Grand Rapids Magazine - September/October 2026

THE ARTS ISSUE PLUS CLEAN CUISINE

FA L L A & E G U I D E

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Artist and ArtPrize Executive Director Tyler Loftis shares his vision for Grand Rapids as Art City USA

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contents SEP TEMBER/ O CTOBER 2026 V O LU M E 6 3 , ISSUE 5

FEATURES

34

THE CIVIC CELEBRATES CENTENNIAL SE AS ON A LO O K AT T H E T H E AT R E ' S 1 0 0 Y E A R H I S TO R Y

BY CLAYTON TRUTOR

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LOFT Y AMBITIONS NEW ARTPRIZE EXECUTIVE D I R E C TO R ' S VISION FOR GR AS ART CITY USA

BY LISA ENOS

P H O T O G R A P H C O U R T E S Y C I V I C T H E AT R E

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G R A N D R A P I D S M A G A Z I N E • S E P T E M B E R /O C T O B E R 2 0 2 6

COVER MICHELLE CUPPY

contents • september/october

every issue 8 editor's letter 97 dining guide 112 gr gems

It's the 'Cans' Film Festival!

people + places 12 city

The Art of Listening, Confluence Thought Series & Oktoberfest

14 voice

Lowell author closes the final chapter on her fantasy trilogy.

16 profile

Aquinas Writers Series celebrates 30 years of sharing literary wealth.

18 issues 20

A City Within a City: Documentary examines the Black experience.

spotlight

Nailed It! West Michigan native excels in his breakout movie role.

look + feel

28

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experience

26

expert

Inside the world of Hipster Disco.

Culinary Headliner: Feeding the Acrisure Amphitheater crowd.

27 home

Don't blame the paint. It's all about the lighting.

28

wellness

30

style

An ancient healing tradition meets modern medicine.

Red, Lace & Real Life: Forest Hills native talks Clumsy Lady fashion.

food + drink 64 table

69 6

24

Clean Cuisine: Saugatuck gem puts emphasis on sourcing.

68

create

69

cheers

70

must try

72

on-the-go

A delicious game-day dip for the carb-conscious.

Sunday brunch meets the Big Easy.

Sports Bar Trifecta: Great food and service plus a whole lotta screens.

Yesterdog, our city's famous hot dog haven, celebrates 50 years.

LINDA AND DR. TONY FOSTER BREE ROSE CREATIVE TAO HE DAVID SPARKS SUGAH PLEASE TERI GENOVESE

Covering Grand Rapids Since 1964 www.grmag.com | info@grmag.com Publisher: Jason Hosko

For the Exceptional and the Essential

Editorial Editor-in-Chief: Lisa Enos Special Projects Editors: Olivia Sedlacek, Morgan Brown Contributors: Ann Byle, Chris Cosmos, Kelsey Dunneback, Matthew Rothenberg, Pasha Shipp, Clayton Trutor Design & Production Creative Director: Lindsay Richards Art Directors: Kevin Martin, Steven Prokuda Production Manager: Crystal Nelson Graphic Designer: Joe Salafia Production Assistant: Alessandra Taranta Account Manager: Elizabeth Kowalik Contributors: Michelle Cuppy, Stacy Feyer-Salo, Teri Genovese, Amanda Kamppinen, Kristen Norman, Bree Rose, David Sparks Sales General Inquiries: (616) 459-4545; advertising@hour-media.com Media Advisors: Nick Irwin, Maddy Gill, Stephanie Scott Media Associate: Ariana Biondo Digital Director of Digital Strategy: Travis Fletcher Digital Development Manager: Matthew Cappo Senior Digital Development Specialist: Luanne Lim Digital Development Specialist: Brian Paul

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Grand Rapids Magazine USPS 997340, (ISSN 1055-5145) Copyright © 2026 by Hour Media LLC is published bi-monthly by Hour Media, 5750 New King Drive, Suite 100, Troy, MI 48098.

Call (866) 660-6247 to subscribe. Periodicals postage is paid at Troy, MI, and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Grand Rapids Magazine, 5750 New King Drive, Suite 100, Troy, MI 48098. Subscription rates: one year $24, two years $34, three years $44, in continental U.S.; Alaska, Hawaii, Canada and U.S. possessions, one year $35. Subscriptions are not retroactive; single issue and newsstand $5.95 (by mail $7.50); back issue $7 (by mail $9), when available. Advertising rates and specifications at grmag.com or by request. Grand Rapids Magazine is not responsible for unsolicited contributions.

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GR M AG .CO M

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editor's letter / connect

Art City USA The energy of fall in Grand Rapids is unmistakable. There’s something in the air when those first cool breezes start blowing downtown—a feeling that the city is shifting into another gear, as people return from their summer escapes Up North and along the shoreline.

This season, we’re stepping into uncharted waters.

An expanded ArtPrize, lasting almost an entire month and with a new festival director at the helm, leads the way. Our cover story takes a look at Tyler Loftis, his quest to turn Grand Rapids into Art City USA and his vision for making it the Florence (Italy) of America.

Appropriate for this, our annual Arts issue, we’re also celebrating 100 years of the Grand Rapids Civic Theatre, one of the oldest arts organizations in the city. A century of storytelling, community and the stage that helped shape Grand Rapids is a milestone worth celebrating.

But the arts here have never stayed neatly on the stage or inside a gallery.

They spill into the streets, classrooms, restaurants and unexpected corners of the city. We meet fantasy author LeAnn Kelley, creating fantastical worlds one book at a time, and celebrate 30 years of Aquinas College’s Contemporary Writers Series and the remarkable authors it has brought to West Michigan.

We also look at a documentary exploring Grand Rapids’ Black experience and the divide between two realities of one city.

Beyond the big stories, there’s plenty to explore this fall. Our arts calendar is packed with music, dance, theater, galleries and festivals, while elsewhere in the issue we meet a fashion college graduate, Alexa Taylor, whose collection recently landed on Vogue Runway. Pasha Shipp takes us inside the wild world of Hipster Disco's Halloween party, we go behind the scenes with the chef responsible for feeding thousands at Acrisure Amphitheater, and we take a closer look at the complicated relationship between paint and lighting in a home.

Then there’s food. A Saugatuck standout, a new breakfast bar, game-day favorites and 50 years of Yesterdog.

Fall is here. Let’s see where it takes us.

FEATURED CONTRIBUTOR

Bree Byle GR Mag: How long have you been a GR Mag photographer?

Bree Byle: I’ve been shooting for GR Mag for about a year, starting with photos for a story on junk journals. I started Bree Rose Creative five years ago, but have taken photos professionally for 15 years.

GR Mag: Favorite photo assignment so far?

BB: I loved the "Thrifting is Nifty" article. I enjoyed the creativity of getting interesting detail shots and creative wide shots of the different thrift locations.

Warm regards, Lisa Enos Editor-in-Chief, Grand Rapids Magazine

T he best ways to reach us: Email: lenos@hour-media.com. Be sure to include your name, address and daytime phone number. Or follow us online at grmag.com or on social media: @grmag @grmagazine @grmagazine

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people+places THE GUIDE TO YOUR CITY

Breakout Role SPOTLIGHT

page 20

» PLUS: FALL A&E GUIDE AUTHORITY FIGURES A CITY WITIHN A CITY

P H OTO G R A P H BY DAV I D S PA R K S GR M AG .CO M

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people + places / city

CITY

The Art of Listening

A portrait sitting in an art studio recently opened the door to a much broader conversation. Grand Valley Artists, a nearly 70-year-old organization dedicated to supporting local artists through livemodel sessions, exhibitions and critiques, invited Grand Rapids City Manager Mark Washington to take part in one of the art's best-kept creative traditions: portraiture.

The live portrait session doubled as a conversation about the future of the arts in Grand Rapids. As charcoal, chalk, and paint took shape, members of the organization discussed the challenges facing local artists, including the absence of a citywide arts council and the void left by the closing of Festival of the Arts after its 55-year run.

While ArtPrize transforms Grand Rapids into an international arts destination each fall, Grand Valley Artists continues its quieter mission of bringing artists together at its 29th Street studio year-round.

Washington's visit offered a reminder that the city's creative ecosystem depends not only on marquee events but also on organizations that have faithfully nurtured working artists for generations. Learn more at grandvalleyartists.org.

Confluence Thought Series Confluence Festival, a free two-day celebration of art, music, science and technology, returns Sept.

17-18 to Kendall College of Art and Design. The annual downtown Grand Rapids event features interactive exhibits, robotics showcases, esports tournaments and hands-on STEAM activities for all ages. This year, the festival’s Thought Series, “Born From Innovation,” will bring together 24 leaders in technology, health care, aerospace, sustainability and business for conversations on artificial intelligence, innovation and the future of West Michigan’s evolving industries alongside the two-day festival, now in its fifth year.

The event includes behind-the-scenes tours at Array of Engineers and the Grand Rapids Chamber. Each half-day of the Thought Series will culminate in a field trip, giving attendees a closer look at the organizations and teams behind some of the region’s work in engineering, economic development and community issues. For details and the full Thought Series schedule, visit confluencefest.com/thought-series.

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Raise Your Stein Oktoberfest GR returns to Riverside Park Sept.

25–26, 2026, for a weekend of authentic German food, imported beer, live music, and cultural festivities celebrating the traditions of Bavaria. The festival runs Friday from 3–10 p.m. and Saturday from noon–10 p.m., with familyfriendly activities, German bands, alphorn musicians and plenty of “Prost!” moments. For details, visit OktoberfestGR.com.

MARK WASHINGTON PORTRAIT BY DIANE HAWORTH LOGO COURTESY OF CONFLUENCE OKTOBERFEST COURTESY ART

people + places / guide GUIDE

Arts & Entertainment A curated guide to the standout music, theater, art and cultural experiences shaping Grand Rapids this fall— from citywide celebrations to can’t-miss exhibitions.

BY LISA ENOS

Tony Cragg’s Bent of Mind greets visitors at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, a perennial destination for fine art and music lovers.

Oct. 2-3

Oct. 13-18

Grand Rapids Symphony: “The Music of Star Trek” DeVos Performance Hall Bob Bernhardt conducts an evening celebrating iconic music from the “Star Trek” franchise as part of the Fox Motors Pops Series.

Broadway Grand Rapids presents “The Notebook” DeVos Performance Hall The Broadway adaptation of Nicholas Sparks’ bestselling novel comes to Grand Rapids.

Oct. 3

ArtPrize Awards Celebration Acrisure Amphitheater The ArtPrize finale features the awards ceremony, special performances and a fashion presentation by RC Caylan Atelier.

Oct. 15

BRAVO! 2026 GLC Live at 20 Monroe The Grand Rapids Symphony’s annual gala celebrates the opening of the new season and Music Director Marcelo Lehninger’s 10th season with dinner, live performances and community awards.

Oct. 16-18 and Oct. 23-25

Through Jan. 10, 2027

Sept. 11-27

CHIHULY: Radiant Forms Exhibition Extended Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park Due to popular demand, the indoor CHIHULY: Radiant Forms exhibition at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park has been extended through Jan. 10, 2027. The exhibition showcases Dale Chihuly’s vibrant, large-scale glass sculptures. The outdoor CHIHULY exhibition remains on view through Nov. 1, 2026.

“Come From Away” Grand Rapids Civic Theatre The Tony Award-winning musical tells the true story of a small Newfoundland town that welcomed thousands of stranded airline passengers following the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks.

Sept. 14

Indigo Girls Frederik Meijer Gardens Amphitheater

Sept. 19

Opera Grand Rapids at ArtPrize Rosa Parks Circle Opera Grand Rapids presents a free live performance as part of ArtPrize programming.

Sept. 19

The B-52s with Devo Acrisure Amphitheater

Sept. 12

Alabama with Craig Morgan Van Andel Arena The band that helped bring country music into the mainstream performs with special guest Craig Morgan.

Sept. 3-19

“Sister Act” Circle Theatre, Aquinas Performing Arts Center This feel-good musical comedy smash, based on the hit 1992 film was nominated for five Tony Awards, including Best Musical.

performances, tours and special events taking place throughout the city.

Sept. 12-Oct. 3

ArtPrize 2026 Downtown Grand Rapids Grand Rapids transforms into a citywide celebration of art during ArtPrize 2026. Preview Week runs Sept. 12-17, followed by the official competition Sept. 18–Oct. 3 with exhibitions, installations,

Oct. 3

Grand Rapids Ballet Gala Grand Rapids Art Museum Oct. 8

Kenny Barron Trio St. Cecilia Music Center Jazz legend Kenny Barron performs as part of St. Cecilia Music Center’s fall concert series.

Grand Rapids Ballet: “Broken Wings” Peter Martin Wege Theatre The production features Frida Kahloinspired choreography

by Annabelle Lopez Ochoa and James Sofranko’s “A Dreamer.”

Oct. 20

Dan Tyminski Band St. Cecilia Music Center Grammy-winning bluegrass and Americana artist Dan Tyminski performs live.

Sept. 22

Mumford & Sons — Acrisure Amphitheater Sept. 25-26 Sept. 15-20

Broadway Grand Rapids presents “Hell’s Kitchen” DeVos Performance Hall Alicia Keys’ Tony Awardwinning musical comes to Grand Rapids as part of the Broadway Grand Rapids season.

Sept. 16

Switchfoot Frederik Meijer Gardens Amphitheater

MEIJER GARDENS MICHAEL MORAN HELL'S KITCHEN MARC J. FRANKLIN BALLET COURTESY OF GR BALLET CHAMBER OF MUSIC SOCIETY CHERYLYNNTSUSHIMA MORAN

Grand Rapids Symphony: “Simon Trpčeski Plays Prokofiev” DeVos Performance Hall John Corigliano’s “Promenade Overture”; Prokofiev’s “Piano Concerto No. 3”; Rachmaninoff’s “Symphony No. 2” Marcelo Lehninger, conductor| Simon Trpčeski, piano

Oct. 9

An Evening with John Cusack GLC Live at 20 Monroe Oct. 9-10

Grand Rapids Symphony: “America at 250” DeVos Performance Hall Joan Tower’s “Made in America”; Z. Randall Stroope’s “Franklin”; Amy Beach’s “Symphony in E Minor (“Gaelic”)” Cosette Justo Valdés, conductor, Grand Rapids Symphony Chorus.

Oct. 29

Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center St. Cecilia Music Center One of the nation’s premier chamber ensembles returns for an evening of classical music.

Event details may change.

Check websites or call ahead!

GR M AG .CO M

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As autumn settles across West Michigan and readers begin reaching for stories filled with magic, mystery and creatures lurking beyond the ordinary world, local author LeAnn Kelley has perfect timing.

The Lowell native recently completed Horizons, the third and final installment in her fantasy trilogy, The Tales of Iryvalya.

The series follows Nyrieve — often called Naive — a young heroine raised in a fairy orphanage who discovers she is actually descended from two rival elven bloodlines locked in a centuries-old conflict. A prophecy foretells that a child born from both factions will one day end the war and restore peace to the realm.

It's a story packed with enchanted forests, magical creatures, ancient secrets and, in the trilogy's finale, the return of dragons long believed extinct.

For Kelley, the journey to creating Iryvalya began much earlier than the books themselves.

VOICE

Dragons & Prophecies Lowell native LeAnn Kelley closes the final chapter on her fantasy trilogy — just in time for spooky-season.

BY LISA ENOS

West Michigan author LeAnn Kelley’s Horizons is the third and final installment in her fantasy trilogy, The Tales of Iryvalya.

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PORTRAIT, BOOK COVER COURTESY OF LEANN KELLEY

people + places / voice

"The first time I started writing was second grade," she said during a recent interview. After winning a district writing contest that included both storytelling and illustrations, she became convinced she would someday be an author.

Life, however, had other plans.

For years, Kelley started projects only to abandon them a few chapters in. It wasn't until an idea arrived unexpectedly while sitting in a theater that she found the story she couldn't let go.

That spark became Bloodlines, the first book in the trilogy.

The premise centers on Nyrieve, who was given up by her parents after being born with a mysterious mark connected to prophecy. Raised among fairies, she grows up believing she is one herself. As the story unfolds, she discovers not only her true heritage but her place in a much larger conflict.

Kelley immersed herself in building the world around her heroine. Iryvalya features its own geography, cultures and mythology. The realm has two suns. Elves bear markings connected to their destinies.

Hair colors shift throughout their lives.

The author's website even includes maps, glossaries and pronunciation guides for the original words she created.

"I like the big world that doesn't have to abide by real-world constraints," Kelley said.

Fantasy wasn't always her genre of choice. Much of her early writing focused on paranormal themes rather than epic fantasy. That said, she grew up reading authors such as J.R.R. Tolkien. Other literary influences included Laurel K. Hamilton, Susan Kay and Mario Puzo.

As she developed Iryvalya, she found herself continually surprised by where the story led.

"I don't have an idea of how it's supposed to go," she said. "Just a rough idea."

The result has been trilogy that appeals to a surprisingly broad audience.

Kelley originally envisioned the books as young adult fiction, but says her readers range from middle-school students to retirees. She recalls meeting one reader at Grand Rapids Comic Con who followed the series through multiple installments and appreciated the intelligence of the characters.

While the books feature romance, Kelley intentionally keeps the content family-friendly.

"I wanted my kids to be able to read them PHOTOSCOURTESY OF LEANN KELLEY

The Trilogy at a Glance

The Tales of Iryvalya: Bloodlines An orphan raised among fairies discovers she is the subject of an ancient prophecy.

The Tales of Iryvalya: Crossroads Nyrieve's search for truth deepens as alliances shift and the fate of the realm hangs in the balance.

The Tales of Iryvalya: Horizons The trilogy concludes with dragons emerging from the shadows as Nyrieve seeks to unite a divided world and expose centuries of deception.

and not be like, 'Eww, Mom,'" she said.

That emphasis on accessibility reflects Kelley's own relationship with books.

Growing up in rural Michigan, reading became both entertainment and escape. She describes herself as someone who often lived in her imagination, creating stories while exploring the woods around her home. As an adult, she learned she had ADHD and came to better understand why reading and writing had always held such a powerful pull.

The themes woven through Nyrieve's journey mirror some of Kelley's own experiences.

At its heart, the trilogy is about identity: discovering who you are, understanding where you come from and learning how those truths can positively affect the people around you.

Those ideas took shape during a period of transition in Kelley's own life. She moved from Michigan to Albuquerque, New Mexico, in 2009, later spent time in Florida and eventually returned to her home state. She holds a psychology degree from Central New Mexico University and balances writing with family life and running her independent publishing company, LeAnn Kelley Enterprises.

Like many independent authors, Kelley faced years of rejection and unanswered queries while seeking literary representation. Rather than shelving the project, she and her husband saved money, launched an LLC and built the series through grassroots efforts.

Today, all three books are available in print and e-book formats, with Bloodlines also available as an audiobook narrated by Rosie Cusak. The trilogy can be found at Schuler Books and through major online retailers.

Kelley's confidence as an author has grown with her readership.

"I like the big world that doesn't have to abide by real-world constraints."

LEANN KELLEY

For years, encouragement came primarily from family and friends. Then convention attendees started asking when the next book would arrive.

"After the last comic con, people came and asked me for my third book," Kelley said.

That validation helped convince her that the stories resonated beyond her immediate circle.

Now that Horizons has completed Nyrieve's arc, Kelley isn't quite finished with Iryvalya. Her next project is a companion compendium featuring expanded lore, character histories and commissioned artwork exploring creatures such as dragons and gargoyles.

Some fans have even suggested adapting the setting into a tabletop role-playing game.

For Kelley, that's part of the reward of creating a fully realized fantasy world: watching readers want to spend more time there.

And in a season when dragons, prophecies, magical forests and ancient rivalries feel especially at home on a bedside table, readers may find that Iryvalya offers exactly the kind of escape autumn was made for.

GR M AG .CO M

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people + places / p ofile

PROFILE

Authority Figures Writers Series Celebrates 30 Years of Sharing Literary Wealth

BY ANN BYLE PHOTOGRAPHY BY BREE ROSE

Linda Nemec Foster and Dr. Tony Foster, founders of the Aquinas College Contemporary Writers Series, at their home surrounded by mementos from the series, including photos with visiting authors and promotional materials from past events.

16

“Do you know what you have here? You have one of the best reading series in the country,” said world-renowned Irish poet Seamus Heaney before he stepped on stage at the Aquinas College Contemporary Writers Series back in 2006.

He was speaking to CWS cofounder Linda Nemec Foster. He had made Grand Rapids part of his seven-city tour that included Los Angeles, New York, and Atlanta at the recommendation of former CWS guest, novelist Michael Ondaatje.

Foster remembers that exchange as if it were yesterday, a testament to the CWS, her dreams, and the city’s love of the arts.

“When I was a student at Aquinas, I heard about events happening at other institutions and thought it would be great if Aquinas could do that,” she said. “Not just for students but for the West Michigan community, and not just local talent but people we wouldn’t normally see.”

Foster and her husband, Dr. Tony Foster, were returning from the funeral of poet Larry Pike in 1995 when her dream of a writer series revived. Pike had started a series at Macomb County Community College and the Fosters saw the possibilities for Aquinas. Linda Foster approached faculty members and administration,

G R A N D R A P I D S M AGA Z I N E • S P T E M B E R / O C TO B E R 2 0 2 6

including then-president Paul Nelson, and all thought it was a grand idea.

That dream came to fruition in 199798 with the first season of the CWS, which featured writers Marilyn Nelson, Stephen Dunn, Li-Young Lee, and Naomi Shihab Nye. Three of the four have returned for another visit to the CWS in the ensuing years.

The Fosters helped fund the operating budget through the years, and as of March 2012 the CWS is funded through an endowment in perpetuity thanks to the Fosters.

“We wanted not just poets, but all genres,” said Linda Foster, herself an awardwinning poet and the first Poet Laureate of Grand Rapids. “We’ve had playwrights, novelists, creative nonfiction writers, memoirists, and spoken word poets.”

Amy Dunham Strand is chair of the English department at Aquinas and former director of the Jane Hibbard Idema Women’s and Gender Studies Center, which has co-sponsored CWS writers over the years including Sarah Kay, Deborah Blum, Amanda Stern, Kyd Kane, and Aimee Nezhukumatathil.

