Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) has selected Rebel Nell and Quix Chocolate to be the first participants in the Small Business Operators Arriving Ready (SOAR) pilot program. SOAR was created to provide business owners the opportunity to operate their specialty retail concepts in the Warren Cleage Evans Terminal. Through SOAR, Rebel Nell and Quix Chocolate will showcase their products to thousands of domestic and international travelers every day.
“Rebel Nell and Quix Chocolate will expand our concessions program and give DTW customers more unique options in the Evans Terminal,” said Wayne County Airport Authority CEO Chad Newton. “We’re excited to welcome these small businesses as the first participants in the SOAR pilot program as we empower entrepreneurs to take their companies to even greater heights.”
Rebel Nell, based in Detroit, is a jewelry company that provides employment and wraparound support for women who have been faced with homelessness, returning citizens, refugees seeking asylum and awaiting citizenship, the LGBTQIA community, women living with mental illness, and women with physical disabilities.
“We are honored and excited to be a part of the SOAR Small Business Program,” said Rebel Nell Co-Founder and CEO Amy Peterson. “I am grateful to the airport for giving a chance to small businesses. Rebel Nell is a mission-driven company that makes unique jewelry and gifts from meaningful material from Detroit like fallen graffiti, Joe Louis Arena, Belle Isle, and Michigan Central Station. As the CEO and founder, I have dreamt of having a store in the airport for years. Now everyone who passes through the Evans Terminal can take home a piece of Detroit…literally.”
Quix Chocolate was founded as a family business in Lanklaar, Belgium in 1947. Now based in Ferndale, Michigan, Quix produces approximately 40 traditional flavors of Belgian chocolates using original recipes.
“We are thrilled to be opening a venue at the airport, where we will provide travelers with fine Belgian chocolate and confections made in Michigan,” said Quix Chocolate President and Owner David Ogloza. “Quix will be a great addition to the current offering at the airport. Customers across the U.S. and worldwide will have the opportunity to purchase a unique gift or a delicious treat to consume during their travels.”
Rebel Nell and Quix Chocolate will operate out of two newly constructed in-line spaces in the Evans Terminal near gate D12 beginning in August.
