Southwest Detroit, Always

DETROIT — 10/30/2026

Denisse Lopez-Avila opened Vámonos, a healthy eatery and class space on W. Vernor Highway near Clark Park, in 2023, and runs it with her husband, Carlos Lopez. In written answers to Detroit Community Thrive, Lopez-Avila talked about the juice bar she gave away before it, what the February 2025 water-main break showed her about the neighborhood, and the zouk class that drew dancers from Chicago.

A man flexes an arm outside the Vámonos storefront, its pink neon sign lit, at sunset — The storefront on W. Vernor Highway. Courtesy of Vámonos

Southwest Detroit, always

Lopez-Avila is from Mexico City and was raised in Detroit, El Central reported in 2025. She has a Detroit skyline tattoo on her forearm, BridgeDetroit reported the same year. Asked what part of Detroit Vámonos should permanently represent, she named Southwest Detroit.

“I want Vamonos to always be represented by Southwest Detroit.”

The juice bar she gave away

Before Vámonos, Lopez-Avila ran the Michigan Squeeze Station, a juice bar on Michigan Avenue in Southwest Detroit. She said she did not lose it.

“I didn’t lose the Michigan Squeeze Station, I gave it away! What it taught me for Vamonos is to do it on our own, only my husband and I — no need for extra business partners.”

An open wrap filled with greens, ground meat and crumbled cheese, held by a gloved hand — A wrap being made. Courtesy of Vámonos

After the water main

In February 2025, a 54-inch water main rupture flooded streets and several hundred homes in Southwest Detroit, Planet Detroit reported. Asked what that week showed her about the neighborhood, Lopez-Avila said:

“It taught us how strong mutual aid can be in Southwest Detroit.”

The zouk crowd

Vámonos’s class schedule includes Zumba, cardio drumming, yoga, capoeira, bachata, heels and sound bath sessions, according to its website. The most surprising class it has hosted, Lopez-Avila said, was Brazilian zouk, a partner dance.

“We weren’t sure what to expect since we didn’t see any promo on it, and the zouk community showed up BIG! People from all over town and even Chicago showed up!”

For someone who hates healthy food

The menu runs to smoothies, sandwiches, salads and wraps. For someone who swears they hate healthy food, Lopez-Avila would hand over two things: the La Chingona wrap and the Belle Isle smoothie.

Overhead view of spinach salads, chicken and apple bowls, and chips with cups of salsa — Salads, with chips and salsa. Courtesy of Vámonos

Red, orange and tan bottled juices beside a pineapple, a passion fruit and a cinnamon stick — Bottled juices. Courtesy of Vámonos

Going green

Asked who she hopes walks out of Vámonos inspired, she answered:

“Honestly, I hope to inspire all business owners by going green, clean items and caring about the planet and our community.”

A frothy drink in a glass mug surrounded by orange marigolds — A drink set among marigolds. Courtesy of Vámonos

The name

Lopez-Avila said the name works in two languages, and does a second job in her workout classes, where she says it right before a set starts.

“Vamonos is easy to pronounce for both English and Spanish speakers, way easier than the Michigan Squeeze Station.”

“I also say it to my workout classes right before we start a set — ‘Vamonos!’ — to let them know we’re ready!”

Source: Vámonos, written answers to Detroit Community Thrive, Oct. 20, 2026; El Central, March 27, 2025; BridgeDetroit, April 3, 2025; Planet Detroit, Feb. 27, 2025; Next City, Nov. 18, 2021

Visit

4444 W. Vernor Highway, Detroit
Monday through Friday, 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Saturday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday, 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
313-398-5043, [email protected]
Class schedule and menu: VamonosDetroit.com

Source: vamonosdetroit.com, read Oct. 21, 2026