New West Michigan Businesses & Restaurants to Try
Hey old-timer.
We’re pretty sure 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.
Running List of New Restaurants
New restaurants are continuously added to this list. Not every new shop in town is automatically listed, though.
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.
mexican
Mercadito
1202 W. Fulton St, Grand Rapids, MI 49504
OpenING: SUMMER, 2023
Offers authentic Mexican snacks and drinks, sandwiches, salads, desserts and other quick lunch items, including vegan options.
pasta
Myrth
7423 River St SE, Ada, MI 49301
OpenING: SUMMER, 2023
A new restaurant from James Beard Award-winning chef Paul Berglund in downtown Ada. Featuring wood-fired artisan pizzas and freshly-made pastas.
american cuisine
Scholar
9 and 11 Ionia Ave. SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
OpenING: SUMMER, 2023
A high-end restaurant serving early American cuisine in a luxury setting. Will have seated dining, private spaces and a cozy lounge, while preserving and celebrating the unique history of its location, formerly J. Gardella’s Tavern.
ice cream
Elsa’s
121 Ionia Ave. SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
OpenED: JUN 30, 2023
Shop serving ice cream, frozen yogurt and other treats, as well as a host of free toppings that can be added to any frozen yogurt or ice cream purchase. Featuring ice cream from Ashby’s Sterling Ice Cream, based in Ludington and MOO-ville Creamery, a family business based in Nashville, Michigan. Also has five soft-serve machines serving a variety of frozen yogurt, frozen custard, soft-serve ice cream and dairy-free Dole Whip.
dessert bars
Qwake Bar Bakes
2927 28 St SE, Kentwood, MI 49512
OpenED: MAY 26, 2023
A family-owned and operated bakery that specializes in delicious and creative dessert bars. Menu consists of high-quality, “from-scratch” baked goods available in shop or catering.
cotton candy
Fluff Buckets Cotton Candy
3917 Leland Ave NE, Comstock Park, MI 49321
OpenED: APR 25, 2023
West Michigan’s premier cotton candy business with every fluff’n flavor of cotton candy, ice cream and delicious drinks. Featuring Build-A-Bucket concoctions with over 50 unique cotton candy flavors, ice cream, toppings and sauces.
tea
High Tea GR
1522 Wealthy St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506
OpenING: MAR, 2023
A classic, British tea time tradition featuring a variety of tea, finger sandwiches, scones, tarts and more. Food will all be made in-house by a pastry chef.
charcuterie
Graze Craze
6275 28th St. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546
OpenING: FEB, 2023
Graze-style charcuterie boards, made in house perfect for hosting a party, catering a work event, or a romantic lunch for two. Completely customizable made-to-order assortments with farm-fresh produce and house-made ingredients.
chicken
Chick’nCone
2090 Celebration Drive NE, Suite 124, Grand Rapids, MI 49525
OpenING: FEB, 2023
Grab & go comfort food featuring crispy chicken tossed with your favorite sauce and served in a hand rolled waffle cone. Also serving chicken sandwiches, tenders, loaded fries and shakes.
korean
TOASTN’ TEA
2500 E Beltline Ave Se Suite F, Grand Rapids, MI 49546
OpenED: FEB 4, 2023
Boba and eatery shop serving Korean food, tea and boba drinks. Menu features tossed wings, sandwiches, Korean nachos, Korean tacos and Vietnamese Pho.
colombian
Pochis Sweet Designs
44 Ionia SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
OpenED: JAN 16, 2023
The founder of Pochis Sweet Designs, specializing in chocolate covered strawberries and other sweets, is expanding her business with a new Colombian cafe and restaurant. The menu features coffee drinks, like Colombian espresso and cappuccino, tea, coconut lemonade, shakes and specialty drinks. There’s also Colombian food like empanadas, arepas, patacones, salchipapas, and Colombian-style hot dogs.
pastries
Chartreuse Sisters
800 Wealthy Street Southeast, Grand Rapids, MI 49506
OpenED: JAN 14, 2023
A sister-run patisserie offering unique flavors often inspired by their French-American heritage. Farm to patisserie seasonal monthly menu, featuring pastries, NA cocktails, and espresso. Their building is a beautifully restored old Pharmacy that had been abandoned since 1970!
bagels
Rad Bagels
435 Ionia Avenue Southwest, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
OpenED: JAN 13, 2023
Radical bagel shop with wild flavors. Featuring organic ingredients, whole grains and sourdough. Unique bagel and waffle sandwiches.