“The CWS has put Grand Rapids and Aquinas on the map for these writers

p ofile / people + places

as a series they want to be part of,” said Strand. “It’s a real gem for the community and students, who get to have craft talks and activities with these writers. And for the community, it’s open to the public and free.”

The new CWS director as of this year is Christina Radisauskas, also director of the Grace Hauenstein Library on the Aquinas campus.

For Linda Nemec Foster and Tony Foster, it’s about love for writing and the arts.

“I’d like the series to not only continue in perpetuity, but to share the wealth of great writing by acclaimed poets and writers,” said Linda Foster.

“To listen to a superb poet, to hear an extraordinary novelist or short story writer, to see a fine memoirist or essayist share their work—all of these experiences are amazing. I’d like the CWS to continue to share these experiences, expanding the community’s love and appreciation for the literary arts,” she said.

The Aquinas Contemporary Writers Series 2026-2027 Season September 17

Sarah Kay Spoken word poet and TED speaker 6 p.m., Wege Ballroom, Wege Student Center November 12

Joy Harjo 23rd U.S. Poet Laureate 6 p.m., Wege Ballroom, Wege Student Center

,

February 18 2027

Celebration of Student Poetry Students from Calvin University, GVSU, GRCC, and Aquinas College read their poems 6-7 p.m., Kretschmer Recital Hall, Art & Music Center Poet and performer Sarah Kay speaks at Aquinas College as part of the Contemporary Writers Series. Known for her acclaimed spoken-word performances and widely viewed TED Talk, Kay is also the co-director of Project V.O.I.C.E., which uses poetry to empower young people. The author of B, No Matter the Wreckage and A Little Daylight Left, Kay first appeared at Aquinas in 2015 and will return to the college on Sept. 17, 2026.

IMAGES COURTESY OF AQUINAS

March 18, 2027

Luis Alberto Urrea Pulitzer Prize finalist, poet, novelist, essayist at 6 p.m., Wege Ballroom, Wege Student Center G R M AG .CO M

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people + places / issues

Middle left (in color): Director Marvin Towns, wearing a cap with headphones around his neck, rests his head on his hand amid images from his documentary, A City Within a City.

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MOVIE STILLS COURTESY OF TODD E. ROBINSON

people + places / issues

ISSUES

A City Within A City Documentary explores the parallel histories of Grand Rapids.

BY LISA ENOS

Beneath Grand Rapids’ reputation for growth and prosperity lies a deeper history many residents have never fully seen. A new documentary based on a book of the same name, A City Within a City: The Black Freedom Struggle in Grand Rapids, Michigan, examines generations of Black organizing, resistance, culture and community-building that helped shape the city while often remaining outside mainstream narratives.

After nearly nine years of research, organizing, filming, editing, and community engagement, the Grand Rapids Media Initiative and Film Incubator (GRMiFi), together with Grand Stand Pictures and local partners, are nearing completion of the project. A sneak preview earlier this year at Wealthy Theatre gave audiences an early look at segments of the rough cut while filmmakers continued raising funds to complete post-production.

“This film is nearly 9 years in the making,” said Rodney Brown, President of GRMiFi and producer of the ACWAC film. “It exists because of our deep personal commitment as Black people born and raised in Grand Rapids that love our community. We felt a responsibility to document our history with accuracy, dignity, and power. This is narrative justice. This is community memory work. And this is about ensuring that the next generation understands the shoulders they stand on.”

The documentary traces decades of institutional inequities and grassroots activism in Grand Rapids, documenting how Black residents created spaces for economic opportunity, political advocacy, and cultural expression despite barriers in housing, employment, and public life. Organizers behind the film describe it as both a historical record and an effort to preserve institutional memory before firsthand accounts are lost.

Veteran filmmaker Marvin Towns directs the project. The Chicago-born filmmaker, now based in Detroit, was brought into the project after a decades-spanning career in feature films, television, and award-winning short films.

For Towns, the documentary’s exploration of 'A City Within a City' is not confined to the past. During a recent conversation with Grand Rapids Magazine while in town for the sneak MOVIE STILLS, COVER COURTESY OF TODD E. ROBINSON

preview, Towns referenced the Feb. 18, 2026 shooting on Eastern Avenue SE — in which a man later died after being shot by a Grand Rapids police officer during an attempted arrest — as part of the contemporary backdrop that continues to shape conversations around race, policing, visibility, and institutional trust in the city.

Brown emphasized that financial contributions from West Michigan’s philanthropic sector reflect the broader community’s support for the project.

“We are deeply grateful for the local philanthropic community leaders who believed in the importance of documenting Black history and lifting up institutional memories in Grand Rapids,” Brown said.

“Their investments signaled that this story matters—not just to Black residents, but to the integrity of the entire city.”

Investors include Steelcase Foundation, Robert Pew Foundation, Kate Pew Wolters Foundation, W.K. Kellogg Foundation, Frey Foundation, Grand Rapids Community Foundation, and Wege Foundation, which has also supported other related community storytelling and educational initiatives connected to GRMiFi. “All of these investments from our community is making this all possible,”

Brown added. “This is what happens when a city chooses to invest in truth and opportunity.”

The production team was busily completing post-production work at the time this magazine went to print, including final editing, music scoring, and visual effects.

"We haven't decided on the distributor as of today," said Towns in August while preparing for an August 28 screening.

"Multiple distributors want the film."

The date of the screening was deliberate.

"August 28 holds significance to Black America and that's why we've chosen it," Towns said. The Slavery Abolition Act was passed in 1833.

To complete post-production and position the documentary for festivals, marketing, and screenings, GRMiFi is currently raising its final funding goal.

“We are in the final stretch,” Brown said.

“Raising the remaining funds will allow us to finish with excellence and ensure this film travels far beyond Grand Rapids. This story deserves national visibility.”

Donations can be made through the Posterity Films fundraising page at Honeycomb Credit to support completion of the film and expansion of GRMiFi’s broader incubator and community storytelling efforts.

“This film is more than a documentary,” Brown concluded. “It is a declaration that Black history in Grand Rapids is not marginal—it is foundational. This film helps build a platform for more beautiful, dynamic, diverse and compelling stories that can be told from Grand Rapids.”

Above: Cover art for the book A City Within a City. At right: Author, historian and professor Todd E. Robinson is interviewed for the documentary.

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19

people + places / spotlight Actor and West Michigan native Robert Malcolm Cumming visits Yesterdog.

SPOTLIGHT

Nailed It! From working with his hands to becoming a leading man, Robert Malcolm Cumming built career from ground up.

BY LISA ENOS // PHOTOGRAPHY BY DAVID SPARKS

Before Robert Malcolm Cumming was portraying a British musician on screen, he was a kid from West Michigan who never imagined acting could become a career.

Born in Grand Rapids and raised in nearby Stevensville, Cumming graduated from Lakeshore High School in 2010 with a love for music and performing in school plays.

Hollywood wasn't part of the plan.

"It wasn't really a possibility growing up in Michigan," he says.

But that changed almost overnight.

While family members who worked in television were visiting Michigan, one of their production assistants unexpectedly quit.

Cumming was offered the job. He was working in the building trades at the time, so he finished up a tiling job he was working on, packed his bags, and headed to Los Angeles.

What began as a production assistant position became a three-year education in how Hollywood really works.

His uncle, acclaimed showrunner John McNamara (Aquarius, The Magicians), became an early example of the kind of leader Cumming hopes to emulate.

"I watched how he treated people," Cumming says. "He took care of his crew. You hear stories about directors and showrunners letting power go to their heads, but he was the opposite. He'd pay for food trucks out of his own pocket. It showed me how collaborative filmmaking can be."

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Rather than immediately chasing the spotlight, Cumming quietly absorbed everything around him.

"I learned pretty quickly that if someone asked me to do something, I said yes."

That mentality carried him well beyond his days as a PA. He worked as a grip and in fabrication carpentry, while eventually leaning into the camera department and learning the technical side of cinematography.

"When you've worked in every department, you develop a respect for everyone on set."

His dream collaborators read like a who’s who of A-list creatives, from Derek Cianfrance and Paul Thomas Anderson to Justine Triet and John Carpenter, while his acting influences range from Philip Seymour Hoffman and Heath Ledger to Martin Short and John Candy. Author Jim Harrison’s Brown Dog stories are among his favorite works of literature.

Eventually, he enrolled in the Baron Brown Acting Conservatory in Santa Monica, completing the demanding two-and-a-half-year program while continuing to work behind the scenes.

Today, after more than 13 years in Los Angeles, Cumming is beginning to see those years of preparation pay off.

His biggest opportunity so far is Elijah Peel, a feature film that was generating a lot of buzz just prior to its release in August.

The film follows the title character, played

by Cumming. The stadium-filling rock star's

G R A N D R A P I D S M AGA Z I N E • S E P T E M B E R / O C TO B E R 2 0 2 6

life spirals due to addiction, and a heart attack forces him to confront everything he's become. During his recovery, an unlikely friendship with a remarkable young girl changes his perspective and sets him on a path toward redemption.

Music was central to the role, but it wasn't why Cumming landed it.

"They cast me before they even knew I could sing," he laughs.

One of the film's most demanding scenes required him to perform while singing live at the piano—a skill he had to learn almost from scratch.

"I knew the white keys and a few songs in the key of C." Another surprise? His accent.

Despite growing up in Michigan, Cumming plays the role using a British Cockney dialect (he learned from watching Peaky Blinders) so convincingly that audiences regularly assume he's actually British. Off-screen, however, there's no mistaking his Midwestern roots.

"I always get told, 'I knew you were a Midwest boy.'"

He's still trying to figure out exactly what people mean by that.

"My guess is it's the humility," he said, illustrating it with an example.

"When you're hiking here, you nod at everyone you pass. You strike up a conversation and you're still yelling back and forth a hundred yards down the trail."

That openness, he says, disappears in many larger cities.

"In the Midwest, you just treat everybody the same."

Even with a lead role arriving and bigger auditions beginning to roll in, Cumming isn't pretending life suddenly became glamorous.

He still works carpentry jobs between acting gigs and recently wrapped a stretch of 12- to 15-hour workdays.

At the time this publication went to print, he was back in West Michigan, spending time with family and relaxing while preparing for whatever comes next.

"I want to get my head and body in the best place I can," he says. "I think some big auditions are coming."

Cumming knows success isn't simply about landing the next role. It's about earning the respect of the people around you. That perspective may be the most Michigan thing about him. With Elijah Peel now entering the world and bigger opportunities on the horizon, West Michigan audiences may be watching the beginning of something much bigger for a hometown actor.

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STYLE

Runway Moment page 30

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P H O T O G R A P H Y C O U R T E S Y O F A L E X A C L A I R E TAY L O R GR M AG .CO M

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look + feel / expe ience

EXPERIENCE

A Night Out Like No Other Inside Hipster Disco’s Curated Party Experience

I

BY PASHA SHIPP

’ve been to just about every type of Hipster Disco party. You have your signature events, like the annual Halloween and New Year’s Eve parties, where the crew goes all out with space design and décor styling to create an unforgettable experience. Last Halloween featured a giant welded cage bedecked with red LEDs where the DJs played surrounded by costumed revelers. Then throughout the year, they’ll throw a themed bash, like “Cinco de Disco,” “Electric Rodeo,” or “HD 007 Disco Never Dies” where they bring in set pieces and other elements that match the aesthetic– 24

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including but limited to mariachi bands and mechanical bulls.

Hipster Disco is the brainchild of Chris “Riv” Rivera and Edgar Hernandez, two friends who wanted to transform Grand Rapids nightlife into something truly spectacular. The enterprise hosts highcaliber parties across the city all year long, inviting guests to enjoy their one-of-a-kind experiences. Rivera leans more into the curation and coordination of the events, while Hernandez uses his art background to focus on space installations and graphic design.

“Hipster Disco emerged after COVID,” Hernandez said. “There were places that we

Guests dance beneath disco lights in the Women’s Way tunnel near the Grand Rapids Children’s Museum during “Disco Ball & Chain,” a Valentine’s Daythemed pop-up event organized by Ronald Rivera as a 2023 grant activation for Downtown Grand Rapids Inc.

PHOTO COURTESY OF DOWNTOWN GRAND RAPIDS INC.

look + feel / expe ience

used to frequent, like Rocky’s and these other smaller parties where all the cool cats would go and hang out and dance. Riv brought up this idea of a party series similar to those. We threw a party and it sold out. We did it again, and again, and again, and again.”

Getting dressed for an HD production is a treat. Sure, you can get away with a casual look for most events, but where’s the fun in that? The “Disco Tonk” party saw patrons clad in bolo ties and Western wear, while the “Spy vs Spy” DJ face off this past May was a monochromatic black and white affair. And of course, every New Year’s Eve extravaganza is a stunning display of tuxedos, sequined gowns, and other finery. I myself have worn an LBD, lacy gloves, and a feathered fascinator for the occasion.

Perhaps one of the most interesting draws of a Hipster Disco experience is the flash tattoos. Yes, you read that right. For each event, the team designs a sheet of tattoos tailored to the theme, and guests can get inked on-site by licensed tattoo artists.

Reuben Garcia leads the tattoo side of the operation, adding another layer to the visual world the team builds for each party.

Kevin Wolfrom, the group’s resident live painter and creative collaborator, is also part of the core crew, and depending on the event, the team brings in local artists, organizations and sponsors to help shape the experience.

Past partners have included Downtown Grand Rapids Inc., Lucid Aesthetic, Nick Oudsema (artist), and Joseph Horn (Velvet Fox Events + Media), with support from brands like Bell’s, Modelo, and Tito’s Vodka.

As for venues, they’ve hosted events at Four Star Theater, Luna, SILVA, AK Rikks, Studio COR3, and Linear, just to name a few.

“I think we've been very fortunate to work with amazing, creative people, and it's really helped us to transform spaces and make them come to life,” Rivera said.

“A huge part of what Hipster Disco does is we take unassuming spaces and spaces that normally are not designated to host dance parties and for that one night completely transform them.”

People from all walks of life show up for HD events. I met a mom in her 40s last Halloween dressed as Rumi from “KPop Demon Hunters.” When I complimented her choice of costume, she was delighted, telling me how much her daughter loved the movie. At that same party, I chatted with a pair of clowns who pulled a rainbow of handkerchiefs out of their sleeves.

“We've definitely hosted and continue PHOTO SOPHIA/FITA FILMS

to host a very diverse crowd,” Rivera said.

“People who really like to let their freak flag fly, if you will, and are there for the music.

There are a lot of regulars, which is a very positive trend that we're doing something right because people are repeat customers.

The LGBTQ+ community is also heavily represented at our events, and that for us is really cool; people feel welcome, people feel safe, people feel accepted.”

“One thing that has been a standout that I'm very proud of is when we have our debrief with a venue following up on an event, they usually praise our guests and how respectful everyone is,” Hernandez said. “I really love that about our parties. There is a sense of unity and community; everyone's respectful to the staff and to each other.”

Wondering what music to expect? The DJs are handpicked by the HD team to play tracks that fit the vibe of the party. You can expect house, disco, and techno music with plenty of bassline, from local DJs and duos like Carto, Swordfight, and Rivera and Hernandez themselves as Ronnie Ferrari and EZ-E respectively. While you may not hear songs you know, the beats will be tailored to the experience they’re going for, which is to get you on your feet.

“The nucleus or the glue that brings people together is the music,” Rivera said. “We definitely have more of a dance culture than the average nightclub where people may be just going there to drink or stand around.

We've been trying to do more and more rotating DJs, which is not something we were always able to do early on, but we've been fortunate to continue to extend that reach.”

Most Hipster Disco parties are 21 and up, but there are a few instances where the team has hosted public events where families are welcome to attend, like the annual Return to the River and World of Winter festivals.

The price of admission depends on the event. You can expect to pay between 20-30 bucks for the Halloween bash (around $15 if you buy early). The NYE party usually offers packages and can include VIP experiences, making those tickets a bit pricier–between $75-100. The HD New Year’s Eve celebration typically includes hors d’oeuvres and bubbles for a midnight toast.

As for what’s in store for their upcoming Halloween party on October 31…you’ll just have to buy a ticket! Without revealing too much, the guys say you can expect a truly unforgettable experience at the Four Star Theater, where they’ve hosted it the past few years. Be sure to show out if you want to have

Hipster Disco organizers Ronald Rivera and Edgar Hernandez are immersed in the party atmosphere of “Nocturna,” a Halloween celebration they hosted at Four Star Theatre.

a shot at winning the costume contest.

“We used that crazy cage last year, and we are planning on using it again this year just in a different way,” Hernandez said. “That space allows us to go a little crazy, so people can expect one to two interactive installations.”

The guys have no intention of slowing down. They recently opened an office downtown where they can store their set pieces and brainstorm new concepts. What began as an idea to bring new life to the city after COVID turned into a Grand Rapids mainstay.

“Hipster Disco has grown far more than we could have ever imagined; the reception has been insanely great,” Rivera said. “We're extremely appreciative of the DJ culture and the DJ friends we meet, the other groups in town that now we talk to and connect with and want to create with. The real-life social networks that we create in this digital age; we get to be in these spaces and come together with other creatives for the love of music.”

Hipster Disco is @hipster.disco on Instagram or you can check them out on their website, hipsterdisco.com.

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look + feel / expe t

Hi Maurice, and thanks so much for doing this. To start, could you talk a little bit about your personal and culinary background and journey?

I honestly never thought I’d end up building a career in the culinary world. When I was 18 and in college, I took a job in a kitchen at Arcadia Brewing Company thinking it would be something fun to try — and fell in love with it right away. I’ve been a chef at a country club, worked in restaurants, and even had part ownership in a restaurant in Battle Creek. For the last 11 years I’ve served as Executive Chef at Van Andel Arena and now Director of Culinary overseeing Van Andel Arena, Acrisure Amphitheater, and the new Amway Soccer Stadium.

EXPERT

Culinary Headliner A Q&A with Maurice Cordova on creating a concert food experience that’s fresh, thoughtful and approachable.

BY CHRISTOPHER COSMOS

In addition to the amazing lineup of performers, one of the most important parts of any family trip or event, of course, is the food that goes with it.

After all, what’s a movie without popcorn, or a baseball game without a hot dog?

To that end, it’s our great pleasure to speak with Maurice Cordova, the Director of Culinary at the new Acrisure Amphitheater: about his story, the concept and food that’s offered, and what you might be able to expect on your first or next trip to the amphitheater.

Above: Acrisure Amphitheater in downtown Grand Rapids at sunset.

Below: Two menu items — a burger with an Acrisure logostamped bun and nachos served with salsa and guacamole.

That’s amazing and thanks so much for sharing. Could you also talk a little bit about the concept for the food and menu that’s offered at the amphitheater?

A lot of the ideas for the amphitheater came from looking at what people are excited about in restaurants right now and finding a way to bring that same quality and creativity into a stadium setting. We want it to feel familiar and approachable, but also fresh, thoughtful, and a step above what people might expect from a concert venue. For me, the biggest focuses are always freshness, quality, and consistency.

I’m always amazed at how restaurants are able to feed so many in such a timely fashion, and that’s usually only dozens.

What are the challenges that go into feeding thousands?

I think the biggest challenge is making sure everything is properly prepped, organized, and ready to go before the gates ever open. A huge part of that is preparation and communication. We’re also fortunate the amphitheater has one of the most state-of-the-art kitchens I’ve ever seen, which definitely helps us do what we do at a high level.

In addition to serving guests, we also take care of the entertainers and backstage catering, so that gets thrown into the mix as well. On an event day, our team may start around 4:00am and not shut down until 11:00pm. There’s a lot of dedication that goes into making an event day successful.

I can’t wait for my next trip. If someone was coming and only going to order one item, what would your suggestion for them be?

I’d go with the smashburger or pulled pork sandwich. I think those are the two highest selling items right now, but there's so much that we offer.

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PHOTOS COURTESY OF ACRISURE AMPHITHEATRE

look + feel / home

HOME

It's All About the Lighting

suddenly looked like they'd come down with a Victorian illness.

There was really only one solution: turn them off and light a candle.

Now we've traded those for LEDs. They arrive wrapped in promises of saving energy, saving money and lasting approximately forever. Yet somehow the cozy den you've loved for twenty years now feels like an airport security checkpoint. Somewhere along the way we confused "bright" with "pleasant."

The lesson? Before you commit to a paint color, bring the sample home. Tape it to the wall. Look at it in the morning, in the afternoon, and after dark with the lamps on. Paint isn't fickle. Light is.

And if your perfect shade suddenly looks all wrong, don't blame the paint just yet. It may just be keeping bad company.

Before you choose a paint, consider its sidekick.

BY LISA ENOS

This summer I was conscripted into a home remodeling project. Not the knockdown-walls, replace-the-kitchen kind. This one involved repainting a few rooms and rearranging furniture that was already in the house to see what could be made beautiful without buying much of anything.

Since it wasn't my house, I enjoyed the rare luxury of offering opinions without suffering buyer's remorse.

The trouble began with paint.

You know the drill. Someone falls in love with a color chip at the hardware store, brings home three gallons of it, and suddenly "Agreeable Gray" has turned into "Fuhgeddaboudit Gray."

"It's the lighting," I said, trying not to sound smug.

Because it was. And I am. Sometimes.

Here's what nobody tells you about paint: you're not really choosing a color. You're choosing a relationship between that color and the light that's going to bully it all day long. The broad, flattering lights over the paint display are not the same as the cool north light pouring into your family room or the dim lamp in the basement where you're convinced your paint has betrayed you.

Then there's artificial lighting.

Remember those old fluorescent kitchen lights from the seventies? You could always identify them by the faint buzzing overhead and the unsettling realization that everyone PHOTOS ADOBE STOCK

A Crash Course in Lighting Before you blame the paint, interrogate the light.

North-facing rooms: Cool, blue light that can make warm paint look dull.

South-facing rooms: Warm, friendly light that flatters almost everybody.

East-facing rooms: Cheerful at breakfast, moody by dinner.

West-facing rooms: Mild in the morning, then drenched in golden afternoon sunshine.

