Opening:
Congrats to Maru Sushi + Grill on the birth of its new baby sister: Ando Asian Kitchen + Bar (415 Bridge St. NW, Grand Rapids), born not in a hospital but on the ever-burgeoning Bridge Street. This new concept is run by three chefs with lifetimes of experience in Asian cuisine, bringing together Korean and Vietnamese influences to offer dishes like Galbi — marinated grilled beef short rib, kabocha puree, acorn squash, pickled yuzu marinated mustard seeds, roasted cippolini onions, miso glaze and scallion salad.
A new clothing and accessory brand just launched in the form of Eightyfive Miles (eightyfivemiles.com), run by Grand Rapids brother and sister team Brian Schwartz and Carey Potter. In Michigan, one is never more than 85 miles away from one of the Great Lakes, hence the name. Visit the website today for some hip T-shirts, both long- and short-sleeved.
Big Willy’s Italian Beef (1450 Wealthy St. SE, Grand Rapids) opened last month, serving up Italian beef sandwiches, sausages, Polish dogs and more. The menu is simple, with each sausage served one of three ways. The new Eastown restaurant uses all fresh ingredients, with no freezers or microwaves in the joint. Also try the gluten- and dairy-free Italian ice.
Buffalo Traders Lounge (950 Fulton St. NE, Grand Rapids) is now open, offering a wholly different experience from the cigar shop from which it spawned, Buffalo Tobacco Traders. At the lounge, you’ll find all kinds of craft cocktails, beer from around the world, and an excellent happy hour — cocktails start at $5 at 4 p.m. and increase by $1 per hour until 8 p.m. Plus, the interior design is just cool as heck.
Closing:
In less pleasant news, the circle of life continues its never-ending cycle. Horseshoe Smokehouse (333 Grandville Ave. SW, Grand Rapids) closed last month without much warning or explanation. The restaurant focused on Texas-style rubs, sauces and smoked meats.
Saburba (7277 Thornapple River Dr. Suite B, Ada) had to close up shop as well, citing a loss of business from nearby construction and the switch to Thornapple River Drive as a side street. The “suburban” take-out eatery offered sandwiches, Mexican food, Asian food and salads.
With Meijer moving in on Bridge Street, Duthler’s Family Foods (648 Bridge St. NW, Grand Rapids) doesn’t feel it stands much of a chance, deciding not to renew the lease on its property. This marks the second Duthler’s to shutter in the last year, following the 4 Mile location’s closing last fall.
If you have any closings, openings or other business news for REVUE, e-mail
