Freda’s Soup Kitchen
Freda's Soup Kitchen serves healthy meals to those in need and has supported the community since it’s creation. Located in Eastern Market, it aims to combat hunger and create a welcoming space. In this interview, Cathy “Freda” Wilkins, a founder, discussed her beginnings, pivots, and specialties. You can browse her creations, and place an order at https://www.fredasinthemarket.com
How long has Freda’s been in business?
Freda’s has been in business since January 2021 (began serving customers in Winter of 2020).
Why and how did you decide to start a food business?
I have been cooking since a very young age as I came from a large family (14) on the eastside of Detroit. When my son opened his first location, my husband and I had retired a few years earlier. He said that he did not want us “wasting away watching movies”. We would come to visit him at his delicatessen in Eastern Market then Covid hit. As the community became more health conscious and were trying to strengthen their immune systems, I began making old teas and soup broths that I used to make for my household family that helps to battle colds and flus.
Customers would come in to buy sandwiches and “complain” that they were “too big” and ask for a “half sandwich or soup/salad”. That week I began making soup (Oxtail was the original soup requested by a customer) and here we are years later as it has become a staple amongst market goers on Saturdays.
How has owning a business changed now from when you first got started?
I’ve had to tackle the challenge of growing beyond just the creative or even artistic part. I am a creative essentially. I am a former educator, specifically a science instructor, so I love to create and fix/solve. This second growth has been more about the fixing and solving, not just the "creation". It has been about solving production issues, understanding costs, ways to generate more revenue, scaling up (and back where necessary). I am truly IN BUSINESS NOW.
Freda’s Soup Kitchen
“The gumbos are our best sellers. Chicken & Sausage is still #1 followed very closely by Oxtail Gumbo.”
Can you please tell us about your signature dishes?
The gumbos are our best sellers. Chicken & Sausage is still #1 followed very closely by Oxtail Gumbo. However, our healthier line of soups (things that are lighter and more broth based) have really taken off. Our Vegan Black Eyed Pea and Sautéed Kale is a fan favorite and has recently been requested from local restaurants and some national shipping orders. Our Savory Potato, Leek & Dill has been sold out every Saturday since December 2024.
Now that our brick & mortar Freda's in the Market is open, our entire line of healthy food option now will have a weekly home.
How will opening a location in the Metro Accelerator impact your growth as a business?
it solves the problem of customers wanting to dine with us beyond Saturday.
Brand visibility and integrity/legitimacy
We will be able to further activate the community and curate more engagement opportunities which is part of our four pillars.
Do you have advice for future food business entrepreneurs?
Work for someone in your field of choice first to ensure that you have a strong desire to go into business. Business is more about accepting responsibility than anything and a lot comes with that. This is every day. All day. Often times even when you are asleep.
There are tons of sacrifices you will have to make that you may not even realize yet, therefore, gain some experience in said industry first to see if you will be passionate about your craft on the darkest, slowest, and loneliest of days.
If you find that this is the case and your product solves or fulfills a need, then GO FOR IT. Just start DOING. Have fun with it! And once you are in you are IN, and...
"We don't raise quitters in this house" - Freda
You can find Freda’s in the Market at 1520 Adelaide Street in Detroit, Michigan.
IG: fredasinthemarket
FB: Cathy Wilkins
Web: https://www.fredasinthemarket.com
PROOF @ Eastern Market