New West Michigan Businesses & Restaurants to Try
Whether you’re new here or grew up here, chances are you already know about all of the old standbys in West Michigan. The question is – are you ready to try something new, maybe for your next date night idea?
Hope so, because we’ve scouted the area to create this list of new restaurants and local businesses that look like something to get excited about.
From food to retail to family activities, Grand Rapids is growing into a town that has something for everyone.
Main Event opened in Woodland Mall in August 2024
Best New Restaurants (2024 Results)
For our 2024 Best of Grand Rapids awards we asked you, our local foodies, to vote for your favorite new restaurants, and here’s what you said! We’ll update this list in the spring with 2025’s winners.
Winner: Butcher Block Social
1. Butcher Block Social
2. The Foolery
3. Scholar
4. Myrth
5. Testa Rossa Ristorante
6. K-Pocha
7. Mercadito
Running List of New Restaurants
While we do our best to keep this list current, new shops and new restaurants are always opening.
List criteria: the new restaurants must be located in Greater Grand Rapids, either local or the first-to-market of a notable chain, and, we think it’s newsworthy.
thai
Thai Table
950 Wealthy St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506
OPENED: SEPT 12, 2024
Opened by a couple who moved to GR from Thailand, this restaurant serves authentic Thai Food, Sushi and Boba tea.
indian
Roti Indian Kitchen
5070 28th St SE, Suite C, Grand Rapids, MI 49512
OPENED: AUGUST 22, 2024
The newest place to find authentic flavors of India in GR! Enjoy Butter Chicken, Tikka masala with Naan & all the Indian delicacies!
mexican
El Tapatio Mexican Grill & Bar
363 Cummings Ave NW, Walker, MI 49534
OPENED: AUGUST 22, 2024
Authentic Mexican cuisine in Walker! The menu includes classic
favorites like tacos, burritos, enchiladas, and unique specialties
that delight your taste buds. Enjoy a delicious meal in a cozy, relaxed atmosphere. Perfect for family and friends.
We love the vibrant, hand-painted art on the walls showing Mexican culture & heritage.
mediterranean
Pide & Stick
428 Bridge St NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504
OPENED: AUGUST 1, 2024
Fresh fare of the Mediterranean meets unique, bold flavors in shawarma, pide, and kebab. Pide & Stick embraces the bold and eclectic with crave-able, zesty flavors and fresh ingredients.
mexican cuisine
Lalos Mexican Grill & Bar
3910 Chicago Dr SW, Grandville, MI 49418
OPENED: JUNE 24, 2024
Offering you classic Mexican flavors with their sizzling fajitas and mouthwatering tacos that include: Steak, Pastor, Cabeza, Tripa, Lengua and many more. Pair any meal with their signature margaritas!
asian cuisine
Hong BBQ & Hot Pot
4505 Canal Ave SW, Grandville, MI 49418
OPENED: JULY 1, 2024
Bringing the comforting, classic and innovative flavors of asian BBQ and hot pot to Grandville.
italian-american
Rossana’s Table
107 E Main St SE, Caledonia, MI 49316
OPENED: JUNE 2024
Traditional pasta dishes and innovative pizzas that pay tribute to love, family and Nona’s home-cooked meals.
american
Gin Gin
345 Summer Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504
OPENED: MAY 30, 2024
A stylish & inviting restaurant offering American Classics including premium steak, pastas and seafood.
mexican
Taquero Mucho
3536 Division Ave South, Grand Rapids, MI 49548
OPENED: MAY 2024
Pink taqueria and food truck serving up fresh Mexican dishes bursting with vibrant flavors!
brunch
Brunch House
820 Forest Hills Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49548
OPENED: APRIL 2024
Find your new favorite dishes at the Brunch House. They offer a large variety of your favorites as well as rotational new dishes.
Pair it with their delightful mimosa flight and you’ll have yourself a pleasant meal.
New Businesses
We’re not all about the food. We also love new plays to shop and play!
Here’s some of our favorite new ones:
candy store
Rocket Fizz
350 84th St SW, Suite #1022, Byron Center, MI 49315
OpenED: MAY 2024
This new candy store located at Tanger Outlets in Byron Center will have your eyes and taste buds popping. Their shelves are loaded with candy from floor to ceiling.
It will be challenging to leave without finding something you like.
entertainment venue
Main Event
3121 28th St SE, Kentwood, MI 49512
OpenED: AUGUST 14, 2024
A new Family Fun Center at Woodland Mall in Kentwood. You’ll find old school arcade games, laser tag, bowling and a bar and restaurant.
retail store
Lego Store
3115 28th St SE SPACE F-104, Grand Rapids, MI 49512
OpenED: AUGUST 16, 2024
Complete with a build a mini figure station, Pick & Build Wall and so much more, you’ll find everything you’re looking for at the new Lego store!
retail store
Good Good Good
1590 Plainfield Ave NE Grand Rapids, MI 49505
OpenED: OCTOBER 2024
Wine bar, floral studio and retail bottle shop all in one! Their focus is on minimal intervention wine and sustainable floristry.
sports entertainment venue
Big Mini Putt
70 Ionia Ave SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
OpenED: OCTOBER 2024
Mini golf sports venue complete with 9 holes of golf.
The venue is complete with free and pay per play arcade games, darts, giant Jenga and a bar. Open to minors with a parent present until 7 PM.
indoor playground
Happy Kids Indoor Playground
3094 28th St SE, Kentwood, MI 49512
OpenED: DECEMBER 2024
Indoor playground for kids with serious Catch Air vibes. Ball pits, obstacle courses, pretend play, and more.
sports entertainment venue
Pickle and Pin
662 Leonard St NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504
OPENED: JANUARY 4, 2025
Sports entertainment venue complete with a pickle ball courts, golf simulators and a bar. Pay to play per game or purchase a membership
Looking for More New Restaurants & Businesses
What new places are you excited about in Grand Rapids?
We are always looking for the best new restaurants for date nights, fun new spots for families, or just plain cool new businesses.
Leave your suggestions in the comments!
Everywear Menswear Store, downtown Rockford!
A Non Alcoholic bottle shop selling NA beers, wines, and spirits opened today, November 17 at 434 Leonard Ave NW Grand Rapids 49504. They are called Alt City NA bottles and beer
Renew Mama Studio! The place for moms and families! Everything wellness!
TOOM, a Mediterranean fast food place just opened in the Cascade Meijer area, and it is so good!