When Pennapa (Mimi) Wichian and her husband, Eakkasak (Eak) Kaosa-ard, departed Bangkok, Thailand in December of 2023 to come to the U.S., they left behind vibrant streets, night markets, and family—and also weather that rarely gets below 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
A round-up of the new restaurants and other businesses in Grand Rapids and across West Michigan, as well as closings and other changes. To start, Crafted Copper opened doors in Kalamazoo at 229 E. Michigan Ave. This new bar has a wide array of cocktails, along with a tap wall and duckpin bowling. The cocktails span from classics like a Boulivardier to “Duckpond Group Cocktails” intended for 4 guests and more.
Times have changed, and here in self-proclaimed Beer City, nowhere is this more evident than craft beer. It’s not that the industry has collapsed and beer is dead, but breweries have become much more than simply a place to grab a pint of IPA. The ones that last have largely become community centers, offering a place to come and eat food, hear music, participate in events, even enjoy some pickleball or bowling.
In 2024, breweries are much more than just a place to drink beer. In fact, a portion of the brewery clientele these days don’t even touch the stuff. They’re visiting for great food, gorgeous patios, fun games, hopping events, and even cocktails. We still love craft beer in West Michigan, don’t get us wrong, but that alone is no longer enough to get most people off the couch, so the offerings keep expanding.
West Michigan is full of diverse cuisines from around the globe, and you can bring those flavors home to your own kitchen thanks to international markets of all kinds.
It’s a simple fact of the universe that I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream.
When the sun is shining and the air is thick, no beverage will cool you off quite like a frozen drink.
A round-up of the biggest openings, closings and other changes for local businesses.
When it comes to drinking in West Michigan, the tides have certainly changed over the years.
Every year, West Michigan’s food scene gets even more delicious, which is impressive, because it’s not easy to be in the restaurant industry right now.