And remember: The paint chip that looked perfect under the bright lights at the store may look completely different in your home.

Bring samples home before you commit and check them at all times of day—and with your lamps turned on, then off. If you love the color in every kind of light, you've probably found your winner.

Your walls—and your wallet—will thank you.

Polish Halls are alight with activity during Pulaski Days.

GR M AG .CO M

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look + feel / wellness

Medicine program followed by a two-year internship and extensive clinical residency.

He later expanded his medical education in the United States, studying biomedicine at Western Kentucky University and completing additional training in physical therapy and rehabilitation sciences at institutions including Grand Valley State University.

That dual perspective—Eastern herbal and energetic systems paired with Western biomechanics and rehabilitation science— would become the foundation of his practice.

In clinical settings such as Bronson Methodist Hospital and integrative health programs in Southwest Michigan, he worked alongside physicians, physical therapists, and holistic practitioners, contributing to a growing recognition that pain, stress, and chronic illness rarely have a single cause.

Tao He, CMD., MS., NCTMB, at his practice in Comstock Park.

WELLNESS

The Body Electric A personal journey into acupuncture reveals where ancient healing traditions meet modern medicine.

BY LISA ENOS // PHOTOS BY DAVID SPARKS

About two decades ago, I found myself in a situation that required immediate medical intervention.

I was a young mother in Los Angeles, nursing a newborn, when a sharp “kink” in my neck rendered me practically immobile.

I woke up one morning, barely able to turn my head. It was as if my body had locked itself into place and refused negotiation. I went to a Beverly Hills general practitioner expecting a quick fix—a prescription.

The doctor was hesitant. Under different circumstances, he said, he would prescribe a muscle relaxer. But there was a problem: I was breastfeeding. Medication wasn’t an option.

Instead, he suggested something I had only vaguely heard of and frankly didn’t trust—acupuncture.

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At the time, as a Midwestern transplant living on the West Coast, I associated acupuncture with something just shy of fringe medicine. Still, I was in pain and out of options. My insurance covered it, so I agreed.

Years later, after discovering that my system doesn’t metabolize ibuprofen or acetaminophen effectively, it eventually led me to Tao He in Comstock Park, whose approach to healing bridges Eastern medical tradition and Western clinical training.

A Path That Began in Two Medical Worlds Tao He’s path began far from the Midwest, in Guangxi, China, near the Vietnam border.

His early training took place at Guangxi Medical University, where he completed a rigorous five-year Traditional Chinese

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What Acupuncture Actually Is At its core, acupuncture is a system of medicine that uses ultra-thin, sterile needles placed at specific points on the body to influence physiological function, reduce pain, and support healing.

In traditional theory, those points correspond to pathways of energy flow. In modern biomedical terms, they are increasingly understood through the lens of neurochemistry, circulation, and the nervous system.

Tao He describes the body as a “bioelectric system,” where stimulation of specific points can influence neurotransmitters and hormone regulation. Research in recent decades has supported this framework in part, showing acupuncture’s relationship to endorphin release, serotonin modulation, and cortisol regulation.

In practical terms, this means acupuncture is often used not only for pain, but for conditions tied to stress regulation, inflammation, and nervous system imbalance.

When medication Isn’t an option acupuncture’s role becomes especially relevant in situations where pharmaceutical intervention is limited or undesirable.

Postpartum recovery is one example.

Chronic pain conditions are another.

Patients with sensitivities to anti-inflammatory drugs, steroid dependence, or gastrointestinal conditions that make NSAIDs risky often seek alternatives. Others turn to acupuncture during cancer treatment, when conventional therapies may be too taxing on the body’s protein and immune systems.

Tao He also works with patients dealing with asthma, hormonal imbalance, fatigue

syndromes, and stress-related disorders such as anxiety and insomnia. In his clinical view, these are not isolated conditions but expressions of systemic imbalance—physical, emotional, and environmental.

He emphasizes that acupuncture is not a single-treatment solution but a process.

Acute issues may respond quickly, sometimes within one or two sessions, while chronic conditions require sustained care over time.

cravings, and burnout. He frames these not only as psychological conditions but as disruptions in the body’s regulatory systems—sleep, hormones, circulation, and stress chemistry.

He notes that stimulation of acupuncture points may support dopamine and serotonin balance, along with endorphin release, which can influence mood, motivation, and emotional resilience.

For some patients, this manifests in subtle but meaningful ways: improved sleep, reduced irritability, decreased cravings, or a sense of emotional steadiness that had previously been missing.

The Experience of Treatment While the idea of needles can be off-putting to those not familiar with acupuncture, patients often describe sessions as deeply relaxing.

A typical session involves lying comfortably in a dim room while very fine needles are placed at targeted points. Most remain in place for 20 to 30 minutes. Music is often played, lights are lowered, and the environment is designed to encourage the nervous system to downshift from stress response into rest and recovery.

The needles themselves are significantly thinner than those used for injections, and most patients report minimal to no discomfort during insertion.

For many, the experience becomes less about the needles and more about the pause they create in a body that is constantly “on.”

A Broader View of Healing One of the central ideas in Tao He’s practice is that health cannot be separated into isolated systems. Physical pain, emotional stress, hormonal function, and environmental factors are interconnected.

In his words, he treats “the whole body—not just one part,” including what he describes as the energetic and environmental dimensions of health. While modern medicine often separates specialties into distinct categories, acupuncture takes a more integrative approach.

And it is this perspective that resonates with patients open to moving between conventional medical systems and complementary care in search of sustainable relief.

Beyond Pain: Stress, Mood, and the Nervous System One of the most discussed aspects of acupuncture today is its influence on mental and emotional health.

In clinical practice, practitioners like Tao He see patients dealing with depression, anxiety, trauma responses, addiction

Returning to the Body’s Capacity to Heal My own return to acupuncture years after that first unexpected introduction in Los Angeles wasn’t driven by ideology. When standard pain relievers stopped working for me, I needed another option.

What I found was not an alternative, but another framework for understanding

the same body I had always lived in.

In that framework, pain is not simply something to suppress, but something to interpret. The nervous system is not just reacting—it is communicating.

Practitioners like Tao He occupy a space between traditions, drawing from centuries-old Chinese medical systems while engaging with modern biomedical research and rehabilitation science.

That blend is increasingly shaping how patients think about care when medication alone is not enough—or not possible— and offers another way to listen to the body when it speaks in pain.

Tao He, CMD., MS., NCTMB, works on a patient in his Comstock Park acupuncture practice. The process involves using suction cups, needles and electricity.

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look + feel / style

A model wears Alexa Claire Taylor’s spring collection, featuring a pinkand-white striped scarf tie, an off-theshoulder peasant blouse and a white overall-style piece.

STYLE

Red, Lace, and Real Life

Grand Rapids' own Alexa Taylor embraces imperfection and unconventional femininity in a collection featured by Vogue Runway

BY LISA ENOS

Grand Rapids native Alexa Claire Taylor, a Forest Hills Northern High School graduate, recently saw her senior collection featured by Vogue Runway after its debut at SCAD FASHION 2026. We caught up with the recent Savannah College of Art and Design graduate to talk about her journey, her collection, and her advice for aspiring designers.

SCAD students take part in a fashion shoot featuring Alexa Claire Taylor's spring collection.

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PHOTOS COURTESY OF ALEXA CLAIRE TAYLOR

look + feel / style

Can you tell us a little about yourself?

My name is Alexa Claire Taylor, and I grew up in Grand Rapids, Michigan, in a family of entrepreneurs, which gave me an appreciation for building something from the ground up from an early age. I've always been drawn to creativity... I attended Forest Hills Northern HS and Ada Vista... I went on to study Fashion Design at the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), where I just graduated with my BFA. Do you remember the first time you realized you wanted to become a fashion designer?

Working in fashion and being a fashion designer were always two very different things to me growing up. In middle school, I became really interested in self-expression... By the time I was 14, I wanted to work in fashion marketing.

Then at SCAD, I took a textiles class... my professor came up to me, asked if I had enjoyed the project, and said, "Have you ever thought about switching to Fashion Design?" And that's when I made the leap!

Can you tell us about the inspiration behind your collection?

The inspiration behind I Am a Clumsy Lady comes from growing up around the women in my family. To me, they always seemed so perfect and put together, but every single one of them jokes that they just can't get their shit together.

Of course, there are deeper meanings, such as my struggle with ADHD and how that affects women specifically, but it also felt like now is the time in the world to make imperfect things, be lighthearted, and push against this expectation of polished domestic idealism and work toward something real.

How would you describe your design aesthetic?

My style definitely pulls toward the intersection of playful and comforting. I consider it a success if someone says, "Oh my gosh, that's so cute." A lot of my work explores unconventional femininiPHOTOS COURTESY OF ALEXA CLAIRE TAYLOR

A model wears Alexa Claire Taylor’s spring collection — red knee socks, shorts, a red top and poofy jacket — while carrying baguettes, frozen peas, A Room of One’s Own and a curtain tassel keychain in her teeth.

ty... especially through the lens of queer women and the ways we use clothing to express ourselves in interesting, fun, and unconventional ways.

tening to iconic songs, and studying art, not just fashion. Most of the time, it's just about your eye and fine-tuning it to see what others see.

What does your creative process look like?

My process always starts with an observation of some kind, why it matters, why it should exist right now, and who needs it. I try not to be too linear, as it can make your work too stagnant when there needs to be a level of experimentation.

Anyone you'd like to thank?

Definitely my family, who have given me all the support and enthusiasm for what I want to do. I'm also incredibly grateful to Patrick De'Muynck, my professor at SCAD, who taught me so much over the course of my senior year and developing my final collection.

What advice would you give students in West Michigan?

I would say be observant, document everything.

I also recommend watching classic movies, lis-

Where can people follow your work? @alexaclairetaylor on Instagram, LinkedIn, and everything else, and alexaclairetaylor.com!

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100 Years of Theatre Grand Rapids Civic Theatre Celebrates its Centennial Season

By Clayton Trutor

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PHOTO COURTESY OF EXPERIENCE GRAND RAPIDS

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9/11 - 9/27

Years of Theatre

10/8 - 10/18 11/20 - 12/20 1/15 - 1/24 2/19 - 3/7 3/25 - 3/28 4/23 - 5/2 6/4 - 6/20

PHOTOS COURTESY OF DOWNTOWN GRAND RAPIDS INC.

T

The Grand Rapids Civic Theatre and School of Theatre Arts celebrates its 100th anniversary this year. The Civic Theatre is one of the country’s oldest and largest community theater organizations. Every year, more than 800 volunteers act, dance, sing, help build sets, and design the shows put on by the Civic Theatre. For this Centennial season, the Civic Theatre will be putting on eight shows, some familiar and some new to West Michigan.

“We wanted to think about shows that would honor the past and we also wanted shows that would highlight the present,” said Allyson Paris, the theatre’s interim artistic director. Paris oversees the programming offer by the theatre with an eye toward making sure that it serves volunteers, patrons, students, and community partners.

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... people will say 'I came from Traverse City' or 'I came in from Chicago' -Allyson Paris

"

A SEASON TO CELEBRATE The shows for the Centennial Season were selected with significant community input.

A dedicated Centennial Season Advisory Committee oversaw the selection process.

Legacy productions (meaning those previously put on by the Civic Theatre) include longtime favorites such as Annie, Our Town, A Chorus Line, and Les Misérables.

New shows for the Civic Theatre stage this season include Come from Away, a musical which tells the story of a small Canadian town in the province of Newfoundland that welcomed stranded travelers amid the chaos of September 11, 2001; and Finding Nemo Jr., a musical adaptation of the popular Disney children’s movie. Season passes, partial season passes, and tickets to individual shows are available through the Civic Theatre’s website, grct.org.

Paris emphasizes that the Civic Theatre is not just an attraction for Grand Rapids residents. It is an institution with a regional draw.

“I'll be in the lobby sometimes and people will say 'I came from Traverse City,' or 'I came in from Chicago,'” Paris said.

In recent years, Grand Rapids Civic Theatre has presented primarily musical theatre, which reflects a shift in public taste.

“When I arrived in ’99, the theatre was doing one to two musicals each season. Now we're doing one to two plays. Everything else is musicals. That's responding to the interests of the audience but also the interests of the talent,” said Bruce Tinker, who is currently serving as a Special Advisor for the Civic Theatre. Tinker served for many years as the executive and artistic director of the theatre.

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PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE GRAND RAPIDS CIVIC THEATRE

100 Years of Theatre

This photograph is from the 1934 production of “Holiday,” performed on the stage of St. Cecilia Music Society, near the current location of Grand Rapids Civic Theatre.

It is the oldest production photograph of its kind in the Civic Theatre archives.

A CENTURY OF COMMUNITY THEATRE A lot has changed in the world of arts and entertainment since a group of 30 residents helped establish Grand Rapids Civic Theatre in 1927. What hasn’t changed is the organization’s core mission.

“They felt that Grand Rapids and the surrounding communities deserved a space where people could come together and make theater. And that really hasn't changed,” Paris said.

The organization began as the “Civic Players,” putting on around four shows each year at St. Cecilia’s Music Center, which served for years as the on-again, off-again home of the theatre company.

During the 1930s, the Civic Players evolved into the Grand Rapids Civic Theatre.

The Grand Rapids Civic Theatre emerged from a grassroots development in the 1920s PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE GRAND RAPIDS CIVIC THEATRE

known as the “Little Theatre” or “Community Theatre” movement.

“People decided ‘We can do this on our own. We don't have to rely on outsiders. We can create all this entertainment locally,’” Tinker said. He describes the “Little Theatre Movement” as unique to the United States.

“In most countries, the standing theatres are professional theatres only,” Tinker said.

Grand Rapids Civic Theatre moved into the Majestic Theatre on North Division Avenue in 1979. Built in 1903, it served for decades as a movie house. In 1994, the Civic Theatre acquired three surrounding buildings (the Botsford Building, Wenham Building, and the Hull Building). The surrounding buildings were all built in the late 19th century and served a variety of commercial and light industrial purposes over the years.

A series of capital campaigns have helped integrate the four spaces over the past thirty years. Grand Action has figured prominently in the fundraising efforts. A substantial donation by Fred and Lena Meijer in 2005 led to the renaming of the Majestic Theatre as the Meijer Majestic Theatre. The most recent

capital campaign led to the full integration of the four buildings in 2019 and 2020, according to Tinker.

“You feel the ghosts of the past when you walk into our space. When we do tours, people stand on stage and look out and really feel the weight of all those years,” Paris said.

A series of venues served as the home for Civic Theatre.

“Our first location was called Germania Hall. It was a German social hall on the city’s West Side,” Tinker said. After Germania Hall, St. Cecila’s housed the theatre for much of the mid-20th century. Before coming to the Majestic, the Theatre spent several years at an old movie house on West Leonard Street.

“We've been fortunate for the most part to perform at traditional theaters. Majestic was built originally as a vaudeville house,” Tinker said. Anyone around in 2026 who remembers its previous existence remembers it as a movie house. Paris has a friend who told her of seeing the film version of Mary Poppins at the Majestic during the 1960s. Decades later, she saw a live musical production of Mary Poppins at the same theatre.

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MORE THAN A STAGE As essential to the Civic Theatre as its programming is its educational mission through the School of Theatre Arts. The school works directly with local educational institutions and offers classes of its own throughout the year.

The Civic Theatre started working directly with Grand Rapids Public Schools during the 1960s. This partnership has grown over the years. Now, over 1,800 students from across west Michigan work with the Civic Theatre each year.

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In recent years, the efforts of Civic Theatre’s productions and its educational program have become increasingly integrated. Kids working with the School of Theatre Arts are now playing a tangible role in putting on the shows each year.

Paris says that many volunteers at the Civic Theatre have told her that participating in community theatre has helped them overcome shyness, improve their public speaking skills, or cultivate other technical skills that come on the production side of theatre.

Through its educational mission, the Civic

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Theatre provides support to other theatres in the region through costumes, props, scenery, and expertise.

“Almost every theater in town at some point borrows something from us,” Paris said.

Tinker credits Paris with helping to integrate the Civic Theatre’s educational efforts and programming.

“They now dovetail with each other in sustainable ways,” Tinker said, which he characterizes as the biggest development in recent years with the Civic Theatre.

In all of its programs, Civic Theatre provides opportunities for local artists to share their PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE GRAND RAPIDS CIVIC THEATRE

100 Years of Theatre

Above, left: A scene from “Les Misérables” (2014), which will return as the season finale of Civic Theatre’s 100th season. Center: Civic Theatre’s illuminated sign.

Top right: “Frozen” (2025). Bottom right: “Once” (2021).

talents with the community. It serves to inspire creativity while helping entertain.

Paris encourages people who are interested in getting involved with community theatre to take a class at the school during the fall, winter, or spring.

“You can also usher at the shows, which is a really low commitment way to come and serve and be involved and get to see a performance,” Paris said.

Collectively, the people of west Michigan have made Grand Rapids Civic Theatre an inclusive and sustainable organization with a multi-generational legacy in the region.”

PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE GRAND RAPIDS CIVIC THEATRE

Almost every theater in town at some point borrows something from us -Allyson Paris

"

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o L fty

m o A biti ns

By Lisa Enos portraits by Michelle Cuppy 40

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ArtPrize Executive Director Tyler Loftis Envisions a Futurefor Grand Rapids as ‘Art City USA’

Artist and ArtPrize Executive Director Tyler Loftis stands with Alexander Calder’s La Grande Vitesse, a landmark of Grand Rapids’ public art scene.

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T

he best interviews are not the ones where you arrive knowing everything already.

Sometimes, knowing too much can turn a conversation into a performance. The subject delivers the polished version of themselves; the interviewer asks the questions they already know the answers to. There is a different kind of discovery when two people simply sit down and talk.

That is what happened when I met Tyler Loftis.

I knew he was the newly appointed executive director of ArtPrize, the international art competition that transformed Grand Rapids into a living gallery and redefined what public engagement with art could look like. I knew he was a successful painter working out of a studio in Tribeca. I knew he was from West Michigan. But I didn't come armed with the complete mythology.

Instead, I met the person in front of me: thoughtful, charming, occasionally elusive, and someone who speaks about creativity less as something he produces than something he receives.

During our conversation at ArtPrize headquarters inside the Woodbridge N. Ferris Building at Kendall College of Art and Design, Loftis didn't sound like someone unveiling a strategic plan. He sounded like a painter. He talked about purpose. He talked about responsibility. He talked about art as a record of who we are.

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"Art comes through me," he said. It's like a "download."

At first, I wasn't entirely sure where the conversation was headed. Loftis speaks in the language of artists—part philosophy, part intuition, full of metaphors that resist easy packaging. But over the course of two hours, a clearer picture emerged. Everything he does seems connected by one central belief: Art isn't meant to sit apart from people. It's meant to connect them.

That philosophy explains far more about Tyler Loftis than any résumé ever could.

He grew up in West Michigan, in what he describes as a typical family with no particular connection to the arts. What he did have was an intense curiosity about art that soon became an almost obsessive focus on drawing. For two years, he argued with his art teacher, refusing to do anything but line drawings. Later came fashion magazines, Picasso, and eventually New York, where he trained at the New York Studio School and the New York Academy of Art. Then came Europe—museum after museum, master after master. He doesn't describe those years as finding a style. He describes them as learning from the artists who came before him.

Loftis isn't interested in creating art disconnected from history. He sees artists as participants in a conversation that has stretched across centuries. "They're civil servants," he told me.

Artists, in his view, have a responsibility to document their time, challenge assumptions, and remind us what it means to be human.

Today, Loftis occupies an unusual place in the art world. He maintains a studio in Tribeca, operates a Grand Rapids viewing studio through AllArtWorks on Cesar E. Chavez Avenue, and has built a career that has taken him far beyond West Michigan. His portraits hang in prominent private collections, and through his philanthropic initiative, Portraits for Purpose, he has paired portraiture with charitable giving.

Yet for someone whose paintings command serious prices, he is surprisingly skeptical of exclusivity. He believes art loses something when it becomes merely a luxury commodity.

Throughout his career, he has looked for ways to remove the barriers between artists and audiences. AllArtWorks, the platform he founded, was born from that conviction. Its goal wasn't simply to sell paintings. It was to make collecting art feel approachable—to convince people that original art belongs in ordinary homes, not just extraor-

Artist and ArtPrize Executive Director Tyler Loftis stands in the Woodbridge N. Ferris Building, home to Kendall College of Art and Design of Ferris State University—and, fittingly, ArtPrize headquarters. Inset: Fife Lake,

by Tyler Loftis. Oil on canvas, 11 × 14 in.

G R A N D R A P I D S M AGA Z I N E • S E P T E M B E R / O C TO B E R 2 0 2 6

ART (OPPOSITE PAGE) COURTESY OF ARTPRIZE

dinary ones. That same philosophy now informs the way he thinks about ArtPrize.

Mention Grand Rapids and Loftis's demeanor changes. His answers become more animated, more personal. He talks about the city with the affection of someone who left, saw the world, and came home convinced there was unfinished business.

His ambition is unapologetically large.

He wants Grand Rapids to become known as "Art City USA." Sometimes he calls it "the Florence of America."

At first, I wasn't sure what to make of that comparison.

Florence?

Really?

Loftis wasn't suggesting Grand Rapids should resemble an Italian city architecturally. He was talking about identity. After our interview, I dug into the history. The comparison is more thoughtful than it first appears.

Before Florence became synonymous with Renaissance masterpieces, it was an industrial powerhouse driven by textile manufacturing, commerce, and banking.

Merchant wealth—particularly from families like the Medici—funded artists, architects, and public works, transforming economic success into cultural prestige. Over centuries, Florence evolved into a city where art wasn't simply displayed; it became inseparable from daily life.

Grand Rapids has undergone its own reinvention. Once known around the world

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as Furniture City, today's economy is built on health care, advanced manufacturing, education, design, and technology. ArtPrize accelerated another transformation, introducing hundreds of thousands of visitors to a city willing to turn streets, parks, storefronts, bridges, museums, and restaurants into exhibition spaces.

"There are a lot of similarities," Loftis observed. "It even has a river."

