtown and there was a lot of cool stuff downtown. Now, to see the rejuvenation, it's good for the city; it's happening," Linder reminisced.

Motown Inspiration and a Soulful Dining Experience

The Motown-inspired ambiance of Sarah's Cafe is a deliberate choice, inspired by Linder's visit to the Motown Museum in Detroit. The music, the decor, and the overall atmosphere aim to transport diners to a bygone era of soulful sounds and vibrant energy."The music, the atmosphere, everything's great. It's more of an experience than just food. We're bringing love in everything we're doing," Linder explained, emphasizing the restaurant's commitment to creating a holistic dining experience that goes beyond just the food.

A Menu That Celebrates Saginaw's Culinary Diversity

At the heart of Sarah's Cafe is a menu that showcases the diverse culinary influences that have shaped the Saginaw community. Drawing on Linder's expertise from Big O Burgers and Barbecue, the restaurant features popular items like brisket, smoked turkey, and pulled pork, seamlessly integrated into the menu.The breakfast offerings are a standout, with dishes like the smoked brisket hash, fried chicken and waffles, and catfish and grits capturing the attention of early risers. Lunch brings a selection of crowd-pleasers, including the hot honey chicken sandwich, smash burgers, and the classic turkey club.As the day progresses, the menu transitions to soul food favorites, with dishes like bone-in fried wings, pork chops, fried catfish, collard greens, dressing, mac and cheese, and yams taking center stage. And on Sundays, the restaurant dedicates itself entirely to soul food, often selling out as the community flocks to savor these beloved flavors.

Desserts that Sweeten the Experience

Millege's culinary expertise extends beyond the savory dishes, as she brings her signature desserts to the table. From cakes to banana pudding, these freshly made treats are a testament to her skills and add an extra layer of indulgence to the dining experience."Also, once the afternoon rolls around, Millege brings in some of her desserts, such as her cakes and banana pudding, all freshly made," Linder proudly shared, highlighting the collaborative nature of their partnership.

A Community-Focused Approach

While the food is undoubtedly the star of the show at Sarah's Cafe, Linder and Millege have a vision that extends beyond just satisfying their customers' palates. They aim to offer the Saginaw community a space that is more than just a restaurant, but a hub of connection, celebration, and shared experiences."Good food brings people. You could put it anywhere and they're going to come if it's good, right? So that's what we have here," Linder said, emphasizing the power of their culinary offerings to draw people together.With a commitment to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment, Sarah's Cafe has become a gathering place for the community, fostering a sense of belonging and pride in the revitalization of downtown Saginaw.