Faust Haus Roasting Co.
Derek English, owner of Faust Haus Roasting Co. is making waves at Eastern Market, and giving back with business partnerships. Our April Business Spotlight is about a little bit of hustle and a lot of coffee!
1. Why and how did you decide to start a food business?
The idea for Faust Haus Roasting Co. came from a lifelong passion for coffee, storytelling, and community. I’ve always believed coffee is more than just a beverage—it’s a bridge between people and cultures. My travels in Ethiopia, where coffee originated, deepened that belief and gave me a new perspective on the power of coffee to connect us to place, people, and purpose. Over the years, I’ve also been involved in philanthropic work in places like Kenya, Ethiopia, Haiti, and Congo, and one of our guiding principles at Faust Haus is giving back to the communities where our coffees come from. We do that through long-term partnerships with organizations like PACE in Kenya, Waljaalladhaa in Ethiopia, and Lejabulela in Congo—groups that are doing vital work in education, healthcare, and community development.
My daughter Sophia helped bring it all together during the pandemic—she saw an opportunity to merge our love for coffee, our creative energy, and our commitment to social impact into a single vision. That’s how Faust Haus Roasting Co. was born: as a company with purpose, heart, and a mission to create something that gives back.
2. How long have you been in business?
We officially launched in 2021, and since then we’ve grown steadily from a small, father-daughter roasting project to a recognizable brand with a strong local following. We’ve become a year-round fixture in Detroit’s Eastern Market, where we sell our coffees directly to the community every Saturday—and seasonally on Sundays and Tuesdays as well. It’s more than just a sales opportunity; it’s where we connect with our customers face-to-face, share our story, and let people experience our coffees firsthand. Eastern Market has become a vital part of our growth and identity, and being there week after week has helped us build real relationships with Detroiters who value quality, culture, and community.
3. How has owning a business changed now from when you first got started?
When we first started, we were just focused on making great coffee and getting it into people’s hands. Now, there’s a lot more structure, planning, and long-term vision involved. I've learned that owning a business is not just about the product—it's about systems, relationships, and resilience. We’ve also seen how important it is to build community and stay flexible. Things change fast—economically, logistically, globally. Being grounded in your mission helps you weather those changes and grow through them.
4. Can you please tell us about your signature items/beverages?
One of our most beloved offerings is our Jebena Spiced Roast, an Ethiopian Yirgacheffe infused with ginger, cinnamon, turmeric, and cardamom—a flavor profile inspired by African traditions and family gatherings. We also offer a range of traditionally roasted single-origin coffees from Ethiopia and other regions of Africa, all roasted with care to bring out each bean’s natural sweetness, acidity, and body. Every roast is a balance of art and science, and we take pride in honoring the cultures that inspire each cup.
5. How has opening a location in the Metro Accelerator impacted your growth as a business?
The Eastern Market Kitchen Accelerator has given us a huge boost in visibility, credibility, and access to resources. It’s not just about having a physical space—it’s about being part of a supportive ecosystem of other passionate entrepreneurs. We've been able to experiment, engage more directly with customers, and build a stronger foundation for future growth. It’s helped us move from concept to execution in a more powerful way.
6. Do you have advice for future food business entrepreneurs?
Start with your “why” and stay rooted in it. This industry is demanding, and there will be plenty of ups and downs—but if you’re clear on your purpose, it will guide you through. Be patient with your growth, listen to your customers, and don’t be afraid to adapt. And most importantly—build something that reflects who you are. People connect with authenticity.
You can find Faust Haus Roasting Co. at Eastern Market on Saturdays and on Sundays & Tuesdays seasonally.
website: https://www.fausthausroasting.com/
Socials: @FAUSTHAUSROASTINGCO
Photos by Chuk Nowak https://www.chuknowak.com/