Maybe the comparison isn’t so much about Florence as it is about what happens when a city builds an identity around what it does well and that cities evolve.

Furniture City became Beer City. Grand Rapids built its reputation as a health care hub, giving rise to the Medical Mile. Loftis believes the next evolution is cultural. In his mind, art shouldn’t be something visitors seek out after they’ve arrived. It should be one of the reasons they come.

That vision explains why he sees ArtPrize as something larger than an art competition. Since its founding in 2009, ArtPrize has challenged traditional ideas about where art belongs. It has invited artists into museums, storefronts, parks, office buildings, hotels, churches, and public squares while asking residents and visitors alike to become part of the conversation. Under Loftis, that conversation is expanding.

This year's festival stretches across four weekends and reaches beyond visual art to include music, dance, fashion, children's programming, and collaborations with some of Grand Rapids' most respected cultural institutions. It's a broader definition of creativity. A broader invitation. For Loftis, success isn't measured simply by attendance or prize money. It's measured by participation—by whether people who never considered themselves "art people" begin to see themselves differently.

During our conversation, he returned more than once to Alexander Calder's La

Top, left: ARRAS by Michigan glass artist Mark Lewanski won the $100,000 Public Vote Grand Prize at ArtPrize 2025. At left, John Katerberg’s Dynamic Sunset, depicting the Grand Haven pier and lighthouse, won the 2024 ArtPrize Public Vote Grand Prize and $125,000.

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ART COURTESY OF ARTPRIZE

Artist and ArtPrize Executive Director Tyler Loftis now finds himself on the other side of the art world, helping shape the future of ArtPrize.

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What to Expect at ArtPrize 2026 Sept.12–Oct. 3, 2026 ArtPrize expands to 22 days this year, with Preview Week running Sept. 12–17— before the official competition begins on September 18. The 2026 event introduces four themed weekends celebrating dance, music, visual art, and fashion.

FEATURED PROGRAMMING: Sept. 12 Grand Rapids Ballet performances at Rosa Parks Circle launch Preview Week.

Sept. 19 Grand Rapids Opera brings performances to Rosa Parks Circle.

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Sept. 26 Doodle Street, an interactive children’s art experience with Downtown Market.

Oct. 3 RC Caylan Atelier presents a fashion show during the ArtPrize Awards Celebration at Acrisure Amphitheatre.

Sept. 26 ArtPrize Halftime Party at John Ball Zoo, featuring live painting and family programming.

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Throughout the event SouthPrize extends ArtPrize into the Third Ward through a partnership with the Southtown Corridor Improvement District, creating an additional neighborhood-based celebration of art.

ARTPRIZE VENUES: Artwork will be displayed throughout Grand Rapids at participating museums, galleries, businesses, public spaces and unexpected locations.

ArPrize’s featured venues include Cūra Gallery at Silva, Grand Rapids Art Museum, DeVos Place, Acrisure Amphitheatre,

and many, many others.

This is not an exhaustive list of venues—as always, artists will be exhibiting across the city throughout the event!

POSTER COUTRESY OF ARTPRIZE

Above: Tyler Loftis addresses an ArtPrize crowd during an earlier edition of the festival.

At right: ArtPrize Executive Director Tyler Loftis at ArtPrize headquarters in July 2026.

The West Michigan native artist splits his time between Grand Rapids and his studio in Tribeca, New York City.

Grande Vitesse, the iconic sculpture outside City Hall. When I apologized for my lessthan-perfect French pronunciation of its title, he smiled and reminded me Calder wasn't French. The exchange lasted only a moment, but it captured something about Loftis. There was no art-world snobbery, no sense that art belongs to those who know more than the rest of us. Loftis embraces Keith Haring’s philosophy that “Art is for Everybody”—an endearing quality that has likely helped propel his success and makes him particularly well suited to lead an art competition that asks an entire Midwestern city to see itself as part of the art world.

Before we wrapped up, Loftis returned to painting itself. For all the ways the world has changed, he observed, the essential act of painting has not. It's still, as he described it, a piece of wood with horsehair on the end, dipped into pigment. The tools are astonishingly simple. They are, in essence, the same tools artists have used since people first painted on cave walls. What changes is not SPEAKING AUSTIN COYER

the brush but the hand holding it, and the story that hand has to tell. Every generation leaves behind its own record. Artists simply happen to write theirs in paint.

For 65 years, Grand Rapids Magazine has documented the people, places, and ideas that have shaped this city—not simply by recording events, but by preserving the ambitions behind them.

Whether Tyler Loftis ultimately succeeds in making Grand Rapids "Art City USA" is a story still being written. But ambition has

always been one of this city's defining characteristics. Once, Grand Rapids imagined itself the furniture capital of America. Later, it imagined itself a center for medicine, craft brewing, and innovation. Now, one of its own has returned home with another improbable idea: that a Midwestern city can become known around the world not only for what it builds, but for what it creates.

It's a lofty goal.

Then again, every great city begins with one.

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When customers walk into Huizen’s Furniture, they’re given room to browse. There’s never a salesperson on their heels. The staff are there to advise and guide, whether it’s choosing a single sofa or designing an entire home. It’s a warm and welcoming space where relationships are built and trust is earned.

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Grand Rapids

Making a Powerful Difference in Greater Grand Rapids

Humanitarianism is a cornerstone of West Michigan’s character.

The organizations leading various philanthropic endeavors here give generously to those who need it most. Whether they’re assembling teams of volunteers, raising funds, offering scholarships, or issuing grants, the nonprofits featured in this special section make this region a better place. They also increase the area’s appeal, attracting families, students, and professionals to this

little corner of the Great Lakes State.

From providing compassionate hospice care to breaking barriers to affordable housing and steady employment, supporting mental and behavioral health, and managing endowments for pressing issues, these groups and nonprofits are building stronger neighborhoods and a kinder, more robust, and more sustainable community.

Read on to learn about the meaningful impact they’re making.

Faith Hospice

Mission // In fulfilling God’s calling to serve others, we will serve with love and compassion, commit to excellence, and follow Christ’s teachings and examples in all we do.

KEY SERVICES PROVIDED: Faith Hospice is a locally owned and operated nonprofit organization that provides expert and compassionate hospice care for anyone in the community facing their end-of-life journey. Its hospice services are provided in the patient’s home or at the inpatient facility, Trillium Woods.

Its interdisciplinary team of physicians, nurses, social workers, therapists, spiritual caregivers, and volunteers empowers patients to spend the end-of-life journey on their terms.

In addition to hospice services, Faith Hospice offers grief support for anyone navigating the loss of a loved one. Its bereavement care is not a “one-size-fitsall” service but offers guidance through each individual’s unique healing process.

All grief support services are provided free of charge, making donations essential to delivering this important work.

EVENTS AND OPPORTUNITIES:

LEADERSHIP:

ANNUAL LUNCHEON

Troy Vugteveen

Adam Kinder

Kimberly Holton

Shelly Baas

Join Faith Hospice at Cascade Hills Country Club on Sept. 30 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

RSVP at faithhospicecare.org.

Executive Director

Trillium Living CFO

Director of Operations

FINANCIAL GIFTS Funds raised are used to enhance the care Faith Hospice provides its patients and their grieving loved ones.

CIRCLE OF FAITH FUND Gifts to the Faith Hospice Circle of Faith support an endowment fund that will help people receive hospice care services now and in the future.

MEMORIAL GIFTS Faith Hospice can be designated as a charity of choice for memorial gifts honoring a loved one under the organization’s care.

BUY A BRICK Dedicate a brick along the pathway to the Van Andel Hope and Healing Pavilion.

G I V E G R 2026

Trillium Living CEO/President

Established 1995

8214 Pfeiffer Farms Drive SW Byron Center, MI 49315 Advancement Office: 616-235-5125 faithhospicecare.org

your champion

“Giving others the end-of-life care that was such a gift to our family is the best way we could honor him. I feel like I’m carrying on his legacy.”

—Faith Hospice Donor

Give the gift of compassion, care, and community.

For 30 years, Faith Hospice has been providing compassionate, whole-person hospice care and grief support to our community. As a nonprofit, we rely on our community’s generosity to bring expert medical care, spiritual support, complementary therapies, and bereavement services to those who need it most. Your gift is more than a dollar amount—it gives our patients and their loved ones time to spend with each other, find peace, experience fulfillment, and work towards healing.

To offer your support, please visit faithhospicecare.org/donate.

Hospice Care • Palliative Care • Grief Support Services faithhospicecare.org

Gilda’s Club Grand Rapids

Mission // Gilda’s Club Grand Rapids is a vibrant, free emotional health support community for children, adults, families, and friends navigating a cancer journey or grieving the death of a loved one.

KEY SERVICES PROVIDED: Cancer and grief are experiences that connect us. Our comprehensive program meets individuals and families where they are, when they need us, with a variety of social and emotional support options. Services include professionally facilitated support groups, educational workshops, healthy lifestyle activities, social events, and community- and school-based support for those impacted by cancer or grief. Tailored to the unique needs of youth, teens, young adults, and adults, our programs ensure that members receive age-appropriate support and meaningful connection. Through in-person, virtual, and hybrid offerings, members can build coping skills, reduce isolation, foster resilience, and promote emotional well-being while navigating life’s challenges in a welcoming, supportive community.

EVENTS AND OPPORTUNITIES: WEST SIDE WALK FOR GILDA’S Join Gilda’s Club and the Grand Rapids community for our annual peer-to-peer

G I V E G R 2026

fundraiser on Saturday, Sept. 26. Register, start a team, or donate at gildasclubgr.org/walk.

FUNDRAISE Conduct a community or corporate fundraiser of your own to support our mission.

FINANCIAL GIFTS

LEADERSHIP: Wendy J. Wigger President and CEO

Shawn Campbell

Vice President of Fund Development and Engagement

Leigh Conard

Vice President of Finance and Corporate Operations

Clare Portinga, LMSW

Vice President of Program

Lindsay M. Jousma, LMSW Director of Program Operations and Relations

Help us ensure that our program stays free of charge to all. We always welcome donations at gildasclubgr.org.

MEMORIAL GIFTS Designate Gilda’s Club as a charity of choice for memorial gifts honoring a loved one.

LEAVE A PERSONAL LEGACY Consider including Gilda’s Club in your will or required minimum distribution from your IRA.

VOLUNTEER We welcome individuals and groups to volunteer with us for a variety of opportunities.

1806 Bridge St. NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504 616-453-8300 | gildasclubgr.org

HAS CANCER OR GRIEF IMPACTED YOU?

GILDA’S CLUB IS HERE TO HELP. 616.453.8300

info@gildasclubgr.org

Scan to learn more or make a gift.

gildasclubgr.org

Goodwill of Greater Grand Rapids Mission // Changing lives and communities through the power of work.

KEY SERVICES PROVIDED: For 60 years, Goodwill of Greater Grand Rapids has been changing lives and communities through the power of work.

Every donation and purchase helps provide job training, career coaching, and placement services for people facing barriers to employment. With 17 retail stores, an outlet, and a new store planned for 2027, Goodwill continues to help individuals build skills, find meaningful employment, and create brighter futures.

Approximately 90 cents of every dollar supports our mission, programs, and local operations. From skills assessments and interview preparation to job placement and continued support, Goodwill empowers people to build skills, find meaningful employment, and achieve greater independence. Shop. Donate.

Change lives. Learn more at goodwillgr.org.

EVENTS AND OPPORTUNITIES: COMING SOON: CALEDONIA Goodwill is growing! The newest retail location is planned for Caledonia, bringing convenient donation opportunities, great thrift finds, and more support for the programs that change lives through the power of work.

HALLOWEEN SHOP HOP October 2026: Guests will board a charter bus for a festive thrifting tour of four Goodwill GR stores. The Halloween Shop Hop will combine shopping, seasonal fun, and a unique way to explore our locations.

GOOGLE AI TRAINING Goodwill is offering a Google AI learning track at no cost to participants for a limited time, with support from Google.org. The program will help participants build practical knowledge of artificial intelligence and workplace-ready digital skills. Follow Goodwill GR on social media or visit goodwillgr.org for event details, registration information, and program updates.

LEADERSHIP: Jill Wallace

President and CEO

Tony Calcagno

Kim Madsen

Vice President of Retail Operations and Marketing

Chief Workforce Development Officer

Jennifer Mulder

Renate Berzkalns

Theresa Vickers

Vice President of Grandville Operations

Vice President of Finance

Vice President of Workforce Development

Susan Dobbs Vice President of Human Resources

G I V E G R 2026

Established 1966

3035 Prairie St. SW, Grandville, MI 49418 616-532-4200 | goodwillgr.org

60 YEARS OF THRIFTING FOR GOOD and turning purchases into possibility!

For six decades, your donations and purchases have helped Goodwill of Greater Grand Rapids change lives & communities through the power of work. Thank you for being part of our mission. Here's to another 60 years of turning generosity into opportunity, together.

Learn more at goodwillgr.org

Grand Rapids Community Foundation

Mission // To create a thriving and equitable West Michigan by connecting people, passion, and resources today and for generations to come.

KEY SERVICES PROVIDED: Grand Rapids Community Foundation is a nonprofit organization that connects people, passion, and resources. Alongside its partners, the Community Foundation uses the tools of philanthropy to find solutions to pressing issues. The Community Foundation provides grants to support nonprofit work, scholarships for local students, and other forms of support to communities working to eliminate inequities.

The Community Foundation is guided by its North Star: “The people of West Michigan deserve to thrive. Together, we must ensure everyone has access to opportunity, prosperity and belonging. It is only by embracing our differences and overcoming inequities that we can create a more vibrant community.”

The Community Foundation helps local philanthropists leave a lasting legacy by stewarding their assets to accomplish their unique goals, today and beyond their lifetime.

G I V E G R 2026

EVENTS AND OPPORTUNITIES:

LEADERSHIP:

MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR LOVE FOR GRAND RAPIDS

LaSandra Gaddy

Whether you are interested in giving during your lifetime or want to create a gift in your will, Grand Rapids Community Foundation staff will help you find the best option to support your community.

President and CEO

Danielle R. Brown Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

Jessica Hermann-Wilmarth

Ashley René Lee Vice President, Strategic Communications

Kate Luckert Schmid Vice President, Program

Vice President, Development

GIVE NOW Make a donation today. The Community Foundation’s website accepts one-time and recurring donations via credit card online.

GIVE LATER Learn about smart, easy, and cost-effective ways to give through your will or an estate plan. The vast majority of the Community Foundation’s assets come from gifts in a will.

CREATE YOUR OWN FUND The Community Foundation manages more than 850 funds. Carry on your family name or honor the memory of a loved one by establishing your own fund.

Established 1922

185 Oakes St. SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503 616-454-1751 | grfoundation.org

ALL OF US , Grand Rapids Community Foundation has worked to strengthen the lives of the people in West Michigan.

This staying power is a testament to our partners, volunteers and the community at large. Now, we’re stepping into our next century of service and impact firmly focused on equity.

Here's to a future of connecting people, passion and resources to create a vibrant West Michigan.

GRFoundation.org/Equity

Hope Network

Mission // Hope Network helps people maximize their health, independence, and self-belief — because everyone deserves to live in a world where they can thrive.

KEY SERVICES PROVIDED: Hope Network embodies the belief that we are all equally human. It’s the foundation Hope Network was built on when it was founded in West Michigan more than 60 years ago, and it continues to guide the way the nonprofit serves people across the state today. Its wraparound services are designed for real lives, where one need often connects to another. Someone seeking mental health support may also need help getting to work.

Someone rebuilding after a brain injury may need housing or a path back into community life. Through developmental disabilities services, behavioral healthcare, neuro rehabilitation, autism therapy, workforce development, transportation, affordable housing, and more, Hope Network helps meet people where they are. Whatever the next step looks like, the organization helps make hope possible.

EVENTS & OPPORTUNITIES: Spirits of Hope: Grand Rapids, Oct. 7, 2026 — A cocktail and culinary experiential event where all proceeds benefit Hope Network’s Greatest Need Fund.

Gift of Hope: statewide, November through December 2026 — Holiday donation program that provides gifts for clients living in Hope Network’s group homes.

Bridge Walk for Autism: Grand Rapids, April 2027 — Free community-wide event to support autism acceptance.

LEADERSHIP: Bob Von Kaenel

John McInerney

Tim Becker

Chris McMorrow

President and CEO

Chief Operating Officer

Christine Campbell Administrator Executive Services Division

Jaime Counterman Chief Advancement Officer

Kim Dorer

Chief People Officer

John Hazewinkle

Chief Information Officer

Executive Vice President of Marketing and Communications

Dr. Kiran Taylor Chief Medical Officer

Nate Ter Beek

Chief Financial Officer

Megan Zambiasi Chief Program Officer

Senior Corporate Counsel

Established 1963 G I V E G R 2026

3075 Orchard Vista Drive SE, P.O. Box 890 Grand Rapids, MI 49546 616-301-8000 | hopenetwork.org

Together we can help Hope happen.

We are all equally human.

Health, independence, and self-belief shouldn’t be privileges–they should be the standard. Yet for more than two million Michiganders with disabilities or disadvantages, that standard is out of reach.

That’s where we step in, and why we need you. We started doing this work over 60 years ago in West Michigan, and your support can help Hope happen for many more years. Together, we can break down barriers, fill care gaps, and help create a world where every person has the chance to thrive.

Visit HopeNetwork.org or scan to give today.

@HopeNetwork @HopeNetworkMI

ICCF Community Homes Mission // Equitable opportunity. Affordable homes. Thriving neighborhoods.

KEY SERVICES PROVIDED: ICCF Community Homes has been creating housing opportunities in Grand Rapids since 1974. As Michigan’s oldest nonprofit affordable housing provider, ICCF serves more than 2,000 households each year through a range of housing and support services.

• Family Shelter: Family Haven is a six-unit emergency shelter for families experiencing homelessness.

• Affordable Rentals: ICCF owns and manages nearly 700 affordable rental units.

• Homeownership: ICCF builds between 10 and 20 new single-family homes each year for low-to-moderate-income families.

• Supportive Services: ICCF provides resources for neighbors to build community and self-sufficiency.

Driven by the belief that everyone deserves a safe, stable, and affordable place to call home, ICCF continues to respond to the housing crisis by creating equitable opportunities, expanding affordable housing, and strengthening neighborhoods throughout our community.

EVENTS & OPPORTUNITIES: HOUSES TO HOMES GALA Attend this signature event on March 4, 2027.

VOLUNTEER Give your time and talent to create homes in West Michigan!

GIVE THE GIFT OF HOME Donate at iccf.org/donate.

LEADERSHIP: Ryan VerWys

Andrew Hakken

Berniz Constanza Terpstra

Paul Miyamoto

President and CEO

Vice President of Housing and Family Services

Michelle Covington Vice President of Advancement

General Counsel

Interim Vice President of Asset Management

Molly Petersen

Vice President of Finance

Jan van der Woerd Vice President of Real Estate Development

Established 1974

415 Martin Luther King Jr. St. SE, Suite 100 Grand Rapids, MI 49507 616-336-9333 | iccf.org

G I V E G R 2026

food+drink DIVE INTO THE CITY’S GREATEST EATERIES AND BARS

Sweet Start CHEERS

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CLEAN CUISINE SPORTS BAR TRIFEC TA YESTERDOG AT 50

P H OTO G R A P H BY T E R I G E N OV E S E GR M AG .CO M

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food + drink / table

TABLE

Clean Cuisine

The art of sustainable sourcing is served at Coast 236

BY LISA ENOS // PHOTOS BY TERI GENOVESE

There’s a certain kind of meal that doesn’t just impress you—it lingers afterward in a quieter way. Lighter. Clearer. Like the food didn’t just pass through a kitchen, but through a philosophy.

That was the experience recently at Coast 236 in Saugatuck, where Chef Rick Bower isn’t just cooking—he’s sourcing, filtering, and deciding what deserves to be on the plate.

On this visit, he wasn’t just in the building. He was there on a Sunday, stepping in to cook and talk through his own story.

“I’ve been a chef for 27 years. I’ve worked in Michelin-starred restaurants and with James Beard winners,” Bower says, almost matter-of-factly.

It lands differently when you realize what he’s doing now: not chasing prestige, but precision in sourcing. At Coast 236, the menu changes constantly—every couple of weeks— shaped by what’s ethical, seasonal, and available.

There’s an eight-course tasting menu, along with à la carte options, but neither is fixed 64

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The Australian Beef Tenderloin Aux Truffle is served at Coast 236 in Saugatuck, with sauce Périgueux, Valencia summer truffle, bear's head mushroom, crisp shallot and turnip pavé.

food + drink / table

for long. This is a kitchen designed around movement.

Some restaurants talk about tasting menus like they’re exercises in restraint.

This one doesn’t feel restrained at all—it feels generous.

Three chicken liver mousse “breads” arrive first, rich but balanced, finished with fresh truffle. The tuna crudo follows— MSC-certified tuna from the Marshall Islands, a full, satisfying appetizer rather than a delicate bite, brightened with olive oil, shallots, crispy capers, Maldon salt, grapefruit, and herbs.

Then the pacing really starts to build: scallop, potatoes, and short rib—braised beef paired with a seared scallop in lime leaf brodo, turnip purée, crisp leek, and a kale chip. A risotto comes next, each grain holding its own texture while still tasting fully integrated. Lobster—or maybe langostino or crawdad depending on the night—arrives rich but still controlled.

And the surprising part isn’t that it’s

The restaurant recently earned the 2026 Smart Catch Seal from Where Food Comes From, with 98.81% of its seafood verified as sustainable through the Smart Catch program.

Vivo Italiano!

Cooking up something new…

Chef Rick Bower is expanding his culinary portfolio with Heritage Social, a new Italian restaurant at 310 Blue Star Highway, created in partnership with Candice and Brian Grant of The Grant Collection.

The restaurant builds on Bower’s catering work with Coastal Reserve, with a menu centered around handmade pastas, classic Italian dishes, and regional specialties inspired by the cuisine of Central Italy through Sicily. Heritage Social focuses on scratch cooking, traditional techniques, seasonal ingredients, and housemade preparations.

Reservations are required.

Above: Chef Rick Bower.

