Black Box: a family-operated coffee shop and art gallery in Dearborn

Jan 5, 2024

Nestled on the vibrant corner of Monroe and Village Drive in Dearborn, Black Box coffee stands as a testament to Michigan’s entrepreneurial spirit. It was created by the Alcodray family – retired engineer and IT leader Ray, his wife Lisa, and their daughter Sarah – Black Box, a coffee shop and fine art gallery, has become a fixture in its community. The family’s first location opened in June 2018. In October 2020, the shop moved to its current location.

Black Box coffee's Sarah Alcodray

Sarah Alcodray, daughter of Ray and Lisa Alcodray, assists a customer at her family’s coffee shop and fine art gallery, Black Box in Dearborn. | Photo by One Detroit

One Detroit Producer Will Glover sat down with the Alcodray family to delve into the origins of Black Box. They share steps for those embarking on the entrepreneurial path and what it takes to run a small business.

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