A round-up of the biggest openings, closings and other changes for local businesses.
OPENED:
Street Chef Shaw opened his brick-and-mortar location, Mizizi, in Creston at 1539 Plainfield Ave. NE, Grand Rapids—the former site of Rinaldi’s. For years now, chef Kirel Shaw has been serving up a fusion of Latin American and East African street foods out of his traveling food truck (as well as City Built Brewing, for a time). Head to the cozy take-out joint next to Quinn and Tuites for quick service and delicious tacos, burritos, chappatis, pilau and more.
The people behind Social Misfits downtown expanded their kingdom into the ceded lands of Wahlburgers with The Foolery (10 Ionia Ave. NW, Grand Rapids), a “fine dive bar” serving up Detroit-style square pan pizza, nostalgic craft cocktails and cold beer. Head in to try one of their distinctly unique pies like The Short King, with poached shrimp, Spanish chorizo, pickled red onion, Foolery marinara and queso fresco.
Mangiamo is back, baby, in the historic mansion at 1033 Lake Dr. SE, Grand Rapids. After seven years away, Mangiamo has returned with elevated Italian entrees like Lobster Tail Risotto and Conchiglie al Pesto, or go for a cut of American Wagyu beef from Snake River Farms. In the basement, you’ll find the new Mo’s Lounge, a retro cocktail lounge with libations ranging from a classic Aperol Spritz to the fresh and herbal Lana del Slay. Salute!
The Caribbean Bite has joined the ranks of Studio Park (122 Oakes St. SW, Grand Rapids), quickly expanding beyond their first location in February at Rivertown Mall. While both locations serve up Puerto Rican and Dominican cuisine, the mall spot leans toward fried foods versus the healthier options of the new locale. You’ll find variations on rice, plantains, tacos, marinated meats, salad and more.
Inside of Amazing Myanmar Asian Cuisine (3740 28th St. SE, Kentwood), you’ll now find Adobo Boy, a Filipino eatery run by local icons Ace and Jackie Marasigan. Stop by to try one of the most popular dishes in the world, a Pork Adobo Bowl, and try out one of the other rotating offerings like Tinolang Manok (a warm, healthy, ginger-centric soup) or Pancit Bihon, a rice noodle dish with pork and veggies.
Eastern Kille Distillery was finally able to open its Rockford location at 7755 Childsdale Ave. NE, right down the road from Third Nature Brewing. The new production space, restaurant and cocktail bar is the first time Eastern Kille has a kitchen, and they’re serving up pizza, apps and salad alongside a seasonally revolving menu of cocktails highlighting their own spirits, of course. Head on in for a meal before or after a walk along the White Pine Trail!
Russo Ristorante & Mercato has returned, after previously closing its 28th Street and downtown GR locations. Now at Tanger Outlets, the family’s fourth, fifth and sixth generations are keeping the legacy going with a new format, serving authentic Italian cuisine, small plates and excellent wines alongside the signature market filled with carefully curated Italian and Mediterranean grocery products.
Up Leaf Café joined the lakeshore dining scene at 12371 James St., Holland. This is no ordinary café—the menu is full of rice bowls, noodle bowls, large spring rools, salads, and plant-based energy drinks. If you’re looking for healthy Asian fusion food in Holland, this is the place to be.
Photo Courtesy of Eastern Kille Distillery.