Below: The Seared New Bedford Scallop & Short Rib is served at Coast 236, featuring braised Australian short rib, turnip purée, crisp kale and leek.

delicious. It’s how much food there is.

Normally, a meal like this would feel like a commitment. Something you’d need to be gently rolled out of. Instead, every plate disappears. Every bite gets finished.

At some point you stop thinking in courses and just start thinking: I could keep going.

Which, in a way, is the point. Coast 236 is known for its eight-course tasting menu, but nothing about the experience feels like endurance. It feels like appetite, sustained rather than overwhelmed.

Bower describes the kitchen as operating on a “near zero-waste” model. That shows up in menu design, prep logic, and how ingredients are broken down and reused.

The restaurant recently earned the 2026 Smart Catch Seal from Where Food Comes From, with 98.81% of its seafood verified as GR M AG .CO M

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More Clean Cuisine The Søvengård: An open-air, Nordic-inspired biergarten on Bridge St. in Grand Rapids that utilizes local agriculture and the "New Nordic" movement to create brilliant, hyperseasonal seasonal dishes.

Grand Finale Grove: Located on Cherry Street, this upscale, awardwinning gem is renowned for its hyper-seasonal menu and sustainable practices. They work with a network of family farms to feature Michigan-sourced meats and produce.

Salt of the Earth: Located in nearby Fennville, this restaurant is a lakeshore legend. They run their own farm-totable garden and source all meats and vegetables from local farms.

Terra GR: Situated in Eastown, Terra is a staple for artisan, farm-to-table American fare. Their menu highlights ingredients sourced from over 30 local farms to create seasonal wood-fired pizzas, salads, and mains.

sustainable through the Smart Catch program.

It’s a meaningful number, but more for what it represents behind the scenes than as a headline.

“I’ve worked in Chicago, Las Vegas, SW Michigan,” Bower says. “Now I’m focused on utilizing local farms. About as seasonal as anything.”

That includes partnerships with regional growers like Crisp County Acres, foraging ramps in bulk, and sourcing mushrooms from Plainwell—alongside global imports like Faroe Island salmon when needed.

Local when possible. Traceable always.

The restaurant itself sits in a light-filled, glassy space that feels part dining room, part Lake Michigan air. In warmer months, a courtyard nearly doubles the footprint.

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A table for two is set near the beer garden window at Coast 236.

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Sandy Point Beach House (West Olive): Offers a relaxed but elevated dining experience with a strong focus on fresh, high-quality seafood and seasonal American cuisine just steps from local beaches.

Above: An assortment of dishes is displayed at Coast 236 in Saugatuck, including chicken liver mousse toast with shallot marmalade, salmon aux sorrel, whipped ricotta with carbonated fruit, tuna crudo, Australian beef tenderloin, Australian beef tenderloin tartare, Caesar salad and risotto.

At left: Cost 236, located at 236 Culver St., Saugatuck.

Courses arrive steadily, but never heavily. It’s a progression rather than a procession: crudo, mousse, shellfish, short rib, risotto, something deeply satisfying in every direction.

A glass of Gewürztraminer ties it together—bright, aromatic, almost unusually perfect with seafood. The restaurant is also recognized in the 2026 Wine Spectator Restaurant Awards for its wine program.

The most interesting part isn’t a single dish. Just the feeling that the meal was built with intention at every step—what was taken, what was used, and what was left out.

That’s where Chef Rick Bower’s version of sustainability becomes tangible at Coast 236. Not as a label on a menu, but as something you feel when you stand up from the table.

At the bottom of the menu is a familiar phrase in restaurants that care about sourcing: Caveat emptor: pricing and availability subject to change.

Go have your own experience at Coast 236—and discover what ethically sourced, sustainable cooking tastes like.

You’ll be glad you did.

GR M AG .CO M

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The Dip Base

Game-Day Dip, Reimagined

BY LISA ENOS // PHOTO BY STACY FEYER-SALO

// FOOD STYLING BY JASON WHEELER

Game-day spreads are generally delicious calorie bombs, usually anchored by dips swimming in bricks of cream cheese and layers of heavy cheddar. This version completely flips the script without sacrificing a single bit of that classic, fiery comfort.

By blending protein-packed cottage cheese with tangy blue cheese, you get a velvety, rich base that mimics cream cheese perfectly while cutting out hundreds of calories. Combined with zesty buffalo sauce and tender shredded chicken, it is a thick, savory dip that will fool even the biggest junk-food purists at your party.

Serve it up hot with crisp celery sticks to keep things ultra-lean, or pile it onto pita bread if you are not watching your carbs!

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Chicken: 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken (skin removed, breast meat preferred for leanest profile).

Cottage Cheese: 1 cup 2% or non-fat cottage cheese (the secret to the creamy texture).

Blue Cheese: 3 tbsp crumbled blue cheese (adds that authentic buffalo wings tang).

Buffalo Sauce: 1/3 cup of your favorite buffalo wing sauce (like Frank's RedHot).

Seasonings: 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp onion powder, and a pinch of black pepper.

The Dippers

Low-Carb Option: 2 heads of celery, cut into 3-inch sturdy sticks.

Classic Option: 2-3 whole pita breads, cut into triangles and toasted into chips.

Step-by-Step Directions 1. Purée the Cheese Base: Add the cottage cheese, crumbled blue cheese, garlic powder, and onion powder to a blender or food processor.

Blend on high for 30–45 seconds until completely smooth and resemble a thick, creamy ricotta. No curds should remain.

2. Sauce the Base: Pour the blended cheese mixture into a medium mixing bowl. Whisk in the buffalo sauce until the mixture turns a uniform, bright orange color.

3. Fold in the Chicken: Add the shredded rotisserie chicken to the bowl. Stir well with a spatula until every shred of chicken is thoroughly coated in the buffalo cheese sauce.

4. Bake to Bubble: Transfer the mixture into an oven-safe baking dish. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes, or until the edges are bubbling and the center is hot. (Alternatively, microwave in a microwave-safe bowl for 2–3 minutes, stirring halfway through).

5. Serve: Garnish with an extra pinch of blue cheese crumbles or chopped green onions if desired. Surround the hot dish with cold celery sticks and warm pita triangles.

food + drink / chee s

CHEERS

Brunch meets the Big Easy A New Orleans-inspired brunch bar pouring craft cocktails, bubbly drinks and soulful Southern fare.

Southern fare served alongside delicious drinks are what's on the menu at this new Uptown eatery, Sugah Please. Seen here are catfish and grits in the foreground, a glass of the signature peach cider and fried green tomatoes.

BY MATTHREW ROTHENBERG // PHOTOS BY TERI GENOVESE

New Orleans never misses the opportunity to throw a party — and neither does Sugah Please. Born in Detroit, the New Orleans-inspired breakfast and brunch bar soft-opened its Grand Rapids location in January. In July, it made things official with a grand opening celebration that introduced new menu items and a colorful cocktail menu.

When owner Wendy Ringo started her Detroit location, she’d already set her sights on a New Orleans vibe. (She’s a Michigan native with family in North Florida.) “You know what? I didn't even do it intentionally when I created the menu!” Ringo said. “Then I looked and said, ‘Well, you know what?

New Orleans has more of the kind of feel and flavor I’m looking for.”

Specifically, Ringo was attracted to the French cultural influences shared by New Orleans and Detroit. (She proudly notes that her Detroit restaurant is next door to the Fort Pontchartain Hotel, built on the site of the 18th-century French fort of the same name.)

“It’s not just the food,” she said. “It’s the music, it's the history, it’s the culture.”

All of those ingredients mix deliciously at Sugah Please’s GR outfit, located at 1 Carlton Ave. SE (at Fulton Street). Tuesday through Sunday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., the kitchen’s turning out decadent delights inspired by The Big Easy, while resident mixologist Nicole Brewer creates drinks “with a focus on bubbles.” Check out the Bayou cocktail (Midori, spiced rum, Malibu coconut rum and pineapple juice served on the rocks and

topped with an orchid), or treat your party to a flight of colorful Mimosas!

Picking a few high notes from the parade of menu items …

Whether or not you’ve seen the movie, you’d best try the fried green tomatoes. Cornmealcrusted and fried to a golden crunch, they're finished with a tangy remoulade that brings just the right amount of sass to the plate — proof that in the Crescent City canon, even a vegetable can headline the second line.

No trip to Sugah Please is complete without a stop at the beignets. Pillowy squares of fried dough are buried under a snowdrift of powdered sugar, Café du Monde–style, and come ready for dunking — because at this bar, "getting a little messy" isn't a bug, it's the whole point.

For something heartier, the newly added Sugah Daddy burger piles on the classic fixings between a soft bun, built for two hands and zero regrets. It's comfort food with a little Bourbon Street swagger — the kind of burger that doesn't ask permission before it drips down your wrist.

Speaking of new arrivals to the lineup: the po'boy just joined the menu, dressed and ready to represent the sandwich that put Louisiana lunch counters on the map. Consider it Sugah Please's latest parade float — freshly rolled out and already turning heads.

Then there's a choice of shrimp, catfish or blackened salmon, each served on a bed of creamy, stone-ground grits. The seafood’s seasoned and seared to bring the heat without stealing the whole show. It's a lineup that lets diners pick their own krewe — shrimp for the traditionalists, catfish for the purists, blackened salmon for anyone chasing a little smoky char with their brunch. (For those who like their eggs in the mix, Sugah Please also plates a blackened salmon Benedict, because apparently one form of decadence per fish just wasn't enough.)

Rounding out the menu are the dishes built for a slower morning: a build-your-own omelette lineup for the savory crowd, sweet cream pancakes for anyone chasing a sugar high before noon, and a cinnamon roll French toast that basically dares you to order a second cup of coffee. And keep an eye on the menu board — Sugah Please has gumbo simmering in the wings, set to join the lineup soon, because no self-respecting Louisiana kitchen leaves the roux behind for long.

Ringo said she’s excited by the welcome Sugah Please has received here in Grand Rapids. “We’re proud to bring our authenticity, care and love to West Michigan!” Come for the beignets, stay for the Southern hospitality!

GR M AG .CO M

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MUST-TRY

Sports Bar Trifecta

BY KELSEY DUNNEBACK // PHOTOS BY AMANDA KAMPPINEN

Where great food, plenty of screens and unbeatable game-day energy come together.

As summer winds down, football season gives us something to look forward to: crisp fall air, Saturdays spent cheering on college teams and Sundays devoted to the NFL. And where you watch the game can be just as important as who's playing. The best sports bars combine plenty of TVs, crave-worthy food, cold drinks and an atmosphere that makes every big play feel like you're in the stadium. If you're looking for a go-to spot this season, The Score tops the list.

The Score If you’re hoping to soak up a few more weeks of patio season, The Score is hard to beat. With more than 70 TVs, there isn’t a bad spot in the house. The large indoor dining room opens onto a waterfront patio complete with palm trees and sand, giving game day an unexpected beach vibe.

Catch the sunset and your favorite team’s touchdown with a frozen cocktail or one of more than 100 beers on tap. Dig into their meats (smoked in-house daily) or opt for wings, loaded nachos, pizza or a burger. The Score delivers great views, great food and friendly service for the complete gameday package.

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More Game-Day Destinations 1

4

Vitale’s A longtime West Michigan favorite, Vitale's pairs neighborhood charm with plenty of TVs and some of the area's best pizza. The Comstock Park location's covered patio is perfect for stretching patio season into football season.

Bridge St. Bar One of the West Side's newer additions, Bridge St. Bar serves Detroitinspired comfort food and West Side inspired pierogis alongside plenty of TVs and Michigan sports memorabilia. It's an easygoing spot that feels like watching the game at a friend's house.

2 Peppino’s A West Michigan sports bar staple, Peppino's downtown location buzzes on game days.

Wall-to-wall TVs, pizza, wings and burgers make it a great choice for catching every Saturday and Sunday matchup.

3 Monelli’s For a laid-back neighborhood feel, Monelli's in Wyoming delivers. Feel like a regular with great pizza and cold drinks. TVs with stadium-quality sound catch every touchdown and make Monelli’s a reliable pick whether you’re following your alma mater or the Lions.

Opposite page: A bartender pours a Leinenkugel's, on of more than 100 beers on tap.

5 Gimme’s Par & Grille Gimme's combines sports viewing with golf simulators, making it a fun choice for groups with your own TV in the bay. An elevated food menu with tacos and fresh seafood makes for the perfect mix of a casual yet catered-to atmosphere. Last year, they even hosted Fantasy Football Draft Parties.

6 131 Sportsbar & Lounge at Gun Lake If you want to add a little extra excitement a bit outside of the city, 131 Sportsbar pairs oversized screens and elevated bar food with the energy of the casino. The adjacent sportsbook lets fans place wagers before kickoff, making every big play even more entertaining.

This page, from top left: A pulled pork sandwich and chips; The Score's stadium-inspired façade; a plate of ribs, wings, macaroni and cheese, broccoli, coleslaw and a muffin; a seating area featuring a scoreboard; quesadillas served with guacamole and salsa; and the bar area, where two rows of televisions allow patrons to watch multiple games at once.

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At left, the Ultradog and Cheddardog.

Above, the exterior of Yesterdog and its outdoor seating area. Below, the colorful menu wall inside the Eastown hot dog institution.

ON-THE-GO

Top Dog Yesterdog’s Vibe Still Rocks After 50 Years

BY ANN BYLE // PHOTO BY KRISTEN NORMAN

Walk into Yesterdog in Eastown and nothing much has changed.

The walls are still orange and covered in vintage signs and artwork; cash only is accepted; coffee is still 15 cents. A gumball machine, juke box, and phone booth (the dial phone has been disconnected) still take up space.

The only things that have changed are the new ATM machine, for those who don’t carry cash, and the owners. Original owner Bill Lewis sold Yesterdog to co-owners Lisa Rapoport and Pat Connor in May 2025.

“Bill wouldn’t have sold it until he knew someone would carry on his dream,” said Connor. Lewis still maintains the gumball machine in his retirement.

His dream continues, that’s for sure. The menu is the same: six hot dogs, chips, beverages, dill pickles, cookies, and seasonal chicken noodle soup. The closely-guarded recipes for chili, kraut, and soup are the same. The vibe is the same: relaxed, friendly, fun, a lot like family.

“The beautiful thing is that it’s the same simple menu and people love that it’s the same. They love the consistency,” said Rapoport.

The pair, who have a “Brady Bunch” family, both visited Yesterdog in their youth and understood its importance to the community, as well as the importance to its long-term employees, many of whom have worked at Yesterdog for two decades. One is Dave Walls, who has made dogs and cleaned tables for almost 19 years.

“Yesterdog is bigger than the people in it,” he said. “Customers call me YesterDave and are comfortable when they come in. They feel like they’re going to a friend’s house instead of a restaurant. The crew here is part of their lives.”

Rapoport and Connor bought the entire building, which makes them host to Vinyl Alchemy next door and they have plans to renovate and rent the four apartments upstairs. But it’s Yesterdog that has their heart. Rapoport’s brother Jeff Kagan wrote a song celebrating the 50th anniversary this year and sang it all day long on July 23, the official opening day back in 1976.

“It was chaos,” said Connor. “We had a line out the door for 13 hours straight and it was one of the busiest days in the history of Yesterdog.”

The three-day celebration included a magician, balloon sculptor, 72

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Yesterdog Where: 1505 Wealthy St. SE When: 10:30 am-12 am Sunday-Thursday; 10:30 am-2 am Friday and Saturday Web: yesterdoggr.com Famous guests: Betty White, President Barack Obama, Aiden Hutchinson, Sinbad, and Josh and Jase Extra: Yesterdog merchandise as available for purchase online or in-store.

Be sure to take your photo wearing the merch wherever you travel and post it on the restaurant wall.

giveaways, and Adam Herz, screenwriter who sold the script of American Pie, based on his years at East Grand Rapids High School. The restaurant Dog Years in the movie is based on Yesterdog, said Connor, a good friend of Herz.

The restaurant hosted a showing of American Pie at Wealthy Theatre as part of the celebration.

Connor and Rapoport love that Yesterdog is a place folks feel at home. People come in wearing three-piece suits and bathing suits, they may be millionaires or barely making it. They may want a single dog or a catered dinner for 100 people. There have been birthday parties, friend nights, and even a wedding at the multi-room restaurant in the heart of the city.

“There is something about this place; it’s a little slice of what America should be like,” said Rapoport. “People are humane, they treat each other nicely. People are just glad to be here.”

»

Top Dentists

Put Your

BestSmile Forward !

W

hen it comes to making a good impression, a bright, confident smile goes a long way. In addition to creating a pleasing appearance, our teeth also hold an important key to our overall well-being. If we’re getting our checkups and cleanings twice a year, we’re already well on our way to ensuring we’re taking care of ourselves. Good oral habits are easiest to maintain when they’ve been a part of our routine from a young age. That’s why pediatric dentists exist and why families should start thinking about seeing one sooner rather than later.

That’s just the beginning. As we age and our alignment shifts, our enamel thins, and our teeth are subject to daily wear and tear, moresophisticated interventions may be needed.

These range from straightening techniques and other aesthetics to implants, prosthetics, and restorative procedures.

With so many practitioners to choose from, it can be hard to know where to begin. A calming office atmosphere, personalized service, comfort measures, and custom treatment plans all factor in. And, of course, trust. The peer-recognized dentists in this section are some of the most respected experts in West Michigan. For those of us looking for a new provider, this is the perfect place to start!

Disclaimer: The professionals listed herein were selected by their peers in a survey conducted by Professional Research Services of Troy, Michigan. Professionals may be screened and selected through the verification of licensing and review of any infractions through various applicable boards, agencies, and rating services. For further information, visit prscom.com or email PRS at sshevin@prscom.com.

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Endodontics

Mark C. Tingey Tingey Endodontics Holland

Matthew K. Gietzen Partners In Dental Care Grand Rapids

Amru Albeiruti Forest Hills Endodontics Grand Rapids

General Dentistry

Steven M. Grabiel Partners In Dental Care Grand Rapids

Eshwar Arasu Arbor Endodontics Grand Rapids

Betsy Bakeman Bakeman & Kuckhoff The Art of Dentistry Grand Rapids

Arthur Doering The Root Canal Specialists Grand Rapids

Brian Carpenter Carpenter Family Dentistry Grand Rapids

Andrew Drerup West Michigan Endodontists Grand Rapids

Judd T. Carroll Judd Carroll, D.M.D. Lowell

Anthony Guinn West Michigan Endodontists Grand Rapids

Randall W. Chambers Chambers Dental Grand Rapids

Tyler Guinn West Michigan Endodontists Grand Rapids

Keith A. Combs Keith A. Combs, D.D.S Byron Center

Michael W. Hembrough Root Canal Specialists North, P.L.L.C. Grand Rapids Scott Hodges West Michigan Endodontists Grand Rapids Thomas Korte Grandville Endodontics Grandville Brian J. Licari Grandville Endodontics Grandville Sarah Lennan Masterson Grand River Endodontics, P.C. Grandville Brent A. Medema Medema Endodontics Caledonia Geoff Robert West Michigan Endodontists Grand Rapids Aric Smith West Michigan Endodontists Grand Rapids

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Robert S. Dame, DDS North Park Family Dental 422 North Park St. NE Grand Rapids, MI 49525 616-361-7265 drdamedds@npfamilydental.com npfamilydental.com

Jocelyn R. Davis (Carroll) Carroll Family and Cosmetic Dentistry Grand Rapids Sunil Desai Alpine Ridge Dental Grand Rapids

Jason Doublestein, DDS 44 West Dental Professionals Grandville 616-530-2200 Cascade 616-942-0840 44westdental.com

Kevin Fitzpatrick Smile Dental Partners Grand Rapids

Thomas Grias West Michigan Dental Professionals Caledonia Baron Grutter Cannon Family Dentistry Rockford Caitlynn Haas Mailloux Dentistry Holland Janel Hackbardt Midwest Family Dental Care Jenison Peter G. Hallas Lake Michigan Dental, P.C. Grand Rapids Amy Harmon Sarah Palmer, D.D.S. Grandville Timothy B. Harmon Harmon Family Dentistry Grand Rapids Jeff Helmus River Ridge Dentistry Wyoming Christopher Hier Hier Family Dentistry Caledonia

Eryn Huber, DDS Thornapple Dental Care 6809 Cascade Road SE Suite F Grand Rapids, MI 49546 616-942-9040 erynhuberdds@gmail.com thornappledental.com

Matthew D. Hudson Beltline Family Dentistry Grand Rapids

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44 West Dental Professionals 4330 44th St. SW, Suite 105, Grandville, MI 49418 | 616-530-2200 5010 Cascade Road, Grand Rapids, MI 49546 | 616-942-0840 | 44westdental.com

44 West Dental Professionals offers two convenient locations in the Grandville and Cascade areas. Dr. Jason Doublestein, Dr. Kate Trierweiler, and Dr. Michael Wierenga and their staff offer a patient-focused experience, with a friendly and caring atmosphere at each location.

The 44 West team offers a thorough approach to dental treatments and is dedicated to clinical excellence and building strong patient relationships where patients feel comfortable and confident and share a mutual trust in their vision for their dental health.

The use of advanced technology, including digital X-rays, intraoral scanning,

CT imaging, and 3D printing, enables the doctors to provide preventive, restorative, and cosmetic dentistry along with specialty services such as Invisalign and Spark clear aligners, endodontic treatment, and implant procedures for all patients.

All three doctors are graduates of the University of Michigan and have received additional education at the world-renowned Pankey Institute in Florida. They also collaborate with other area dentists and stay up to date with new technologies.

44 West Dental Professionals understands that many people in the community do not have dental insurance, which creates a barrier to accessing quality

dental care. The office has responded by establishing the Blue Tooth Club, a membership plan that helps to make care more affordable. Both locations are currently welcoming new patients. ■

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Bander Dental Group 2301 E. Paris Ave. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546 | 616-949-5940 | banderdentalgroup.com

Being recognized among the Top Dentists in Grand Rapids is an honor, but for the team at Bander Dental Group, excellence isn’t defined by awards — it’s defined by continually raising the standard of care for every patient who walks through the door.

