Why Restaurateur Billy Dec Is Betting Big on Detroit

Detroit is having a moment — and Sunda New Asian wants to be part of it.

On today's Daily Detroit, I talk with restaurateur and CEO Billy Dec about why he chose to open Sunda's newest location in the District Detroit, right across from Comerica Park. 

We get into his intentional path from Chicago to Nashville to Tampa and now Detroit, and why this city's spirit reminds him of Chicago's rise some years ago.​

Our conversation touches on the generational ties between Michigan and Chicago, the data and "tea leaves" that pointed toward Detroit's growth, and the role of private investment and gritty civic pride in making it all real.

Billy also shares with me how his Filipino roots, Southeast Asian travels, and a lifetime in hospitality show up in the design of Sunda's new space — from the island bar with "flower rain" overhead to the sake wall inspired by a hidden Tokyo spot and capiz shells over the sushi bar.

It's a look at Detroit's current wave of development through the eyes of someone betting on the city, and bringing a deeply personal food story along for the ride. Plus, we talk about the dishes from Longevity Noodles to a Sweet Potato Caterpillar, and drinks like their Lychee Martini and Ube Espresso Martini. 

Key topics:

• Why Sunda's expansion from Chicago to Nashville, Tampa, and now Detroit has been very intentional.​

• The long-running Michigan–Chicago connection in hospitality and how loyal guests moving back home helped pull Sunda to Detroit.​

• What Billy saw in Detroit's data and "on the ground" energy that convinced him the city is in a historically significant moment.​

• The impact of private investment, local developers, and a unified civic spirit on Detroit's growth.​

• How the new Sunda space in District Detroit was designed: island bar with a disappearing wall, floral installation blending Sampaguita, cherry blossoms, and Michigan's apple blossom, and an immersive sake wall.​

• The influence of Billy's Filipino heritage and Southeast Asian travels on Sunda's design and menu philosophy.​

• Why he wants Detroiters to "backpack through" Southeast Asia via the menu — and maybe book a real-life trip after.

Sunda New Asian: https://www.sundanewasian.com/detroit

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