Baobab Fare Owners Open Waka in Eastern Market
The restaurant brings East African street food to the space formerly occupied by the historic Russell Street Deli.
Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Openings & Closings
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Waka officially opened its Eastern Market storefront on September 26, 2026, transitioning from a food truck after nearly four years of operation. The restaurant is led by Hamissi Mamba and Nadia Nijimbere, who are also expanding their brand with a new Baobab Fare location.
Why it matters
The expansion reflects a commitment to providing high-quality dining options within Detroit neighborhoods. By choosing Eastern Market, the owners aim to build on the market's long history as a community hub for sharing food and connection.
Waka replaces the Russell Street Deli, which occupied the Eastern Market space for 30 years. The new restaurant follows a nearly four-year run as a food truck.
The players
Hamissi Mamba and Nadia Nijimbere
They are the owners of Baobab Fare and Waka who were named finalists for Outstanding Restaurateurs by the James Beard Awards in 2024.
The details
Waka serves traditional East African street food, including chapatis, brochettes, and sambusas. The interior design honors the brand's roots by featuring a mural modeled after the original Waka food truck.
Timeline
Plans for the Waka storefront were first announced in 2024.
Waka opened its doors in Eastern Market on September 26, 2026.
Baobab Fare broke ground on a second location on October 27, 2026.
Market Landscape
The expansion of Waka and Baobab Fare into new Detroit corridors follows the national recognition of the founders as James Beard Award finalists. This growth strategy shifts the local dining landscape by establishing a prominent brand presence across multiple neighborhoods.
Detroit diners can now access Waka's East African menu in Eastern Market during standard service hours. The upcoming East Warren location will eventually offer further access to the group's dining options in a new part of the city.
The takeaway
The transition from food truck to brick-and-mortar highlights the importance of market spaces in fostering community connections. Residents can support local food entrepreneurs by visiting established hubs that prioritize shared culinary experiences.
What happens next
Construction on the new Baobab Fare location on the East Warren corridor is expected to begin immediately following the ground-breaking on October 27, 2026.
Further reading
Explore more local business developments in the Detroit Openings & Closings section.
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