For more than 65 years, Bander Dental Group has served the Grand Rapids community with a commitment to exceptional dentistry built on trust, integrity, and lifelong relationships. Today, under the leadership of Dr. Travis Mattson,

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alongside Dr. Haley Clark, Dr. Devon Ramaswamy, and Dr. Allie Timmerman, that legacy continues while embracing some of the most advanced concepts in modern dentistry.

“Our philosophy has never been to simply fix teeth,” says Carmen Bollinger, Bander’s chief operating officer. “We believe oral health plays a critical role in wholebody health, and our responsibility is to provide care that improves our patients’ quality of life, not just their smiles.”

That philosophy has led Bander Dental Group to expand far beyond the services patients traditionally expect from a dental office.

The practice now offers myofunctional therapy, a specialized program that addresses improper tongue posture, mouth breathing, swallowing patterns, and muscle dysfunction that can contribute to sleepdisordered breathing, orthodontic relapse, TMJ disorders, and developmental concerns in both children and adults. By identifying

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Bander Group SP and treating underlying causes — not just symptoms — patients can achieve healthier, longer-lasting outcomes.

Bander Dental Group has also introduced trigger point therapy, providing relief for patients suffering from chronic jaw pain, muscle tension, headaches, and temporomandibular disorders. This conservative, evidencebased approach complements the practice’s comprehensive treatment of TMJ dysfunction and facial pain, helping many patients reduce discomfort and improve function without more invasive procedures.

These services join an already robust suite of advanced care, including AIassisted diagnostics, same-day restorations, oral appliance therapy for sleep apnea, diagnostic saliva testing, cosmetic dentistry, dental implants, and comprehensive restorative treatment. Each doctor is committed to extensive continuing education — including advanced training through the internationally recognized

Kois Center — to ensure patients receive care rooted in the latest evidence-based research.

While innovation drives the practice forward, patients consistently describe something else that sets Bander Dental Group apart: the experience.

“Our patients often tell us they feel genuinely cared for from the moment they walk through our doors,” Bollinger says.

“Technology matters. Clinical excellence matters. But relationships are what truly define exceptional care.”

Whether a patient is visiting for a routine preventive cleaning or seeking advanced treatment for a complex dental concern, the philosophy remains the same: Deliver exceptional, personalized care rooted in the latest evidence-based dentistry. While Bander Dental Group offers services not commonly found in most dental practices, those innovations enhance the comprehensive family dentistry that has earned the trust of West Michigan

families for more than 65 years.

As dentistry continues to evolve, Bander Dental Group remains committed to thoughtfully adopting proven advances that improve patient health, comfort, and quality of life. Patients don’t have to choose between a trusted family dentist and a practice offering the latest innovations in oral healthcare. At Bander Dental Group, they will find both. ■

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Eric Hull, DDS, AAACD Eric Hull, DDS 769 York Creek Drive NW Comstock Park, MI 49321 616-784-2377 ehull84@gmail.com greatmismiles.com

Top Dentists

John McMahon, DDS McMahon Dental 2076 Baldwin St. Jenison, MI 49428 616-457-2710 office@mcmahonfamilydental.com mcmahonfamilydental.com

Chas Jensen Rouge River Family Dental Rockford

Jacob Miller Miller Dental Grand Rapids

Doug Klein Klein Dentistry Grandville

Alexis Neuman Advance Dental Grand Rapids

Andrew Knowlton Knowlton & Masson Dentistry Sparta

Devin O. Norman Norman Family Dentistry Ada

Kevin Kross Blueprint Dentistry Holland Erik J. Lee Erik J. Lee, D.D.S., P.L.L.C. Jenison Nichole Lubberts Northview Family Dentistry Grand Rapids Brittany Mailloux Mailloux Dentistry Holland Stephen M. Mancewicz GR Family Dental Kentwood

Bryton Mansfield, DDS Mansfield Family Dentistry 2 Grand Rapids locations 1632 Leonard NW 580 Cascade W. Parkway SE 616-453-2255 drbryton@mansfieldgrdental.com mansfieldgrdental.com

Travis Mattson, DDS Bander Dental Group 2301 East Paris Ave. SE Grand Rapids, MI 49546 616-949-5980 info@banderdentalgroup.com banderdentalgroup.com

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Logan Smith, DDS Smith Dental Team 7706 Georgetown Center Drive Suite A Jenison, MI 49428 616-855-0005 office@smithdentalteam.com smithdentalteam.com

Robert Strobel Strobel Family Dentistry Grand Rapids

Katelyn Trierweiler, DDS 44 West Dental Professionals Grandville 616-530-2200 Cascade 616-942-0840 44westdental.com

Brian S. Nylaan, DDS Brian S. Nylaan, D.D.S. 5011 Plainfield Ave. NE Grand Rapids, MI 49525 616-361-7317 info@nylaandental.com nylaandental.com

Michael S. Palaszek Lake Michigan Dental, P.C. Grand Rapids

Devon Ramaswamy, DDS Bander Dental Group 2301 East Paris Ave. SE Grand Rapids, MI 49546 616-949-5980 info@banderdentalgroup.com banderdentalgroup.com

William Robson Robson Family Dental Grand Rapids Stephanie Sakowicz Mulder Dental, P.L.L.C. Grand Rapids Samy Salhadar Ada Family Dentistry Ada J. Stephen Sill Cherry Health - Heart of the City Health Center Grand Rapids

Ryan Van Haren Van Haren Dentistry Grand Rapids John K. Vander Kolk Partners in Dental Care Grand Rapids Lauryne M. Vanderhoof Cascade Village Dental Grand Rapids Matthew VanderLaan VanderLaan Family Dentistry Byron Center Christian L. VerMeulen Christian L. VerMeulen, D.D.S., P.L.C. Grand Rapids Lindsey Vogl Ada Dental Co. Ada

Sabrina Wadood, DDS Fulton Family Dentistry 853 Fulton St. E. Grand Rapids, MI 49503 616-458-1977 fultonfamilydds@gmail.com fultonfamilydds.com

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Advanced Oral Surgery 3855 Burton St. SE, Suite B, Grand Rapids, MI 49546 | 616-369-0360 4020 Del Mar SW, Suite 040-D, Wyoming, MI 49418 | 616-841-9996 | advancedoralsurgerymi.com For many people, oral surgery is about far more than teeth. It’s about eating comfortably, smiling without hesitation, and feeling like themselves again.

At Advanced Oral Surgery, Dr. Mark Jesin believes that exceptional care begins with understanding the person behind every procedure. A board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon, Dr. Jesin combines advanced surgical expertise with a calm, compassionate approach that helps patients feel heard, informed, and genuinely cared for.

“Many patients come to us carrying fear, embarrassment, or difficult memories from past dental experiences,” Dr. Jesin says. “Our responsibility is not only to provide excellent treatment but to rebuild trust and help each person feel confident moving forward.”

To better serve the community, Advanced Oral Surgery is opening a new, state-of-the-art facility at 4020 Del Mar SW in Wyoming. Like the Kentwood office, the new location has been thoughtfully designed to feel warm and welcoming rather than clinical. Both offices combine advanced surgical technology with a comfortable, supportive environment — reflecting Dr. Jesin’s vision for oral surgery care in West Michigan.

The practice is also pleased to welcome Dr. Calvin Panah, who shares Dr. Jesin’s commitment to clinical excellence and individualized care. Together, they provide dental implants, full-arch rehabilitation, wisdom-tooth removal, bone grafting, and complex reconstructive procedures.

With an expanded team and beautiful new location, Advanced Oral Surgery remains focused on what has always mattered most: providing impeccable surgical care while treating every patient with kindness, dignity, and personal attention. ■

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Elizabeth White, DDS Polished Dental Care 6651 Crossings Drive SE Grand Rapids, MI 49508 616-698-6663 info@polisheddentalcaremi.com polisheddentalcaremi.com

Top Dentists

Mark Grinzinger West Michigan Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Grandville Paul Huizinga West Michigan Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Grandville

Mark L. Jesin, DDS Michael Wierenga, DDS 44 West Dental Professionals Grandville 616-530-2200 Cascade 616-942-0840 44westdental.com

Kaylin Wolter Blueprint Dentistry Holland Rosanna W. Wong Garvin Family Dental Care Byron Center

Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Andrew M. Baker Cascade Oral Surgery Grand Rapids Brett Bezak Oral Surgery Associates Grand Rapids P. Jeffrey Brooks Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Associates of Western Michigan, P.L.C. Grand Rapids Brent Dingman Oral Surgery Associates Grand Rapids J. Mark Domin Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Associates of Western Michigan, P.L.C. Grand Rapids Brant A. Erbentraut Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Associates of Western Michigan, P.L.C. Grand Rapids

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Advanced Oral Surgery & Dental Implant Studio 3855 Burton St. SE, Suite B Grand Rapids, MI 49546 616-369-0360 info@oralsurgerymi.com advancedoralsurgerymi.com

Bob Kintz Oral Surgery Associates Grand Rapids A.J. Lytle Third Coast Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Byron Center Igor Makovey Cascade Oral Surgery Grand Rapids Chip Niquette Third Coast Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Byron Center

Roseanna Noordhoek DDS, FACS Center for Oral Surgery + Dental Implants 4349 Sawkaw Drive NE Grand Rapids, MI 49425 616-361-7327 centerfororalsurgerymi.com

J. J. Ooi Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Associates of Western Michigan, P.L.C. Grand Rapids Douglas Orzel Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery of Greater Grand Rapids Caledonia Bradley M. Robinson Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Associates of Western Michigan, P.L.C. Grand Rapids

Emily Van Heukelom DDS Center for Oral Surgery + Dental Implants 4349 Sawkaw Drive NE Grand Rapids, MI 49525 616-361-7327 centerfororalsurgerymi.com

Bradley VanHoose Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery of Greater Grand Rapids Caledonia

Orthodontics David Armbrecht Armbrecht & Wierenga Orthodontics Grand Rapids Jason L. Charnley Lakeshore Orthodontics Grand Haven Elizabeth Christopherson Christopherson Orthodontics Grand Rapids Alexis Gallagher Williams and Gallagher Orthodontics Rockford Cameron H. George Cameron H. George, D.D.S., M.S. Holland Heather Gietzen Grand River Orthodontics Lowell Leslie Glupker Glupker Orthodontics Holland Timothy Glupker Glupker Orthodontics Holland Eric Hannapel Hannapel Pellillo Orthodontics Caledonia

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Center for Oral Surgery + Dental Implants 4349 Sawkaw Drive NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525 58 Marcell Drive, Suite B, Rockford, MI 49341 | 616-361-7327 | centerfororalsurgerymi.com

For more than four decades, West Michigan residents have trusted their smiles to the practice now known as the Center for Oral Surgery + Dental Implants.

Founded in 1981 as Palm & Panek DDS PC, the women-owned practice has grown into one of the region’s premier destinations for oral and maxillofacial care, serving patients from offices in Grand Rapids and Rockford.

The practice is anchored by four board-certified surgeons: Emily J. Van Heukelom, DDS; Roseanna P. Noordhoek, DDS, FACS; Dillon L. Feigenbaum, DDS, M.D.; and Christopher M. Bulcher, DMD, M.D. Together, they bring decades of combined experience to a comprehensive range of procedures, from dental implants and wisdom tooth removal to tooth

extractions, bone grafting, and treatment of facial trauma.

What sets the Center apart is as much a philosophy as a skill set. The team believes a healthy smile contributes to a healthier life, and that conviction shows up in the details: advanced diagnostic imaging, modern anesthesia options, and a notable opioid-free approach to pain management.

Surgeons work hand in hand with each patient’s referring dentist to ensure a smooth, integrated journey from consultation through recovery.

Guided by core values of professionalism, compassion, safety, value, and accessibility, the practice pairs surgical excellence with a genuinely local sensibility, treating patients like neighbors because, in West Michigan, they are.

Whether patients are exploring dental implants or scheduling a consultation for wisdom teeth, the Center for Oral Surgery + Dental Implants continues to do what it has done since 1981: renew smiles. ■

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Jeffrey Heinz, DDS, MSD Heinz Orthodontics Locations in both Rockford and Grand Rapids 616-951-3006 info@heinzorthodontics.com heinzorthodontics.com

Thomas Herremans Herremans Orthodontics Grand Rapids James Kessel Kessel & Bouwens Orthodontics Grandville Kevin Knapp Knapp Orthodontics Byron Center Lathe Miller Miller Orthodontics Grand Rapids Rebecca Monticello Grand Ridge Orthodontics Grand Rapids Gregory Oppenhuizen Enjoy Orthodontics Holland Sonni Pellillo Hannapel Pellillo Orthodontics Caledonia Felipe Porto Enjoy Orthodontics Grandville Breanna Powell Powell Orthodontics Jenison

Katie Randall, DDS, M.S. Mitten Kids Dentistry & Orthodontics 100 Crahen Ave. NE, Suite 100 Grand Rapids, MI 49525 616-942-9840 ortho@mittenkids.com mittenkids.com

Eman Salameh Ortho Station Grand Rapids

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Top Dentists

Sara Schwager Armbrecht & Wierenga Orthodontics Grand Rapids Kathryn Swan Swan Orthodontics Caledonia Mark J. Wierenga Armbrecht & Wierenga Orthodontics Grandville Thomas Williams Williams and Gallagher Orthodontics Rockford Ed Young Robinson Dental Grand Rapids

Pediatric Dentistry Daniel Bolt West Michigan Pediatric Dentistry Holland Meghan Condit Grand River Pediatric Dentistry Jenison Lydia DeJonge Little Red Pediatric Dentistry Holland Lauren M. Feuerstein SixOneSix Dentistry for Children Byron Center

Veronica Hamilton, DDS, M.S. Hamilton Pediatric Dentistry PC 3299 Clear Vista Court NE, Suite B Grand Rapids, MI 49525 616-608-6826 info@veronicahamiltondds.com veronicahamiltondds.com

Brett Kingma, DDS Mitten Kids Dentistry & Orthodontics 100 Crahen Ave. NE, Suite 100 Grand Rapids, MI 49525 616-942-9840 smiles@mittenkids.com mittenkids.com

Stephanie Kloostra Pediatric Dental Specialists of West Michigan Grand Rapids

Alexandra Korte, DDS Mitten Kids Dentistry & Orthodontics 100 Crahen Ave. NE, Suite 100 Grand Rapids, MI 49525 616-942-9840 smiles@mittenkids.com mittenkids.com

Sally Kotani, DDS Grandville Pediatric Dentistry 3131 44th St. SW Grandville, MI 49418 616-531-3430 grandvillepediatricdentistry@yahoo.com grandvillepediatricdentistry.com

Agata Lefere, DMD Grandville Pediatric Dentistry 3131 44th St. SW Grandville, MI 49418 616-531-3430 grandvillepediatricdentistry@yahoo.com grandvillepediatricdentistry.com

Jessica Claire Massie Eastown Pediatric Dentistry Grand Rapids

Meggan McCone, DDS Growing Smiles Pediatric Dentistry 2643 E. Beltline Ave. NE Grand Rapids, MI 49525 616-988-9485 info@growingsmilesgr.com growingsmilesgr.com

Suzanne Port, DDS, M.S. Port Pediatric Dentistry, P.C. 291 W. Lakewood Blvd., Suite 5 Holland, MI 49424 616-392-1100 smiles@portpediatricdentistry.com portpediatricdentistry.com

Chris Powell Stellar Smiles Pediatric Dentistry Byron Center

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R. Graham Greenland, DDS, M.S. Greenland Advanced Oral Care | 2490 East Paris Ave. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546 616-256-8770 | greenlandaoc.com Many people think a prosthodontist is needed only for complex dental reconstruction. In fact, a prosthodontist can serve as a patient’s dental provider for needs ranging from a single damaged tooth to the restoration of an entire smile.

At Greenland Advanced Oral Care, Dr. R. Graham Greenland provides comprehensive care with an emphasis on aesthetics, function, and long-term stability.

A prosthodontist is a dentist who completes advanced specialty training in restoring and replacing teeth. This education provides broad experience with crowns, bridges, dentures, dental implants, bite relationships, and full-mouth rehabilitation.

Patients do not need to have a complicated condition to benefit from this training. Dr. Greenland evaluates worn, cracked, weakened, or missing teeth, as well as loose dentures and failing dental work.

By considering how the teeth, bite, muscles, and supporting tissues work together, he can develop solutions for both straightforward and complex needs.

Each visit begins with careful listening.

Dr. Greenland discusses the patient’s concerns, evaluates oral health, and explains appropriate treatment options in clear language. Recommendations consider appearance, comfort, function, treatment time, maintenance, health, and budget.

Using careful planning and modern dental technology, Greenland Advanced Oral Care focuses on natural-looking, durable treatment. Whether a patient needs one crown, improved dentures, dental implants, or a more comprehensive plan, the goal remains the same: helping patients eat comfortably, speak confidently, and maintain healthy smiles for years to come. ■

Bridging the Medical and Dental Communities

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Grady Randall, DDS Mitten Kids Dentistry & Orthodontics 100 Crahen Ave. NE, Suite 100 Grand Rapids, MI 49525 616-942-9840 smiles@mittenkids.com mittenkids.com

Stephanie Rashewsky Norman Family Dentistry Ada Katie Swanson Pediatric Dental Specialists of West Michigan Grand Rapids Aimee C. Valleau SixOneSix Dentistry for Children Byron Center Christopher E. VanDeven SixOneSix Dentistry for Children Byron Center Christy Vollmar Grand River Pediatric Dentistry Jenison Taryn Weil Pediatric Dental Specialists of West Michigan Grand Rapids 84

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Top Dentists

Danae Willenberg Little Red Pediatric Dentistry Holland

Rachel S. Sinacola Grand River Periodontics Grandville

Periodontics

Prosthodontics

Brian Cilla West Michigan Periodontics Grand Rapids

Joe Fazzio Cascade Family & Implant Dentistry Grand Rapids

Jordan Dempsey Restore Periodontics & Implants Grand Rapids Kathleen M. Eisin Eisin Periodontics & Implant Dentistry Grand Rapids Jacob C. Lueder Jacob C. Lueder, D.D.S., M.S., P.L.L.C. Grand Rapids

James Papp, DMD Great Lakes Periodontics, Laser Surgery & Dental Implants Locations in Grand Rapids and Wyoming, MI 616-940-2854 info@greatlakesperio.com greatlakesperio.com

R. Graham Greenland, DDS, M.S. Greenland Advanced Oral Care 2490 East Paris Ave. SE Grand Rapids, MI 49546 616-256-8770 info@greenlandaoc.com greenlandaoc.com

Lisa Kane, DDS, M.S. Great Lakes Prosthodontics 2093 Health Drive, Suite 300 Grand Rapids, MI 49519 616-940-2854 info@glprosthodontics.com greatlakesperio.com

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Meggan McCone, DDS Growing Smiles Pediatric Dentistry, P.C. | 2643 E. Beltline Ave. NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525 616-988-9485 | growingsmilesgr.com Meggan McCone, DDS, is a Michigan native and Grand Valley State University alum who returned to West Michigan after completing her pediatric dental residency at the University of Florida College of Dentistry. She has been providing outstanding pediatric oral health care in the Greater Grand Rapids region since founding Growing Smiles Pediatric Dentistry in 2013.

At her practice, she and her team treat infants, children, and adolescents, and they specialize in sedation dentistry and the care of children with special healthcare needs.

Dr. McCone also has extra training in child psychology and guiding behavior. This is especially important for those with sensory issues but applies to every child who walks through the door.

The Growing Smiles team stresses the importance of taking children to a pediatric specialist. These experts apply childspecific knowledge and techniques to make going to the dentist easy and fun for little ones. As soon as the first tooth comes in, parents can visit Growing Smiles and start building the educational foundations and oral habits that will help their children become dentally confident adults.

“Our amazing doctors and team are dedicated to the care of your littlest loved ones, curating each visit to the unique needs of your child,” Dr. McCone says.

“You’re involved on the journey to your child’s healthy smile as we help you understand their growth, development, nutrition, and prevention — creating a foundation for a lifetime of oral health.” ■

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Dr. Sabrina Wadood Fulton Family Dentistry | 853 Fulton St. E, Grand Rapids, MI 49503 | 616-458-1977 | fultonfamilydds.com Dr. Sabrina Wadood is the owner of Fulton Family Dentistry, a minority-owned general dentistry practice in Midtown Grand Rapids. Alongside an all-female staff, Dr. Wadood provides comprehensive dental services, including routine check-ups, periodontal care, fi llings, crowns and implant restorations, cosmetic dentistry, root canals, and emergency treatment. Her practice accepts Delta Dental, and she works with a network of specialists in the community to provide well-coordinated, interdisciplinary care. Recently, her office added state-of-the-art dental equipment, including 3D printing and same-day crowns. The upgrades have allowed her team to make patients’ appointments more efficient while prioritizing compassionate, person-centered dental care.

Dr. Wadood is also well connected in the community as the editor of the West Michigan District Dental Society Bulletin newsletter and co-chair of the New Dentist Forum. She stays up to date on her continuing education requirements and is eager to learn about new evidencebased techniques and materials that will help her give patients the best possible experience. ■

Agata Lefere, DMD, and Sally Kotani, DDS Grandville Pediatric Dentistry | 3131 44th St. SW, Grandville, MI 49418 | 616-531-3430 | grandvillepediatricdentistry.com With Dr. Mike Demeter’s retirement, Dr. Agata Lefere has taken the reins as owner of Grandville Pediatric Dentistry. She and Dr. Sally Kotani, both board certified, are active members of the American Dental Association, American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, and West Michigan Dental Association.

Dr. Lefere strives to ensure that her young patients feel safe and confident, and Dr. Kotani is known for her gentle approach and passion for treating children. Dedicated to protecting children’s smiles and improving their oral health, the team focuses on educating families about proper care, from effective tooth-brushing techniques to strong oral habits.

Together, they are committed to creating the best possible dental experience for their patients. ■

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Dr. Rob Dame North Park Family Dental | 422 N. Park St. NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525 616-361-7265 | npfamilydental.org

For more than three decades, Dr. Rob Dame has had the privilege of caring for generations of families in the Grand Rapids community. At North Park Family Dental, he has built a practice founded on trust, compassion, and personalized care.