mexican
Tia Juana
2289 E Beltline Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525
OpenED: JAN 5, 2023
Tia Juana models its menu from Tijuana, Mexico, which has the most amazing authentic street tacos in the world. Taqueria with authentic tacos, fresh tortillas made from scratch daily, fresh ingredients, and homemade salsa.
japanese
Nagoya Hibachi Steak House & Sushi
16 Monroe Center St Ne, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
OpenED: DEC 22, 2022
Nagoya has the perfect blend of traditional & fusion Japanese Cuisine. Features sushi and has four hibachi tables.
burgers
Nonla Burger
449 Bridge St. NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504
OpenED: DEC 13, 2022
Nonla Burger is expanding from the Kalamazoo area to Grand Rapids offering burgers, barbecue chicken, hot chicken, a veggie burger, hand cut fries, salad, shakes and kids meals. The downtown location has a new-age retro diner feel with an arcade spot. Also offering a rotation of local beers and wine and some signature drinks including spiked root beer floats and boozy milkshakes.
asian
Pink Piggy
2230 Wealthy St, Grand Rapids, MI 49506
OpenED: DEC 11, 2022
A new location for Boba’s and Asian food, with well known traditional Chinese favorites as well as new eclectic items. The menu combines the owner’s mother’s cooking methods as well as her own creations. The restaurant space is inviting and contemporary.
coffee
Last Mile Cafe
1006 Hall Street Southeast, Grand Rapids, MI 49507
OpenED: DEC 4, 2022
A new café focused on sustainability, charity, and inclusivity. Serving coffee, tea, hot cocoa, fresh juice, kombucha, and more! 10% of all revenue is donated to charity.
non-alcoholic beverages
Alt City NA Bottles and Beer
434 Leonard NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504
OpenED: NOV 17, 2022
A completely alcohol-free liquor store selling zero proof cocktail mixers, spirits, beer and wines. The downtown market location also offers smoothies, teas and coffees.
mexican
El Centenario Mexican Grill
5039 28th St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49512
OpenED: NOV 2022
A new Mexican restaurant with one of the most expansive menus of its kind. featuring old favorites and hard to find dishes.
ramen
NOODLEPIG
601 Bond Ave. NW, STE 102, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
OpenED: NOV 9, 2022
Fast casual authentic Japanese ramen and boba shop with a mission to end child hunger, one bowl at a time. Fresh ramen noodles and bone broth made from scratch with high-end ingredients, boba teas, and cocktails.
cocktails
Drip Drop Cocktail Room
445 Bridge St. NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504
OpenED: NOV 8, 2022
Grand Rapids newest cocktail room serving artisan style cocktails in a comfortable, moody ambiance.
dog food
The Beastro
2309 44th St. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49508
OpenED: NOV 2022
The Beastro will serve fresh canine cuisine for your furry friends! The meals are made right in front of you with brown rice, meat, fresh veggies and fresh fruit. Products are sourced from local vendors and proceeds are donated to non-profit Paws with a Cause.
cocktails
Sip Coffee and Cocktails
806 Alger St. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49507
OpenED: OCT 26, 2022
A coffee and cocktail lounge that welcomes everyone, as long as they’re thirsty. Featuring Bold and Gritty brand coffee in its pour overs, French presses and espresso drinks with pastries, deserts and a small selection of food.
burgers+
Black Napkin Takeout
966 Fulton Street East, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
OpenED: OCT 19, 2022
Elevated fast food with a twist. Thoughtfully made with real food and high-quality ingredients. Smash burgers, chicken sandwiches, and to-die-for french fries!
mexican
Cantina Los Amigos
1 Carlton Ave SE ste a, Grand Rapids, MI 49506
OpenED: OCT, 2022
Uptown Grand Rapids bar & restaurant offering a variety of authentic Mexican plates, with an open patio and dining space with a vibrant atmosphere. Popular dishes include queso fundido, grilled elote, wet burritos, and molcajetes.
mexican
Sabor Mexicano
109 Riverside, Lowell, MI 49331
OpenED: OCT 2022
Authentic Mexican restaurant serving burritos, tacos, tortas, quesadillas, quesabirrias, and tamales, with dine-in and deck seating along the beautiful Flat River.
mediterranean
Sahara Bistro Mediterranean Cuisine
5260 Northland Dr NE Suite C Grand Rapids, MI 49525
OpenED: SEPT 2022
Sahara Bistro Mediterranean Cuisine offers middle eastern food and gourmet hamburgers made to order with the freshest ingredients. All meats are grinded in house to ensure the highest food standards are met. The diverse and flavorful menu includes shawarmas and gyros.
brewery
Küsterer Brauhaus
642 Bridge Street NW Grand Rapids, MI 49504
OpenED: Aug 16, 2022
This Bavarian-style beer hall brews its own German-style beer and lets you rent your own beer stein and store it onsite.
