Putting the spotlight on a pocket of businesses on Ferndale’s Woodward Heights Avenue

Within a two-block radius lies a cluster of small, local gems along Ferndale’s Woodward Heights Avenue. 

Urbanrest Brewing, Drifter Coffee, and RE BBQ share one commonality: they’re all in the same neighborhood, right between Wolcott and Gainsboro Street. 

Drifter Coffee 

A woman-owned coffee shop and community hub wrapped into one, this pink and white building surrounded by wildflowers has a menu with classic items, including cappuccinos, but also features seasonal drinks, including a toasted coconut latte and lavender lemonade. 

Not only do they serve coffee, they also bake treats in-house every day, serving vegan and gluten-free options. 

Throughout the building, customers can find jewelry, pottery goods, and other items crafted by local artists. The shop also hosts events like their Saturday Pop Ups. Folks can stay up to date on their latest menu items and ongoing events on their Instagram. 

RE BBQ

Sitting on a corner lot is a trailer, a few tables, and smoked goods made by an ex-engineer and now food entrepreneur and print shop owner, Bob Perye. 

He started the barbecue joint 15 years ago as a pop-up food stand at local markets like Western Market, and eventually opened a location beside Gainsboro Street. 

“My mother could not cook, my father could cook a couple of things, so I learned how to cook out of self-defense,” Perye says. 

Watching cooking shows on PBS and hosting a cooking club with friends inspired him to begin making sauces, which ultimately led him smoking and grilling meats to accompany his condiments. 

Inside his trailer, he is surrounded by spices like paprika and cumin that are, as he calls it, “mise en place,” which is French for “everything is in the right place.”

“Spices, sauces, and ingredients are how I draw,” he says. 

Open once a week, the menu includes kielbasa, pulled pork, and brisket, with an alternating special every week, highlighting foods from around the world. Perye says he has customers who come every week to support his business, and hearing the positive responses from the people has always been at the heart of RE (Rogue Estate) BBQ. 

While he’s been at the location for the past 10 years, developers are buying the lot he operates on and planning to build in 2026. The business owner is left with two options: find a potential new location to continue operating his business or sell his truck and close down for good. 

“The clock is ticking, so if you’ve never been here before, it would be a good chance to do it,” he says. “Nothing lasts forever.”

Urbanrest Brewing Company

Twinkling fairy lights with an outdoor patio and local food trucks like Señors and Voyager has made this spot a staple in the neighborhood.  

Known for their home-brewed beer, cider, sparkling wine, and even kombucha, this brewery’s open floor plan allows visitors to see inside the process of making their fermented goods. Also inside are wooden tables, a pool table, and an event space to host parties.

The building also hosts events like Yoga Class and a Glass, with an upcoming class on Sunday, Aug. 30 at 10 a.m.

Take a day and check out these businesses that create a sense of community in this small, cozy neighborhood.