Being recognized by his peers as a Top Dentist is an honor he deeply appreciates and shares with his outstanding team.

This year marks an especially meaningful milestone for the practice. Dr. Dame is proud to welcome his son, Dr. Joshua Dame, as a dentist, and his daughter, Madisyn Hull, as a registered dental hygienist. Their arrival represents the fulfillment of a dream years in the making and the continuation of the

family’s commitment to providing exceptional dental care for the community they proudly serve.

While the practice continues to grow, its mission remains unchanged: to treat every patient like family, combine the latest advances in dentistry with a gentle, patient-centered approach, and create an environment where patients feel comfortable, respected, and genuinely cared for.

Whether easing a child through their first dental visit, restoring a healthy smile, or helping patients maintain excellent long-term oral health, the team at North Park Family Dental is grateful for the trust patients place in them. With two generations of the Dame

family now working side by side, the practice looks forward to serving the Grand Rapids community for many years to come with compassionate, comprehensive dental care. ■

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Brian S. Nylaan, DDS Brian S. Nylaan, D.D.S. | 5011 Plainfield Ave. NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525 | 616-361-7317 | nylaandental.com Walking into a dental office can sometimes feel overwhelming, which is why Dr. Brian Nylaan prioritizes education and open communication. He takes the time to thoroughly explain your options, ensuring you understand why treatment is recommended and how it supports your long-term health.

“My goal is to help people recognize when they have a need and provide comfortable, personalized treatment options that truly improve their quality of life,” Dr. Nylaan explains.

By blending advanced oral medicine with genuine, compassionate listening, Dr. Nylaan and his team turn dental visits into a true partnership. He says, “It starts when you listen to your patient. You aren’t just keeping your smile healthy — you are investing in your entire life. Your well-being is my greatest concern.” ■

Dr. Lauryne Vanderhoof Cascade Village Dental | 6886 Cascade Road SE, Suite G, Grand Rapids, MI 49546 | 616-940-4777 | cascadevillagedental.com Cascade Village Dental believes that exceptional dentistry begins with truly caring for patients.

The office blends modern technology, advanced techniques, and a warm, personal approach to help patients feel comfortable from the moment they walk through the door.

Led by Dr. Lauryne Vanderhoof, the practice provides comprehensive dental care with a focus on cosmetic and restorative dentistry. Dr. Vanderhoof is one of the few dentists in Grand Rapids offering injection-molded composite veneers, combining digital smile design with a customized, 3D-printed matrix to precisely guide the placement of tooth-colored composite. This approach allows patients to enhance the shape, symmetry, and appearance of their smiles while preserving their natural tooth structure.

“I want my patients to feel that we have taken the time to really understand them — not just their teeth,” Dr. Vanderhoof says. “Whether someone is coming in for their first comprehensive exam or a complete smile transformation, they deserve to feel heard and cared for.” ■

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Eryn Huber, DDS Thornapple Dental Care | 6809 Cascade Road SE, Suite F, Grand Rapids, MI 49546 616-942-9040 | thornappledental.com The first thing patients notice when they walk through the doors of Thornapple Dental Care is the calm and comfortable — and notably Michigan-centric — atmosphere. Dr. Eryn Huber, who runs the women-owned and women-operated practice, says that’s intentional. A supporter of local art and welcoming to all, Dr. Huber wants those in her care to see the human behind the white coat — and know that they’re getting personalized attention with every visit.

Dr. Huber has been in the dental profession for nearly 20 years and a Doctor of Dental Surgery since 2016. She relocated to Grand Rapids from Detroit in 2022 and opened Thornapple Dental Care in 2025.

There, she and her team treat patients of all ages, whether it’s routine preventive maintenance or medically complex concerns.

In addition to placing implants and providing Invisalign treatment, Dr. Huber focuses on occlusion, cosmetic dentistry, and TMJ therapy.

A lifelong learner, Dr. Huber has pursued advanced continuing education through The Pankey Institute in Florida and the Kois Center in Washington state. She’s also a member of the local Pankey study club. In addition, she remains actively involved in organized dentistry as a member of the American Dental Association, Michigan Dental Association, West Michigan District Dental Society, Kent County Dental Society, and Academy of General Dentistry.

Dr. Huber believes building relationships is paramount, so she spends time with each patient to make sure she understands their needs and strives to make a meaningful difference in their long-term health and quality of life. ■

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Top Dentists

Grand Rapids Family Orthodontics 3989 Cascade Road SE, Suite 10, Grand Rapids, MI 49546 | 616-580-1324 | grandrapidsfamilyortho.com At Grand Rapids Family Orthodontics, relationships matter. Led by Dr. Ben Bouchard, the practice is committed to creating healthy, confident smiles through personalized, compassionate care.

A Michigan native, Dr. Bouchard completed his dental training at the University of Michigan and his orthodontic residency at the University of Iowa, where he served as chief resident. His friendly, down-to-earth approach and commitment to clinical excellence help patients of all ages feel comfortable and confident throughout their orthodontic journey.

Formerly led by Dr. Paul Karl as Karl Orthodontics, Grand Rapids Family Orthodontics is proud to continue the tradition of exceptional orthodontic care that patients throughout West Michigan have trusted for years. ■

SixOneSix Dentistry for Children 2000 43rd St. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49508 | 616-455-1301 | 170 Marcell Drive NE, Rockford, MI 49341 | 616-884-5812 6369 Venture Hills Blvd. SW, Byron Center, MI 49315 | sixonesixkids.com Six One Six Dentistry for Children is a pediatric dental practice with office locations in Grand Rapids, Rockford, and Byron Center. The amazing team of pediatric dentists includes Dr. Aimee Valleau, Dr. Christopher VanDeven, and Dr. Lauren Feuerstein. The doctors and their team are highly trained and excel at caring for children, from infants to adolescents, and those with special healthcare needs.

As parents themselves, all three doctors understand and empathize with families, and they treat all of their patients as if they were their own children.

When families visit SixOneSix Dentistry for Children, they will receive the highest-quality care, a thorough evaluation, and a comprehensive, patient-centered review of the appointment, including any recommended treatment and prevention strategies. The entire staff has extensive knowledge to care for children’s oral health from infancy through adolescence. They offer kind, gentle, and compassionate care, with an understanding that children’s bodies and minds are constantly growing and developing. ■

From Left to Right: Dr. Travis Mattson, Dr. Sam Bander, Dr. Tim Obradovich and Dr. Haley Doose.

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Top Dentists

Jeffrey M. Heinz, DDS, MSD Heinz Orthodontics | 158 Marcell Drive, Suite A, Rockford, MI 49341 6208 Kalamazoo Ave. SE, Suite 3, Grand Rapids, MI 49508 | heinzorthodontics.com Heinz Orthodontics believes an exceptional smile starts with an exceptional patient experience. Dr. Jeffrey M. Heinz and the dedicated team take the time to truly listen, understand each patient’s goals, and create a personalized treatment plan tailored to their needs. From the first consultation to the final smile reveal, patients are welcomed into a fun, friendly, and supportive environment where they feel like family. As a fully digital, 3D-printing orthodontic practice, Heinz Orthodontics combines advanced technology with compassionate, personalized care to make treatment efficient, comfortable, and convenient. Flexible payment options, fivestar customer service, and the Smile Guarantee reflect the practice’s commitment to providing an experience that is as rewarding as the results. Heinz Orthodontics is creating confident smiles and lasting relationships, one patient at a time. ■

From Left to Right: Dr. Travis Mattson, Dr. Sam Bander, Dr. Tim Obradovich and Dr. Haley Doose.

John M. McMahon, DDS McMahon Dental | 2076 Baldwin St., Jenison, MI 49428 | 616-457-2710 | mcmahonfamilydental.com McMahon Dental believes in dentistry designed diff erently — off ering patient-centered, concierge care tailored to entire families. Instead of letting basic insurance limits drive decisions, the practice’s approach revolves entirely around the patient. Th is freedom allows for customized treatment plans that truly align with long-term health and wellness goals.

McMahon Dental welcomes patients of all ages who value high-quality, modern dental care delivered in an exceptionally comfortable, welcoming environment. By utilizing the latest advanced technology, the practice ensures that every treatment is precise and gentle. Staff prides themselves on delivering an unhurried, personalized experience that respects families’ busy schedules. Th is warm, dedicated approach consistently earns Dr. John recognition as a Top Dentist in West Michigan by Grand Rapids Magazine year after year. ■

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Top Dentists

Mitten Kids Dentistry and Orthodontics 100 Crahen Ave. NE #100, Grand Rapids, MI 49525 | 6477 Cherry Meadow Drive SE #4, Caledonia, MI 49316 616-202-3930 | mittenkids.com Good vibes, great service, and parent-approved care!

With staff recognized as Top Pediatric Dentists and a Top Orthodontist, Mitten Kids is proud to be West Michigan’s only local doctor-owned, patient-driven multispecialty practice.

Across two convenient locations, an exceptional team of five board-certified pediatric dentists and one orthodontist delivers collaborative care during children’s growing years.

The practice provides an elevated patient experience rooted in trusted collaboration and family-friendly comfort. By offering specialized dentistry and advanced orthodontics under one roof, Mitten Kids ensures exceptional outcomes.

Mitten Kids thanks West Michigan families for trusting the team with their smiles and looks forward to welcoming new patients to a neighborhood practice where local heart meets clinical excellence. ■

Logan Smith, DDS, and Katie VanderWal, DDS Smith Dental Team | 7706 Georgetown Center Drive, Jenison, MI 49428 | 616-855-0005 | smithdentalteam.com Dr. Logan Smith and Dr. Katie VanderWal provide a wide range of comprehensive care, with a strong focus on helping everyday people maintain healthy mouths, balanced bites, and confident smiles. Serving patients at Smith Dental Team in Jenison, they and their support staff are passionate about building lasting relationships and providing a high standard of care in a warm, supportive environment.

What sets them apart is their advanced training and experience in helping patients manage TMJ pain and complex dental problems. Dr. Smith and Dr. VanderWal are members of the American Dental Association, Michigan Dental Association, and West Michigan District Dental Society, as well as lifelong learners committed to excellence. They dedicate countless hours to continuing education, especially through the renowned Pankey Institute. ■

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Top Dentists

AJ Lytle, DDS and Chip Niquette, DDS, FACS Third Coast Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery | 616-217-3632 | thirdcoastoms.com 2119 64th St. SW, Byron Center, MI 49315 | 3267 N. Evergreen Drive NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525

Third Coast Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery is excited to announce that they are now welcoming patients at their new northeast Grand Rapids location.

With two convenient offices serving West Michigan, Third Coast Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery is committed to providing timely, exceptional care for its patients. Thank you for your continued trust and the opportunity to serve the community. ■

Bryton C. Mansfield, DDS Mansfield Family Dentistry | 1632 Leonard St. NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504 | 616-453-2255 580 Cascade West Parkway, Grand Rapids, MI 49546 | 616-949-9060 | mansfieldgrdental.com Dr. Bryton C. Mansfield is the owner of Mansfield Family Dentistry. He is a member of numerous professional organizations, including the American Dental Association, Michigan Dental Association, and Pankey Study Club. He has earned the Top Dentist designation several years in a row.

He is blessed to work alongside a crew that focuses on offering the highest-quality service in a calm environment, boosting whole-body health through personalized optimization of oral health. The latest dental technologies support this approach, including digital scanning used to fabricate permanent same-day crowns, 3D CT scans to help detect unseen, preventable problems and perform root canals, and in-office 3D printing for various patient needs. These advancements and Dr. Mansfield’s enhanced training allow for less stressful procedures and more comprehensive treatments within hours. Additionally, Dr. Mansfield carries a “Qualified Dentist” designation through the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine with a focus on treating sleep apnea with oral CPAP alternatives. ■

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Top Dentists

Betsy Bakeman, DDS 2757 Leonard St. NE, Suite 100, Grand Rapids, MI 49525 | 616-940-0481 | micosmeticdentist.com

There are many reasons Dr. Betsy Bakeman is among the top dentists in Grand Rapids. First and foremost, she strives to exceed the expectations of patients from across the state and beyond.

“Although cosmetic dentistry is not a recognized specialty, we treat it like one,” Dr. Bakeman says. “We utilize an expert team that includes highly trained specialists and esteemed ceramists, allowing us to provide high-level, world-class results.”

Dr. Bakeman is one of a select few to achieve the Accredited Fellow distinction in the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry — and the first dentist in Michigan to do so.

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Dr. Bakeman utilizes a range of smilerestoring techniques, including teeth whitening, bonding, periodontal plastic surgery, porcelain veneers and crowns, dental implants, and Invisalign. The office also offers advanced preventive services and routine dentistry.

Dr. Sara Kuckhoff also brings her passion for cosmetic dentistry to the practice. Both doctors believe no one should be unhappy with the appearance and comfort of their teeth.

Many treatments can be staged over time to improve access and affordability.

Dr. Bakeman regularly teaches fellow dentists from around the world, and young dentists in the office often observe and learn from her. “It’s always important to keep

learning,” she says. “As the science of dentistry evolves, we keep abreast of changes so we can continue to provide our patients with state-of-the-art care.”

For Dr. Bakeman and her team, making their patients feel beautiful, confident, and healthy is important. “Our staff members are our greatest asset,” Dr. Bakeman says. “They are smart and knowledgeable, and together we go the extra mile to deliver the finest care.” ■

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Top Dentists

Eric Hull, DDS

James C. Papp, DMD

Dr. Lisa Kane DDS, M.S.

Dr. Eric Hull is a cosmetic and general dentist who provides impressive results that are backed by the multiple credentials he’s earned since receiving his dental degree. He is highly skilled in comprehensive mouth rehabilitation and works closely with a number of oral surgeons and orthodontists. Dr. Hull and his team are dedicated to providing personalized service and the best, most competent care a patient can receive.

Dr. Hull is a graduate of the Kois Center, a Fellow in the Academy of General Dentistry, and accredited in the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. He is one of only seven AACD-accredited dentists in the state of Michigan. ■

Dr. James C. Papp, a certified periodontist and East Grand Rapids native, has served the Greater Grand Rapids area since 2001.

With convenient locations in Grand Rapids and Wyoming, Great Lakes Periodontics is dedicated to the community’s dental health. Dr. Papp is a member of numerous organizations, including the American Academy of Periodontology, Michigan Dental Association, West Michigan Dental Society, Academy of Laser Dentistry, American Academy of Implant Dentistry, and Midwest Periodontal Society. Specializing in laser-assisted periodontal therapy, soft-tissue augmentation, and dental implants, he and his team provide compassionate, excellent care to ensure long-term oral and systemic health. ■

Board-certified prosthodontist Dr. Lisa Kane stands out as a recognized leader in her field, having received numerous awards and appointments. She treats challenging cases, helping patients with missing and broken teeth remember how to smile. She received the American Academy of Esthetic Dentistry Award, served as the director of complete denture at the University of Michigan School of Dentistry for five years, spent six years as president of the Michigan chapter of her specialty, and was a prosthodontic consultant on a Michigan Dental Association committee. Local dental societies have invited her as a guest speaker to lecture on current dental topics, and she’s published articles in leading prosthodontic journals. Dr. Kane works to restore what has been lost with passion and an artistic eye. ■

Great Lakes Periodontics 4880 Cascade Road SE Grand Rapids, MI 49546 616-201-1079 greatlakesperio.com

Great Lakes Prosthodontics 2093 Health Drive, Suite 300 Wyoming, MI 49519 616-940-2854 greatlakesperio.com

Eric Hull DDS Aesthetic & General Dentistry 769 York Creek Drive NW, Comstock Park, MI 49321 616-784-2377 greatmismiles.com

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Veronica R. Hamilton DDS, M.S.

Top Dentists

Suzanne Port DDS, M.S.

Dr. Veronica Hamilton is a board-certified pediatric dentist and the founder of Hamilton Pediatric Dentistry, dedicated to providing exceptional, compassionate care for children of all ages. She believes every child deserves a positive dental experience and strives to create a welcoming, fun environment where families feel comfortable from the moment they walk through the door. Dr. Hamilton is fluent in Spanish, allowing her to better serve and connect with many families in the community. Patients also love being greeted

by Rosie, the practice’s friendly therapy dog, who helps make dental visits a little less stressful and a lot more enjoyable. ■

2026 marks a milestone year for Dr. Suzanne Port’s practice, Port Pediatric Dentistry. For 20 years, Dr. Port and her team have provided exceptional care for patients age 0 to 19, putting kids at ease and building relationships with families. She takes pride in the team’s long-standing contribution to the community and remains committed to helping patients enjoy a lifetime of good oral health. Dr. Port is board certified with the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and is a fellow of the American College of Dentistry and the International College of Dentistry. She has been recognized as a Top Dentist for several years running. ■

Hamilton Pediatric Dentistry PC 3299 Clear Vista Ct. NE B Grand Rapids, MI 49525 616-608-6826 veronicahamiltondds.com

Port Pediatric Dentistry, PC 291 W. Lakewood Blvd., Suite 5 Holland, MI 49424 616-392-1100 portpediatricdentistry.com

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O U R S TA F F ' S G U I D E TO T H E A R E A' S B E S T E AT E R I E S For any additions or changes, please email lenos@hour-media and write "Dining Guide" in the subject line of the email.

Downtown GR 7 MONKS TAPHOUSE Beer bar with more than 50 taps and gastropub food, including pretzel bites, burgers, salads. Open daily. // 740 Michigan St NE, 265-5417. 7monkstap.com/ grand-rapids. Lunch, Dinner $$$

ALLORA Top-notch, chef-led fine dining venue featuring a menu of sustainable, artfully prepared dishes inspired by coastal Italy. Open Tuesday–Saturday. // 201 Monroe Ave NW 855-9463. Reservations recommended, opentable.com. Dinner $$$

ANGEL’S THAI CAFÉ Extensive Thai fare. Menu includes your-choice stir-fry option. Vegetarian friendly. No alcohol. Open daily. // 136 Monroe Center NW, 454-9801. angelsthaicafe. com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$

BANGKOK TASTE CUISINE Thai fare with lunch buffet and kids menu. No alcohol.

Closed Sun. // 15 Jefferson Ave SE, 356-5550. bangkoktastegr.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$

BEIJING KITCHEN Hunan, Szechuan and Cantonese cuisines. Lunch and dinner specials. No alcohol. Open daily. //342 State St SE, 4588383. beijingkitchenmi.com. Lunch (Sun-Fri), Dinner $-$$

BISTRO BELLA VITA Big-city casual; modern French and Italian cuisine, locally sourced and prepared over a wood fire.

Mammoth martini bar, nice wine selection. Open daily. // 44 Grandville Ave SW, 222-4600. bistrobellavita. com. Lunch, Dinner $$-$$$

BLACK NAPKIN High quality burgers, chicken sandwiches, fries and homemade sodas. Takeout only, Tuesday-Saturday. // 966 E. Fulton St. Lunch, Dinner $

BOB’S BAR Down home sports bar with 10 HD TV's. 14 Beers on Tap specializing in Chicago cuisine. Open daily. // 725 Michigan St NE. 774-0512. bobsbar.org.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $

OBARINO’S AT THE B.O.B. Grill on second floor of The B.O.B. offers everything from wood-fired pizza to upscale entrées. Lunch menu has deli sandwiches, salads, burgers. Full bar. Outdoor seating. Closed Sun. // 20 Monroe Ave NW, 356-2000. thebob.com/bobarinospizza. Lunch, Dinner $-$$

BRICK & PORTER Appetizers, burgers, salads, sandwiches and a nice selection of entrées; 20 beers on tap (“the darker, the better”). Open daily. // 47 Monroe Center NW, 226-6928. brickandportergr.com. Brunch (Sat-Sun), Lunch, Dinner $-$$

BRICKYARD TAVERN Located inside the historic Boardwalk Building, BrickYard Tavern offers a varied menu with items including a selection of burgers, sandwiches and entrées such as beer-battered salmon and chips, fish tacos and rib eye. Enjoy cocktails and 24 beers on tap. Open daily. // 940 Monroe Ave NW, 805-3280. brickyardtaverngr.com. Lunch, Dinner $$

BROOKLYN BODEGA BAGEL & DELI Bringing the bagel shops and delis of the East Coast to the third coast. Whether a bagel, egg and cheese or a hearty turkey sandwich, Brooklyn Bodega has it. Open Monday-Saturday // 10 Jefferson Ave SE, 724-4275 Breakfast, Lunch $

THE CHOP HOUSE Aged prime beef, seafood, pork, lamb chops, chicken and more. Downstairs is La Dolce Vita dessert and cigar bar. Closed Sun. // 190 Monroe Ave NW, 451-6131. thechophousegrandrapids.com. Dinner $$$

CITY BUILT BREWING CO. Taproom featuring a variety of craft beer. Plus, Puerto Rican-inspired appetizers, small plates, entrées, soups and salads. Closed Mon. // 820 Monroe Ave NW, 805-5755. citybuiltbrewing.com. Lunch, Dinner $$

CINCO DE MAYO Offers the usual Mexican fare plus carnitas and steak asada. Full bar. Open daily. // 114 Monroe Center NW, 719-2401. cincodemayogr.com. Lunch, Dinner $

CHICAGO BEEF JOINT This lively casual restaurant in the Monroe North district boasts “live music all the time” and serves up scrumptious Chicago style beef and sausage sandwiches (served with your choice of hot giardiniera, mild giardiniera, or sweet bell peppers). Menu also includes, hot dogs,chicken sandwiches, tavern pizza, salad, and more. Happy hour specials and a full bar make this a great place for watching

$ INEXPENSIVE (UNDER $10) $$ MODERATE (BETWEEN $10 – $20) $$$ EXPENSIVE (OVER $20)

sports. Open daily at 11 a.m., closing times vary. // 822 Ottawa Ave NW, 420-7724. cbjgr.com. Lunch, Dinner $

DUBLIN HALL Tapas-style fare, plus house specialties. Patio seating. Full bar, happy hour 3-7 Mon-Fri. Open daily. // 100 Ionia Ave SW, 456-7673. Facebook. Lunch, Dinner $-$$

FIELD & FIRE CAFÉ All-day breakfast, sandwiches, soups, salads, toasts, croissants, muffins and tarts. On weekends brunch is available. No alcohol. Open daily. // 820 Monroe Ave NW Suite 100, 616-608-4533. fieldandfire.com.

