Walk through the doors of Deer Camp Coffee Roasting Company & Outfitters and you’re greeted by the rich scent of freshly roasted beans, handcrafted wooden countertops, shelves lined with camping essentials, and a smiling face inviting you inside. It feels less like a café and more like a cozy lodge in northern Michigan—one that just happens to sit in the middle of Sterling Heights.
If one word sums up Deer Camp, it’s passion. Since opening in 2015, owner Julie Majewski, 46, and her husband, Anthony, 49, have poured their energy into more than just coffee—they’ve become proud ambassadors for Michigan-made products.
“What’s unique about us as a business is we found a way to connect Macomb County and Sterling Heights to the community,” Anthony said. “Most of our customers aren’t hunters. It’s the most diverse community, and everyone is welcome here to experience that ‘Up North’ feel without judgment.”
While Deer Camp’s name resonates with hunters across Michigan and beyond, the Majewskis have carved a niche in showcasing small local makers—everything from gourmet meats and wines to handmade deodorants.
Their commitment goes beyond simply stocking shelves. During the pandemic, when they opened their brick-and-mortar shop, they stepped in to help a struggling partner. “We had a local beekeeper who lost his hives during COVID,” Anthony recalled. “He wanted to partner with us but didn’t have enough hives. We wound up buying seven so he could get back up and running.”
Even as they expand into new avenues, coffee remains the heart of Deer Camp. Known for its low-acid blends with flavors inspired by the outdoors, their coffee has fueled partnerships with organizations from Selfridge Air National Guard Base to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.
“The DNR’s Hunters Feeding Michigan program pays for deer processing so hunters can donate venison to families in need,” Anthony said. “We’re proud to be the first company in the state chosen to support it.”
Deer Camp’s community spirit shows up in countless ways: The kitchen trains adults with special needs in food handling, the shop serves as a Toys for Tots drop-off every winter, and for first responders in uniform, a cup of coffee is always free.
The recognition has followed. Deer Camp was recently voted Best Coffee in metro Detroit by ClickOnDetroit for the fourth consecutive year.
“It’s surreal,” Julie said. “Humbling, really, that our community continues to vote for us.”
Anthony added: “When we won the Macomb Hidden Gem last year, it wasn’t our award—it was the community’s. That’s how Julie and I have always run our business.”
One customer captured that spirit perfectly. After hearing about their latest win, he arrived with a celebratory cake, lit a few candles at the shop’s communal picnic table, and invited the Majewskis over.
“This is the stuff you don’t expect in a coffee shop,” Anthony said with a smile after blowing out the candles. “That’s what makes this a true community.”
As for the future, the Majewskis plan to expand thoughtfully, adding more mobile cafés to their fleet and eventually a secondary location farther north in Macomb County—but never at the cost of being stretched too thin.
“One of the challenges when you grow too fast is you underperform,” Anthony said. “We’re known for quality and consistency, and we want to ensure that for our customers.”
For now, Deer Camp’s mission is simple: getting more Sterling Heights residents through its doors.
“We know there’s a whole group out there that has no clue who we are,” Anthony said with a laugh. “But we have a touch of everything for everyone. It’s not just about hunting or the idea only hunters come here. We’re known for traditions, family and get-togethers. That’s what Deer Camp’s about.”
Visit Deer Camp Coffee Roasting Company & Outfitters at 35279 Dodge Park Road, north of 15 Mile Road, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., or until 7 p.m. on Wednesdays.
