New Restaurants & New Businesses in Greater Grand Rapids

new restaurants greater grand rapids

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.

NOODLEPIG, a fast-casual ramen restaurant, opened in downtown Grand Rapids on Nov 9, 2022

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!

Black Napkin Burger

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.

Küsterer Brauhaus Grand Rapids

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.

Mr. and Mrs. Crab Seafood Restaurant Grand Rapids MI

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.

Brewery Nyx gluten-free

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.

barrio grand rapids restaurant

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.

Monsoon Vietnamese Restaurant Grand Rapids

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.

real seafood co

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®

grand opening bricks and minifigs lego shop

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.  

Zabhaz-vintage-grand-rapids-mi-1

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.

Zabház vintage grand rapids mi (1)

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!

Just Published

About The Author

4 thoughts on “New Restaurants & New Businesses in Greater Grand Rapids”

  1. 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

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *