Our CREW

While we’ve received some incredible accolades, the thing we’re most proud of is the amazing humans that have made Freya what it is over the years.

Below are our current leaders:

DOUG HEWITT

Doug Hewitt entered the restaurant business at 14, and graduated in culinary arts from Schoolcraft College. He opened Chartreuse in 2015, which was named the Detroit Free Press restaurant of the year (2016). Riding the success of Chartreuse, Doug opened Freya and Dragonfly to immediate acclaim. Freya earned the Restaurant of the Year award from Hour Detroit and was named one of the New York Times' 50 favorites of 2022. Doug was a James Beard semifinalist for Best Chef in 2024. If he's not in the kitchen, Doug is usually golfing, watching the Lions, or hanging out with his wife and son.

Chef-Owner

SANDY LEVINE

Sandy Levine began his career at 11, washing dishes and worked through the front of the house at several restaurants before finally opening his first establishment in 2011, The Oakland in Ferndale, MI. Their success (named one of America's best bars by Esquire Magazine) begat Chartreuse (2016 Detroit Free Press restaurant of the year), Dragonfly (best new bar nominee, Tales of the Cocktail 2022), and Freya (New York Times' 50 favorites (2022). In 2023 Sandy was nominated as a James Beard semifinalist for best owner. He loves his wife, sons, dogs, family, friends, colleagues, and guests.

Co-Owner

With a background in fine dining, I view Freya a little differently- refined food and exceptional service, but never at the expense of fun. Much of my inspiration comes from growing up in Michigan, where certain flavors have the power to instantly transport you back to a specific moment in your life.

That sense of nostalgia is what drives my cooking. My goal is to create memorable dishes and experiences that, years from now, bring you back to the special moments shared around the table when you dined with us.

Chef de Cuisine

COLE LAURI

At Freya our dishes are curated with carefully sourced ingredients grown by friends and neighbors in our community. We strive to do the same with our wine, by carefully sourcing small produced wines

that are eco-friendly, organic and sustainable. We believe that sitting down over a meal and sharing a bottle of wine is a truly magical experience that allows love and discourse to flow. We hope that by sharing a glass of wine from our list, you are able to transcend to a place of comfort and love.

General Manager / Wine Director

ABIGAIL LEEDOM

I'm inspired by the season, by the memory of food, and the connection of cultures. Freya resembles Detroit and the North End by its ability to endure, to find beauty in things that may not be beautiful to most. It is a reminder that dreams do come true. I grew up in kitchens professionally and at home. In my off time you can find me in the kitchen or by the grill somewhere at all times.

Sous Chef

TYRELL HUTCHINS

Hailey is a unicorn. She started with Freya on our opening day in October 2021 without restaurant experience as a glass and silverware polisher. She naturally fell into a server assistant role shortly after. She was the definition of putting your head down and working hard- she barely spoke for the first several months. Once she came out of her shell, she quickly excelled at back serving and eventually front serving as well. Hailey is pure heart, pure hustle, and loves what she does. In her spare time she enjoys eating junk food, listening to music, and spacing out while staring at the wall.

Lead Server

HAILEY JOHNSTON