Walter Pat's Bakery Cafe Wins $100,000 Grand Prize at 2025 Comerica Hatch Detroit Contest

Walter Pat's Bakery Cafe Triumphs in 2025 Comerica Hatch Detroit Contest

The excitement is brewing in Detroit as Walter Pat's Bakery Cafe has been crowned the winner of the 2025 Comerica Hatch Detroit Contest, securing a substantial $100,000 grand prize. The annual contest, organized by TechTown, seeks to spotlight and support innovative small businesses in the Detroit area. This year marks the 13th edition of the competition, and the support provided to its winner has the potential to change the landscape of local entrepreneurship.

Walter Pat's Bakery Cafe is not just any bakery. It is a proud representation of Black woman-owned businesses, focusing on producing seasonal, small-batch baked goods, including croissants, Danish pastries, brioche, and specialty breads. Founder Lauren Ellis brings her extensive experience as a pastry chef, having honed her skills in vibrant culinary scenes across New York, Chicago, and even Sydney, Australia. Each product from her bakery is crafted with an emphasis on Michigan's seasonal produce, blending unique flavors from the Midwest with traditional Southern influences, ensuring that every bite tells a story.

Lauren named her bakery after her grandmother, Walter Pat, who embodies the values of hard work and authenticity—qualities that have inspired Ellis throughout her decade-long career in the culinary world. With the funding secured from the grand prize, her vision is to establish a brick-and-mortar storefront in District 5, where her grandmother called home, thus forging a deep connection between her family's heritage and her new business.

The Comerica Hatch Detroit Contest not only rewards the winner with financial support; it also provides a crucial package of business assistance through TechTown Detroit. This nonprofit organization, tied closely with Wayne State University, acts as a launching pad for early-to-growth stage small businesses, offering programs and resources that foster an inclusive economy.

This year’s contest saw an impressive response from the public, with more than 21,000 votes cast to determine the finalists. Walter Pat's Bakery Cafe stood out among three other talented finalists—Detroit Culture Clay, Halie Co, and Livy's Sweet Rolls—during a live pitch event held at Wayne State University’s Industry Innovation Center. Here, each finalist shared their business ideas and visions with a panel of judges and an enthusiastic audience comprised of community members, family, and supporters.

The excitement doesn't end there; each of the runner-up finalists received a $10,000 grant from TechTown’s Small Business Support Hub, further promoting entrepreneurial growth in Detroit. This reinforces the commitment from Comerica Bank and TechTown to bolster local businesses and create economic opportunities within the community. "Everyone in the top four displayed remarkable passion and commitment toward their ventures, and we believe they will each play significant roles in revitalizing Detroit's small business ecosystem," said Christianne Malone, the Assistant Vice President for Economic Development at Wayne State University.

Comerica Bank has a long-standing commitment to supporting local businesses, investing approximately $1.3 million in the Hatch Detroit initiative since its inception in 2012. This investment has helped facilitate countless business openings, fostering economic growth and community revitalization across the area.

As Walter Pat's Bakery Cafe prepares to open its doors, anticipation builds within the local community, eager to experience the unique offerings that combine seasonal produce with rich family heritage. The path forward for Ellis and her bakery looks promising, with the opportunity not only to thrive as a successful business but to serve as a communal hub within District 5.

For further details about the Hatch Detroit contest and its incredible impact, visit HatchDetroit.com. Walter Pat's Bakery Cafe is poised to become a beacon of hope and achievement in Detroit, where the flavors of the past meet the aspirations of the future.