BLACK mobile logo

united states

From ‘The Voice’ to Eastern Market: A Detroit native’s next act

October 6, 2026

Lamont Leak, a casting producer for NBC's "The Voice" and other entertainment shows, has returned to his native Detroit after nearly a decade in Los Angeles to co-own Rent Free Haus, a dual-concept coffee shop and listening bar in Eastern Market. The business, which opened last month with co-owner Everett Moore, received $50,000 from Motor City Match plus additional funding from Detroit development organizations to create a cultural gathering space celebrating Black music and community. Influenced by his childhood exposure to diverse musical genres across Detroit's east side, Leak envisioned the venue as a "third space" for creativity and connection, inspired by successful local coffee shops.

Who is affected

  • Lamont Leak (co-owner and casting producer)
  • Everett Moore (co-owner)
  • Takeisha Pack (events manager)
  • Michael Reese (general contractor)
  • Devin Arnold (bar consultant)
  • Charles Murdoch (sound designer)
  • Detroit artists DJ Jamea, DJ Sincerely, and Sky Jetta (performed at opening weekend)
  • Beth Griffith-Manley (Detroit singer who appeared on The Voice)
  • Century Partners (building owners)
  • Local Detroit community members and coffee shop patrons
  • Motor City Match, Detroit Development Fund, Invest Detroit, and ProsperUs Detroit (funding organizations)

What action is being taken

  • Leak is working as a casting producer on The Voice (currently in his fourth season)
  • The listening bar side of Rent Free Haus is operating with events
  • Leak is building out programming for the listening bar, including Vinyl Nights on Wednesdays, Haus Calls on Thursdays, Rotation Fridays, and Plastic Sofa Sundays
  • Pack is handling booking for private events and is in talks with Amber Lewis from Social N the City
  • The coffee shop side is being developed for opening

Why it matters

  • Rent Free Haus represents the creation of a cultural "third space" that celebrates Black music and community in Detroit's Eastern Market, addressing the need for gathering places that foster creativity and connection. The business demonstrates the reverse migration trend of Black professionals returning to Detroit from expensive coastal cities, bringing resources, expertise, and investment back to their hometown. It also highlights opportunities for Black entrepreneurship and ownership in Detroit's hospitality industry, which Pack notes is predominantly white, providing inspiration and representation for the local community while preserving and promoting Detroit's rich musical heritage.

What's next

  • The coffee shop side of Rent Free is set to open on October 20
  • Weekly programming continues with Vinyl Nights (Wednesdays), Haus Calls (Thursdays), Rotation Fridays, and Plastic Sofa Sundays
  • Private events are being booked, including a potential event with Social N the City
  • Leak envisions eventually expanding the brand and making the current location a flagship shop if the business gains recognition outside Detroit

Read full article from source: bridgedetroit.com