seafood
Mr. and Mrs. Crab Juicy Seafood & Bar
2739 Breton Rd SE Grand Rapids, MI 49546
OpenED: Aug 8, 2022
In addition to a variety of seafood options, you can also create your own customized seafood boil by picking your seafood, seasoning, and spice level.
gluten-free brewery
Brewery Nyx
506 Oakland Ave SW, Grand Rapids, MI
OpenED: July 14, 2022
Brewery Nyx is Michigan’s first and only dedicated gluten-free brewery and facility. Also, Tasting Room.
gluten-free
Papa Chops
2222 28th St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49508
OpenED: JuNE, 2022
Grand Rapids first dedicated Gluten free and Nut free fast-casual eatery that is safe for adults and children with Celiac Disease, Gluten intolerance, or other allergy needs. Drive-thru restaurant serving delicious meals-to-go, featuring American fare like house-baked pizza, burgers, loaded fries, wraps, and sandwiches.
kebabs
Backyard Restaurant & Grill
5070 28th St SE Suite C Grand Rapids, MI 49512
OpenED: JUNE 2022
Authentic Persian dishes cooked from an open kitchen where customers can watch chefs grill their orders. Beef, lamb, chicken and fish skewers, as well as rice, bread and appetizers.
tacos
barrio grand rapids
37 Ottawa Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
OpenED: JUNE 16, 2022
Barrio is best known for their build-your-own taco menu. Also, Tequila + Whiskey. The vibe at this new taco restaurant is casual.
vietnamese
Monsoon
55 Monroe Center NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
OpenED: June 2, 2022
The first authentic Vietnamese restaurant in the heart of Grand Rapids! Their open kitchen showcases traditional Vietnamese cooking.
mexican
Luna (Ada)
7471 River St. SE #120, Ada, MI 49301
OpenED: MAY 31, 2022
An extension of Luna’s downtown Grand Rapids location, Luna in Ada offers Mexican cuisine and beverages in a comfortable atmosphere with an outdoor patio. Luna works with local and independent farmers, purveyors, distributors, and producers to mix Latin American and West Michigan cultures.
seafood
Real Seafood Co
141 Lyon St. NW Grand Rapids, MI 49503
OpenED: May 23, 2022
Fresh, sustainably sourced fish and shellfish are prepared and served indoors or on the outdoor patio. Bar.
New Businesses
play cafe
Itsy Bitsy Play Cafe
5426 Northland Dr. NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525
OpenING: 2023
This cafe is a warm, engaging place for young kids to play while their parents enjoy a cup of coffee!
fitness center
Great Lakes Circus Center
3516 Roger B Chaffee Memorial Blvd, Grand Rapids, MI 49548
Opened: MAR 12, 2023
Circus arts studio providing training opportunities and offering a variety of classes including aerial silks, lyra, partner acro, conditioning, flexibility and more!
They seek to provide safe, accessible circus training and professional growth opportunities for youth and adults in a noncompetitive, collaborative, social enriching, nurturing environment.
LEGO® Shop
Bricks & Minifigs GR
2927 Breton Road SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49512
Opened: DEC 10, 2022
Bricks & Minifigs® is the Grand Rapids one-stop shop to buy, sell, and trade all things LEGO®
art & home
Modish Moth
1407 Robinson Rd SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506
OpeNED: NOV 3, 2022
Boutique centered around coffee artwork, home oddities. and baby clothes.
bookstore
Plumfield Books
574 Ada Drive SE, Ada, MI 49301
OpenED: SEPT 10, 2022
Locally owned neighborhood bookstore carrying a highly diverse collection of books. Featuring Michigan authors and community members’ recommendations.
grocery
Whole Foods Market
2897 Radcliff Ave SE, Kentwood, MI 49512
OpenED: AUG 17, 2022
Eco-minded chain with natural and organic grocery items, housewares, wine, and other products.
vintage
Zabház
222 Division Ave S, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
OpenED: Aug 17, 2022
Curated vintage home goods and wearables.
vintage
Second Vibess
13 Division Ave S, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
OpenED: Aug 13, 2022
A secondhand clothing store with a vision for reworked, vintage, and sustainable fashion.
dance studio
Midwest Movement Collective
1140 Monroe Ave NW, Suite 2103, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
OpenED: JUNE 2022
Grand Rapids’ newest dance studio and movement space, devoted to serving a diverse community of adults. Their mission is to be a valuable resource and partner in preserving and cultivating inclusive culture in pole dancing, aerial arts, yoga, and all forms of dance and movement.
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!