Detroit Lions defensive lineman Al-Quadin Muhammad is establishing himself this year as someone to be reckoned with both on and off the football field.
Less than 24 hours before the Lions’ Week 10 road game against the Washington Commanders, Muhammad and his cousin, Jeff Granger, held an invite-only soft opening of their new business venture, Kaché, an upscale nightlife establishment right in the heart of Washington, D.C.
Upon entering the corner street location, formerly a taco spot, guests were treated to live entertainment, an eclectic playlist of R&B and jazz, crafted cocktails, and an ambiance that set the mood for a perfect way to start or end an evening on the town.
As far as the food menu, it was an intentionally condensed one featuring “Hey Mambo,” a twist on mambo wings — a D.C. staple — but using calamari instead, and “Quiet Crab,” a fusion of a hush puppy and a crab cake, which is an ode to Baltimore and the D.C.-Maryland-Virginia region.
Muhammad, whose stay at the event was brief, shied away from addressing the crowd at Granger’s request, stating that he speaks enough when talking to reporters in the week leading up to games, opting to let his cousin, who was “boots on the ground,” take the spotlight. That said, he was thoroughly pleased with the turnout.
“The biggest thing for me is that the people that was there — they enjoyed themselves,” Muhammad told MLive. “Everybody was having a good time. Just to see other people happy and enjoying themselves — that’s what it’s all about.
“So I’m blessed to be able to play in the NFL and do some great things and use my platform. So it’s important to also give back in that way. And it’s little things — just making sure everybody’s having a good time.”
Granger echoed Muhammad’s sentiments and said what meant most to him was his cousin’s reaction upon arriving at the event.
“The pleasing part for me was — Quan has seen the space, but he didn’t know what the vibe was going to be,” Granger told MLive. “But he knows me and he trusts me. Seeing him come in and love the vibe, as well as what we created, was a win for me.
“When he said, ‘Hey man, this is beautiful. You did a good job.’ Not that I need that, but that’s the win — when your partners who aren’t there walk in and are pleased that what they invested in is exciting and invigorating, and something they’re buzzing about.”
Granger, who has other ventures in Los Angeles and Miami, is part of the Perfect Gentleman Hospitality Group, which oversaw the opening of Kaché. The group includes Granger, Muhammad, Sharif Saed, Eboné Granger (Jeff’s wife), and others.
Muhammad became involved with the group as he looked to diversify his business portfolio, and Granger — already operating several establishments — walked him through the hospitality landscape. It was a natural fit: one cousin with experience, the other ready to learn how the industry works.
“Quan was looking for business opportunities and ways to enhance his business acumen. Low cost of entry, high risk, high reward,” Granger said. “He also wanted a meeting place in powerful cities where he has locations to go to when he wants to do other business.”
Muhammad didn’t get a chance to sample anything during the night of the soft opening as he left early to rest up for the game against the Commanders, which the Lions handily won 44-22. But after the Lions’ quest for a Super Bowl is complete, he’ll be back.
“I ain’t got no choice,” Muhammad said while laughing. “I’ll be there anyway, just making sure the business part of it and everything is good, but I get a chance to get a full-course meal over there, definitely, especially once the season is over. That was just a small portion of the things we will have on the menu. So can’t wait to get back.”
Kaché, which also features Michelin-starred Chef Chris Limerick, is located at 510 K St NW in Washington, D.C. The location will officially open on Nov. 30.
If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. By using this site, you consent to our [User Agreement](https://www.advancelocal.com/advancelocalUserAgreement/user-agreement.html) and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our [Privacy Policy.](https://www.advancelocal.com/advancelocalUserAgreement/privacy-policy.html)