Throughout summer, new businesses across West Michigan have been opening doors, from sit-down restaurants to takeout eateries, clothing boutiques and vintage warehouses. Check it out.
Watusi opened at 1220 College Ave. NE, Grand Rapids (which briefly held Mai’s Thai). This cozy eatery is serving up a limited selection of dishes with a rotating menu, trying out different flavors from scratch. Right now, they’re focused on their own take on soul food, with dishes like rib plates, knuckle sandwiches, mac & cheese, and red beans & rice. They currently open at 11 a.m. until sold out, Sunday through Wednesday.
Anna’s Little Bakery opened at 5400 School Ave. Hudsonville, fulfilling the 23-year-old’s long dream of owning her own bakery. Anna’s is from-scratch, with locally sourced ingredients, Aldea Coffee drinks, house-made coffee syrups, and custom cake/catering orders.
Our Brewing of Holland opened a new location in Grand Rapids at 738 Wealthy St. SE, the former Woosah space. They’re offering up beers, ciders, and cocktails, with a space adjacent to Picnic on Wealthy—currently home to the Pacific Moon food truck, which offers creative and delicious South pacific eats.
Pauly’s Wine Experience is a new wine bar and wine shop offering a wide selection at 855 Michigan St NE, Grand Rapids, the former location of Maggie’s Bar. They aim to be affordable, unpretentious and accessible, while still offering quality wines and a warm atmosphere.
El Burrito Grill & Bar moved into the Green Well’s former location at 924 Cherry St. SE, Grand Rapids. This Mexican eatery goes beyond the typical menu of tacos, burritos and quesadillas with offerings that extend into high-end steaks, burgers, seafood and dessert.
ZINI Dining & Cocktail Lounge joined downtown Muskegon at 380 W. Western Avenue, Suite 140, offering a unique Asian multi-course meal, presented alongside the stories, traditions, and inspiration behind each dish, with handcrafted cocktail pairings. Reserve a seat during their soft launch now, or keep an eye out for the Grand Opening on September 25, Noon–2 PM.
Leon Footwear is bringing “a new era of quality leather footwear” to Saugatuck at 133 Mason St. This shop is crafting and hand-sewing shoes, boots and leather bags with love and expertise, aiming to combine comfort and quality.
Panoramic Beverage Company opened at 118 Hoffman St., Saugatuck. After years of brewing in Spain, the owners are now using fresh Michigan ingredients to craft local beer—served up in this new space that is also a tapas bar, serving beer, vermouth, “Iberico-style lomo and longaniza, 3 & 12-month aged Manchego, piquant gildas, savory canapés and albondigas.”
The Glasshouse joined the Elevated Market at 955 Godfrey Ave. SW, Grand Rapids. While Elevated already had more than 100 vendors and artisans selling home décor, furniture and vintage clothing, the Glasshouse adds roughly 50 more vendors, as well as an indoor flea market open every Saturday & Sunday. You’ll find it just steps away from Elevated, on the other side of Public Thread’s space.
Tonto’s Coney World just opened in Kalamazoo at 3621 Stadium Dr., Kalamazoo. After years of visiting Coney restaurants across the region, owner Tonto wanted to bring quality all-beef Coney dogs to Southwest Michigan. They use Coney Island Steamer buns from Metropolitan Bakery Co. in Hamtramck, and Detroit’s own National Coney Island chili.
Irie Jamminz also opened in Kalamazoo, at 3928 Portage St. They offer authentic Jamaican food, including jerk chicken, goat curry, chicken curry, oxtail and meat patties—along with sides like plantains, festivals and more.
Grand Haven got a new pizzeria in the form of The Slice Shoppe at 38 Washington Ave. The owners began with Lakeside Pizza Co in Muskegon, and expanded with this new concept that is slice-forward serving up New York Style slices and pies in a little shop downtown.
Adobe Mexican Kitchen finally moved up the street from their location on W. Fulton to 527 Bridge St. NW, Grand Rapids, in order to allow the old location to be demolished for a large mixed-use project.
After months of delays, Thai Landing was able to open at 3830 32nd Ave., Hudsonville, bringing “authentic Thai cuisine prepared from family recipes, with options for a variety of dietary needs, including many gluten-free choices.”
