The Detroit Pepper Company Delivers the Good Stuff

The Detroit Pepper Company

For Marlin Hughes, two watershed moments motivated him to make changes that led him to open a restaurant. When his son Noel, now 21 years old, was diagnosed with autism at 2, Hughes switched him to a gluten- and dairy-free diet to help his condition. 

Then, Hughes’ father died from lung cancer 12 years ago. Hughes took stock of his life – because he smoked, drank alcohol and was overweight. ā€œMy life changed. My dad died, and I walked away from where I was,ā€ Hughes says.

The clincher for Hughes was a milestone birthday party he threw for his wife Kita in 2011. He made stuffed peppers, the hit of the party. Hughes prophetically told his wife, ā€œOne of these days, we’re going to sell these peppers.ā€

Hughes and Kita purchased a building in the East English Village and, after spending a couple years getting it together and landing a $45,000 Motor City Match award in 2017, The Detroit Pepper Company was born in 2019.

The carryout-only eatery features stuffed bell peppers (including a vegan option), salads, soups, grain bowls, fresh smoothies and more. ā€œAll the ingredients are made from scratch. It’s not a prepackaged process – it’s all made with love,ā€ says Chef Hughes.

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After appearing on WDIV TV’s Tasty Tuesday segment in December, the restaurant saw a barrage of customers eager to see what all the fuss what about. ā€œWe were ready, but we still sold out. The door never stopped opening.ā€

17180 E. Warren Ave., Detroit 

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