It’s a warm June morning in 2025, and the streets of Detroit are buzzing with a new kind of anticipation. The city, long a symbol of grit and resilience, has been the backdrop for countless stories of struggle and triumph, many of them tied to its most famous son, Marshall Mathers—better known as Eminem. The 52-year-old rap legend, whose music has inspired generations with its raw honesty and unyielding determination, is once again making headlines in his hometown. This time, it’s not for a new album or a surprise performance, but for a deeply personal project: a new restaurant chain named after his daughter, Hailie Jade Scott Mathers, that will serve burgers and fast food, set to open later this year in Detroit.

Eminem’s relationship with Detroit is as storied as his career. Born in St. Joseph, Missouri, but raised in the rough neighborhoods of the Motor City, he has never shied away from his roots. From his early days cooking and washing dishes for minimum wage at Gilbert’s Lodge in St. Clair Shores to his rise as a global superstar, Eminem has remained fiercely loyal to the city that shaped him. In 2021, he opened Mom’s Spaghetti, a restaurant inspired by a line from his 2002 hit “Lose Yourself,” which quickly became a cultural landmark at 2131 Woodward Avenue. The diner, a partnership with Union Joints Restaurant Group, serves up nostalgic pasta dishes and has drawn fans from around the world, eager for a taste of Eminem’s legacy. Now, he’s ready to expand his culinary footprint with a venture that’s even closer to his heart—a chain called Hailie’s Burgers, dedicated to his only biological daughter, Hailie Jade, who has grown into a 29-year-old influencer known for her work in fashion and beauty.

The announcement of Hailie’s Burgers comes at a poignant time for Eminem. In December 2024, he lost his mother, Debbie Nelson, to lung cancer at the age of 69. The loss was a significant blow, despite their often tumultuous relationship, which Eminem had chronicled in songs like “Cleanin’ Out My Closet” and later reconciled in “Headlights.” The grief has made him more reflective, sources close to the rapper say, and has deepened his focus on family and legacy. Hailie, whom Eminem raised with unwavering dedication despite his own struggles with poverty, addiction, and fame, has always been his greatest source of pride. Naming a restaurant chain after her is not just a business move—it’s a testament to the bond they share and a way for Eminem to give back to the city that raised them both.

“Hailie’s always been my motivation,” Eminem said in a rare interview with a local Detroit news outlet earlier this month. “Everything I’ve done—every bar I’ve spit, every fight I’ve fought—it’s been for her. Detroit gave me a shot when no one else would, and now I want to give something back, something that’s for the people here, something that carries my daughter’s name.”

The concept for Hailie’s Burgers is a departure from the pasta-centric menu of Mom’s Spaghetti, reflecting Eminem’s desire to create a space that feels accessible and family-friendly, much like the fast-food joints he frequented as a kid. The menu, still in development, is expected to feature classic American fare—juicy burgers, crispy fries, milkshakes, and a few vegan options to cater to modern tastes. Early reports suggest there will be a signature “Hailie’s Favorite” burger, a nod to the meals Eminem used to make for his daughter during her childhood, featuring a double patty, cheddar cheese, and a special sauce that Eminem has been perfecting with a team of local chefs. Prices will be kept affordable, in line with Eminem’s ethos of making sure everyone in Detroit can enjoy a meal, regardless of their circumstances.

The first Hailie’s Burgers location is slated to open in the fall of 2025 on 8 Mile Road, a symbolic choice given its significance in Eminem’s life and career. The street, immortalized in his semi-autobiographical film 8 Mile, represents the dividing line between struggle and opportunity, a fitting place for a restaurant chain that aims to bridge the past and the future. Plans are already in motion to expand the chain across Detroit, with at least three more locations in the works over the next two years. Each restaurant will feature a design that blends Detroit’s industrial aesthetic with personal touches from Eminem’s life—think exposed brick walls, framed photos of Hailie growing up, and playlists featuring Eminem’s music alongside local Detroit artists.

For Eminem, the project is about more than just food—it’s about creating opportunities in a city that has faced its share of challenges. Detroit has seen a resurgence in recent years, with new businesses and cultural initiatives breathing life into the city, but economic disparities remain. Eminem has reportedly committed to hiring locally for all Hailie’s Burgers locations, with a focus on providing jobs to young people and those who have faced barriers to employment, such as formerly incarcerated individuals. He’s also partnering with local nonprofits to offer job training programs, ensuring that the restaurants become a source of empowerment for the community.

“Detroit’s got a lot of heart, but it’s also got a lot of people who need a break,” Eminem said in the same interview. “I’ve been that kid who didn’t know where his next meal was coming from, who worked 60-hour weeks just to keep the lights on. If I can give someone a job, a chance to start over, that’s what this is about.”

The announcement has already generated buzz among fans and locals alike. On social media, posts on X have been filled with excitement, with many praising Eminem for continuing to invest in his hometown. “Eminem opening Hailie’s Burgers on 8 Mile is peak Detroit energy,” one user wrote. “He’s never forgotten where he came from, and now he’s giving back in such a real way.” Others have speculated about the menu, with some hoping for a “Slim Shady Slider” or a “Stan Shake,” playful nods to Eminem’s alter ego and his 2000 hit “Stan.”

Hailie Jade herself has been vocal about her support for the project. In a recent Instagram post, the influencer shared a throwback photo of her and her father from the early 2000s, captioning it, “So proud of you, Dad. Hailie’s Burgers is going to be amazing—I can’t wait for everyone to see what we’ve been working on.” Sources say Hailie has been involved in the creative process, helping to design the branding and even suggesting menu items that reflect her own tastes. Her involvement has added a layer of warmth to the project, showcasing the close relationship she shares with her father, who has often spoken about how raising her kept him grounded during the height of his fame.

For Eminem, Hailie’s Burgers is also a way to honor his late mother’s memory. Debbie Nelson, despite her rocky relationship with her son, played a significant role in his life, and her passing has prompted Eminem to reflect on the importance of family. While Mom’s Spaghetti was a playful nod to his past, Hailie’s Burgers feels like a step forward—a legacy project that ties his personal journey to his hopes for the future. “My mom always wanted me to do something that would last,” Eminem shared. “I think she’d be proud to see this, to know I’m building something for Hailie, for Detroit.”

As the opening date for Hailie’s Burgers approaches, anticipation continues to build. For Detroit, the new restaurant chain represents more than just a place to grab a burger—it’s a symbol of hope, a reminder that even in the toughest of times, the city’s spirit endures. And for Eminem, it’s a chance to give back to the community that gave him everything, while cementing his daughter’s name in the legacy he’s worked so hard to build. In a city known for its resilience, Hailie’s Burgers might just become the next chapter in Eminem’s enduring story—a story of struggle, redemption, and the unbreakable bonds of family.