Breakfast, Lunch $-$$

FOUNDERS BREWING CO. Spacious taproom, serpentine bar and live music Thu and Sat. Menu features appetizers, deli sandwiches. Outdoor beer garden. Open daily. // 235 Grandville Ave SW, 776-1195. foundersbrewing.com. Lunch, Dinner $

FRIESIAN GASTRO PUB A cozy neighborhood eatery offering comfort food items with an eclectic twist. Menu items include handhelds like the harissa hot chicken sandwich and vegan Rueben, as well as entrées including ramen bowls and Korean short ribs. Full bar. Patio and rooftop deck. Open daily. // 720 Michigan St NE, 825-3001. friesiangr.com. Lunch, Dinner $$

GARDEN DISTRICT New Orleans style restaurant serving southern Cajun and Creole. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Closed Sundays.

Full bar. / 55 Monroe Center St NW, 376-4002. gardendistrictgr.com/ Lunch, Dinner $$

GINZA SUSHI & RAMEN BAR Wide selection of authentic Japanese cuisine, sushi, ramen, poke bowls, hibachi dinners, appetizers, soups and salad.

Open daily. Catering available. // 1015 Michigan St NE, 272-4116. ginzasushiramen.com. Lunch, Dinner $$

GRAND RAPIDS GARAGE BAR AND GRILL “All-American grub” includes burgers, nachos, sandwiches, soups and salads, full bar. Live entertainment Fri and Sat. Open daily. / 819 Ottawa Ave NW, 454-0321. garagebargr.com. Lunch, Dinner $

GRAND WOODS LOUNGE Eclectic menu with upscale comfort foods. Live entertainment, pool tables, spacious full bar. Yearround alfresco dining with fireplace. Open daily. // 77 Grandville Ave SW, 451-4300. grandwoodslounge. com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$

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THE HERITAGE GRCC culinary students prepare gourmet dishes from steaks to vegan. Menu changes weekly. Wine and beer. Open Tue-Fri during school year. // Applied Technology Center, 151 Fountain St NE, 234-3700. grcc.edu/heritage. Lunch, Dinner $$-$$$

LITTLEBIRD Cozy neighborhood bistro for farm-to-table cuisine, natural wine and bespoke cocktails. Full bar. Open Tuesday–Sunday. Hours vary. // 95 Monroe Center NW, 419-4168. thelittlebirdgr.com. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Tue-Sat) $

HONG KONG EXPRESS Szechuan and Cantonese. All-you-can-eat lunch buffet.

No alcohol. Open daily. // 150 E Fulton St, 235-2888.

Lunch, Dinner $-$$

LUNA TAQUERIA Y COCINA Upscale Latin American menu pairs with locally sourced meat and produce. Full bar. Closed Sun. // 64 Ionia Ave SW, 288-6340. lunagr.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$

K-ROK Delicioius Korean BBQ, noodles, Soju cocktail and more Private karaoke rooms. Full bar. Happy hour specials and an all-you-can-eat buffet. Open for lunch and dinner daily. Closed Mondays. // 169 Louis, Campau Promenade Ste 1A, 369-5765. $-$$

MARGAUX A contemporary French bistro. Fine wines and cocktails.

Alfresco dining overlooking the Grand River. Open daily. // JW Marriott, 235 Louis St NW, 242-1448. ilovethejw. com/dining. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $-$$$

JAMAICAN DAVE’S Chicken, goat, oxtail, beef, fish and vegetarian fare in Jamaican style. No alcohol. Closed Sun. // 530 S Division Ave, 458-7875. Facebook. Lunch, Dinner $

THE KITCHEN BY WOLFGANG PUCK Comfort fare and global classics in a casual atmosphere overlooking the Grand River. Menu includes appetizers, gourmet pizzas, salads and entrées. Full bar. Open daily. // Amway Grand Plaza, 187 Monroe Ave NW, 776-3230.amwaygrand.com/dining/the-kitchen-bywolfgang-puck. Lunch, Dinner $$-$$$

KNOOP ROOFTOP BEER GARDEN Upscale rooftop beer garden offers Dutch and German inspired cuisine with a modern touch. Madefrom-scratch shareables, small bites, hand-crafted cocktails and scenic views of downtown Grand Rapids. // 131 Ionia SW, 8th Floor, 616-456-6200, canopygrandrapidsrestaurants.com/knoop/.

Dinner $$-$$$

MAX’S SOUTH SEAS HIDEWAY A tiki-themed restaurant that includes a raw bar, hot appetizers, salads, sides, land and sea dishes, and vegan options. Appetizers include ceviche and puhahana rock shrimp, and entrées include a poke bowl, citrus-glazed faroe and an island lobster roll.

Full bar. Open daily. // 58 Ionia Ave SW, 551-0016. maxstiki.com. D $$-$$$

MDRD Overlooking the Grand River from its location on the 27th floor of the Amway Grand Plaza, this restaurant serves modern Spanish cuisine including tapas and paella. Reservations available. Closed Sun and Mon. // 187 Monroe Ave. NW, 776.6425. amwaygrand.com/dining. Dinner $$$

MEXO Features tequila/mezcal bar and a modern touch on classic pre-Hispanic foods of Mexico. Full bar. Open daily. // 118 E Fulton St, 828-4123. mexogr.com. Breakfast (Sun), Lunch, Dinner $$

LEO'S CONEY ISLAND ON TAP An east side favorite located in Studio Park in downtown Grand Rapids serves up classic Coney Island favorites, cocktails and beer on tap. // 122 Oakes St SW Suite 100, 805-3780, leosconeyisland.com.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $-$$

MOJO’S DUELING PIANO BAR Lively downtown spot opens for dinner at 5 pm Wed-Sat. Appetizers, sandwiches, salads, flatbread pizzas, full bar. Shows start at 8 pm Wed-Fri, 7 pm Sat. Closed Sun-Tue. // 180 Monroe Ave NW, 776-9000. mojospianobar.com. Dinner (Wed-Sat) $$-$$$

LEO’S SEAFOOD RESTAURANT AND BAR Fresh seafood, soups, salads and more in elegant yet casual atmosphere. Happy Hour specials Mon– Thurs, 3:30–5:30 p.m. Open Mon-Fri., 11:30 a.m.–10 p.m., and Sat 4:30 p.m.–10 p.m. Closed Sunday. // 60 Ottawa Ave NW, 454-6700. leosrestaurant.com.

Lunch (Mon-Fri), Dinner $$-$$$

NOODLE PIG Laid-back local ramen shop serving inventive bowls built from the ground up with noodles made fresh in-house daily. The menu balances traditional Japanese flavors with playful fusion twists, alongside small Japanese dishes like gyoza, the fan-favorite J-Dog, and fried chicken. Gluten-free and vegan options, a selective bar featuring beer, wine, sake, seltzers, and signature “boozy boba” cocktails. Open noon–10 p.m seven days a week. // 601 Bond Ave NW Suite 102, 327-2922, www.noodlepig.com. Dinner $-$$

LINEAR Riverfront eatery featuring seasonal menu with fresh modern American fare and outdoor-seating options; plus, a display of rotating works by local artists. Full bar. Closed Mon. // 1001 Monroe Ave NW, 200-4343. linearrestaurant.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$

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ONE TWENTY THREE TAVERN This restaurant offers elevated American fare; fried chicken sandwiches, jackfruit carnitas, meatloaf, veggie meatballs, quinoa bowl, starters, small & large

G R A N D R A P I D S M A G A Z I N E • S E P T E M B E R /O C T O B E R 2 0 2 6

plates, handhelds a kids menu & more! Full bar. Open daily. // 123 Ionia Ave SW. 123tavern.com. Lunch, Dinner $$$

PALACE OF INDIA Indian cuisine with a sizeable menu including vegetarian selections. Lunch buffet 11-3. Open daily. // 138 E Fulton St, 913-9000. palaceofindiarestaurant.com.

Lunch, Dinner $-$$

PARSLEY MEDITERRANEAN GRILLE Appetizers, salads, soups, pitas, combos. Catering available. No alcohol. Open daily. // 80 Ottawa Ave NW, 776-2590. parsleymg.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$

PIND INDIAN CUISINE A fine-dining Indian restaurant offering traditional dishes, such as tandoori, biryani, chicken tikka masala, malai kofta and samosas with gluten-free, vegan and vegetarian options. No alcohol. Open daily. // 241 W Fulton St, 805-4767. pindgr.com.

Lunch, Dinner $$$

REAL SEAFOOD COMPANY Contemporary seafood restaurant that offers premium fresh fish and seafood from the waters of New England to the Great Lakes. // 141 Lyon St NW, Grand Rapids, (888) 456-3463, realseafoodcorestaurant.com.

Dinner $$$

ROAM BY SAN CHEZ The San Chez Bistro team introduces global street food, including cuisine from China, Morocco, Spain, France, Poland, U.K., Indonesia and more. Full bar.

Closed Sun. // 250 Monroe Ave NW, 288-9129. roambysanchez.com. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $$

RUTH’S CHRIS STEAK HOUSE Classic American steakhouse in the Amway Grand Plaza. Serves alcohol. Closed Sun. // 187 Monroe Ave NW, 776-6426. amwaygrand.com/dining/ruthschris-steak-house. Lunch, Dinner $$$ SAN CHEZ BISTRO Spanish fare focusing on tapas-style small plates; sides and entrées. Wine and beer list includes Spanish varieties and sherry. Open daily. // 38 W Fulton St, 774-8272. sanchezbistro.com. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $$-$$$

SCHOLAR Swanky restaurant serving elevated old school American fare, situated on multiple levels, offering a variety of atmospheres. // 11 Ionia Ave SW, 980--9073. scholargr.com. Drinks, Dinner$$-$$$

SILVA A dinnertainment venue that focuses on reviving crafting dishes that honor and revive traditional recipies. Billiards, bocce, darts & more in a carnival-like atmosphere. // 975 Ottawa NW, 757-4582. silvagr. com. Drinks, Dinner, Games$$-$$$

$ INEXPENSIVE (UNDER $10) $$ MODERATE (BETWEEN $10 – $20) $$$ EXPENSIVE (OVER $20)

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

H H H

STILL THE BESTHHH

the the

GOEI CENTER GOEI CENTER

Intimate WEDDING SPECIAL $3500

2026 Short Engagements & 2027 Dates Friday Only Guest Count Max: 75

(616) 949-2421

INFO@THEGOEICENTER.COM

THEGOEICENTER.COM

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SOCIAL HOUSE A casual pub serving American-style food. Menu features a variety of offerings: starters,soups, salads, burgers, sandwiches and pizza. Full bar. Closed Mon. // 25 Ottawa Ave. SW, 551-1412. socialhousegr.com.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $$$

SOCIAL MISFITS An interesting concept mashing waffles (sweet or savory,) with other food, accompanied by creative cocktailss. The business also introduces Great Lakes Coffee Roasters to town. // 43 W. Fulton St, 2724984. thesocialmisfits.com. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $$

SPEAK EZ LOUNGE Casual pub setting with eclectic menu, including vegan and gluten-free. Creative starters, soups, salads, entrées (after 4 pm). Full bar. Open daily. // 600 Monroe Ave NW, 458-3125. speakezlounge.com.

Lunch, Dinner $$

STELLA’S LOUNGE Award-winning stuffed burgers, plus vegan and vegetarian items. Full bar, known for its whiskey selection. Open daily. // 53 Commerce Ave SW, 742-4444. stellasgr.com. Lunch (Fri-Sun), Dinner $-$$

TERRA BAGEL A quaint place to grab a bagel, a schmear and some coffee. The sister restaurant of Terra Bagel and Terra GR in Eastown. Open Daily // 40 Pearl St. NW, terrabagels.com, 616.465.4343 Breakfast, Lunch $

TRUST A chef-driven new American soul restaurant serving a seven to ten course tasting experience shaped by seasonality, emotion, and the belief that food can be both intimate and transformative. // 117 Division Ave S, trustrestaurantgr.com, 616.430.8654 Dinner $$-$$$

TUPELO HONEY This southern kitchen & bar serves southern food and traditions rooted in the Carolina Mountains. // 140 Ottawa Ave NW STE 100, 239-7158, tupelohoneycafe. com. Lunch, Dinner, Weekend Brunch $$

Z’S BAR & RESTAURANT Sports-themed eatery known for its BBQ ribs. Soups, salads, sandwiches, entrées. Carry-out available.

Open daily. // 168 Louis Campau Promenade NW, 454-3141. zsbar.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$

West Side BLUE DOG TAVERN Craft brews on tap, full bar, beer garden. Good selection of tots, dogs, burgers, appetizers and more. Open daily. // 638 Stocking Ave NW, 608-6050. bluedogtaverngr. com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$

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BROAD LEAF WESTSIDE Progressive craft brewery and distillery. Award winning gin. Cocktail slushies. Boozy shakes. Large outdoor beer garden. Incubator kitchen has rotating menu with guest chefs. // 443 Bridge St NW, 254-0105, broadleafbeer.com./Thurs, 4–10 p.m./Fri, 4–11 p.m./Sat, 12 p.m.–11 p.m./Sun, 12 p.m.–9 p.m./ Lunch, Dinner $-$$

BROADWAY BAR & GRILL Neighborhood bar known for burgers and holiday decorations. Outdoor grilling during summer. Hours change seasonally. // 740 Broadway Ave SW, 4540565. Facebook. Lunch, Dinner $

BURGER THEORY Bright, contemporary restaurant features diverse menu in downtown Holiday Inn. Full bar. Open daily. // 310 Pearl St NW, 235-1342. higrdt.com/dining/ pearl-street-grill. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $$

BUTCHER’S UNION Meat-and-whiskey-centric gastro pub with a wide menu and festive atmosphere. Craft drinks and a full bar. Outdoor seating available. // 438 Bridge St NW, 551-1323. butchersuniongr.com. Brunch (Sun), Lunch, Dinner $$

CONDADO TACOS Stylish Bridge Street Mexican restaurant serving build your own tacos, tequila, margaritas and more.

Come as you are! // 449 Bridge St NW, 734-6815, condadotacos.com. Lunch, Dinner $$

DRIP DROP COCKTAIL ROOM Upscale, plush craft cocktail lounge with a NYC ambiance. Light bites. // 445 Bridge St NW Unit 2, dripdropcocktailroom.com. Snacks, Cocktails $$

EL GRANJERO Mexican fare from steak and shrimp to menudo on weekends. No alcohol but tasty virgin coladas. Open daily. // 950 Bridge St NW, 4585595. Facebook. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner EL SOMBRERO Offers “the original” wet burrito. Weekly specials. No alcohol. Closed Sun. // 527 Bridge St NW, 451-4290. elsombrerorestaurantmi.com. Lunch, Dinner $

FRATELLI’S KITCHEN & BAR Italian cuisine based on family recipes from Sicily with a “modern twist.” Full service bar. Open daily. // 443 Bridge St NW, Suite 2. 389-4963. fratellisgr.com.

Lunch, Dinner $$

GIN GIN'S Stylish and inviting, Gin Gin’s offers a diverse menu of American classics, including premium steaks, fresh seafood and handmade pasta. The bar's charm provides the perfect ambiance for savoring handcrafted martinis and vintage cocktails. // 345 Summer Ave NW, 341-9124, ginginsgr.com. Tue–Thurs, 4–11 p.m./Fri, 4–11:30 p.m. Sat, 3–11:30 p.m./Lunch, Dinner $$–$$$

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THE HOLIDAY BAR Established in 1905, the menu features appetizers, snacks and sandwiches. Seating includes 40-foot horseshoe bar, tables and a beer garden. Open daily. // 801 Fifth St NW, 456-9058. theholidaybargr.com.

Lunch, Dinner $

THE KNICKERBOCKER – NEW HOLLAND BREWING Craft brewery featuring a variety of locally sourced shared plates, sandwiches, soups, pizzas, barbecue and more. Open daily. // 417 Bridge St NW, 3455642. newhollandbrew.com/knickerbocker. Brunch (Sun), Lunch, Dinner $-$$

KÜSTERER BRAUHAUS Munich style Bierhall offering German and American craft beers, sangria, cider, cocktails and German street food. Featuring Bundesliga and International soccer. Live music on Sundays. // 642 Bridge St. NW. 616-451-4255. grbrauhaus.com. Lunch, Dinner $

LONG ROAD DISTILLERS Craft, small-batch distillery featuring variety of housemade snacks, sandwiches and entrées. Open daily. // 537 Leonard St NW, 228-4924. longroaddistillers.com.

Brunch (Sat-Sun), Dinner $-$$

MAGGIE’S KITCHEN Mexican fare in café setting, cafeteria-style ordering.

No alcohol. Closed Sun and Mon. // 636 Bridge St NW, 458-8583. Facebook. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $

THE MITTEN BREWING CO. Vintage baseball-themed nanobrewery pairs handcrafted beers with gourmet pizzas. Open daily. // 527 Leonard St NW, 608-5612. mittenbrewing.com.

Lunch, Dinner $-$$

MONARCHS’ CLUB Starters, sausages, hot dogs, panini, Italian beef sandwiches and Grand Rapids Stackers. Michigan beer on draft. Open daily. // 646 Stocking Ave NW, 2339799. monarchsclubcornerbar.com. Lunch, Dinner $

NONLA BURGER Nonla Burge offers both traditional, 100% beef hamburgers and Vietnamese-inspired cuisine. // 449 Bridge St NW Suite 102, Grand Rapids, nonlaburger.com.

Lunch, Dinner $-$$

O’TOOLE’S PUBLIC HOUSE Pub grub includes appetizers, sandwiches and burgers served on a mountain of fries. Open daily. // 448 Bridge St NW, 742-6095. otoolesgr.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$

RAPID RIVER STILLHOUSE A three‑level restaurant and whiskey bar that features bold, handcrafted spirits and Southern‑inspired smokehouse cuisine with meats smoked on site. The first floor offers whiskey tasting, the second floor hosts live music, and the third‑floor rooftop deck provides

$ INEXPENSIVE (UNDER $10) $$ MODERATE (BETWEEN $10 – $20) $$$ EXPENSIVE (OVER $20)

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

H H H

STILL THE BESTHHH

dine / estau ants

city views with occasional performances. It opens at 11 a.m. daily. Closing times vary. //401 Stocking Ave NW, (616) 438-6133, rapidriverstillhouse.com. Lunch, Dinner S$-$$$

SALVATORE’S ITALIAN RESTAURANT Sicilian and southern Italian fare. Separate sports bar; patio seating. Food, beer and wine available to go. Delivery and catering. Open daily. // 654 Stocking Ave NW, 4544280. salvatoresgr.com. Lunch (Mon-Fri), Dinner $-$$

SHOTS Local neighborhood kitchen and bar serving a full menu, daily lunch specials, an abundance of taps featuring craft and domestic beer options, large patio, and plenty of big screen TV’s all contributw in making this the local favorite for food, drink, sports, and groups to meet. Open daily at 11 a.m. // 4259 Lake Michigan Drive NW, 453-7780, info@shotsgrandrapids.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$

THE SØVENGÅRD West Side farm-to-table restaurant focusing on seasonal and local sourcing with an outdoor biergarten. Special occasion/meeting space available. Brunch: Saturday & Sunday, 10 a.m.– 2 p.m. / Dinner: Wed-Sat, 4-10 p.m. & Sunday, 4-9 p.m. // 1232 Bridge St NW, 214-7207. sovengard. com. Dinner $$

TWO SCOTTS BARBECUE Authentic barbecue smoked in-house daily with homemade sides and sauces. Features draft root beer and weekly specials. Catering and food truck available.

Closed Sun. // 536 Leonard St NW, 608-6756. twoscottsbbq.com. Lunch $-$$

WESTSIDE SOCIAL “Reimagined” American-style tavern with locally sourced, house-made appetizers, burgers, seafood and other entrées. Full bar. Happy hour specials available Mon-Fri. Open daily. // 2802 Lake Michigan Dr NW, 453-5877. westside.social. Lunch (Tue-Sun), Dinner $-$$

Uptown BROWN BUTTER CREPERIE & CAFÉ Locally sourced, made-from-scratch sweet and savory crepes and liege waffles. // 1436 Wealthy St SE, 2885038. brownbuttercrepes.com. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Wed-Sat) $

CHEZ OLGA Caribbean and Creole fare. Veggie/vegan options.

Takeout available. No alcohol. Closed Sun. // 1441 Wealthy St SE, 233-4141. chezolga.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$

THE COMMONS 1970s-themed restaurant with “retro comfort food.”

Full bar, including craft beer and ’70s-inspired cocktails. Takeout available. Closed Mon. // 547 Cherry St SE, 458-2704. Facebook. Lunch, Dinner $

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DIRTY PLATE BISTRO Clean eating from an ever-changing menu meets bold flavors and good vibess. Full bar. Closed Sunday and Monday. // 961 Fulton St E, 301-4166. dirtyplatebistro.com. Lunch, Dinner $$-$$$

DONKEY TAQUERIA Authentic Mexican food, including tacos, tostadas, botanas and tortas in a former 1920s service station.

Full bar. Open daily. // 665 Wealthy St SE. donkeygr. com. Breakfast (Sat-Sun), Lunch, Dinner $-$$

ELECTRIC CHEETAH Eclectic menu with an emphasis on locally grown fare and creative combinations. Beer and wine available.

Open daily. Cascade location closed on Sun. // 1015 Wealthy St SE, 451-4779 electriccheetah.com.

Brunch (Sun), Lunch, Dinner $-$$

GINO'S PIZZA EASTOWN Local family-owned joint for hand-tossed pies, strombolis, and subs, plus Italian comfort dishes like lasagna and appetizers such as wings and breadsticks.

Late-night hours with dine-in, takeout, and delivery available. Open Tue–Thu 5 p.m.–1 a.m., Fri–Sat 5 p.m.–2 a.m., Sun 5 p.m.–midnight. // 1556 Wealthy St SE, 458-6522 ginospizzaeastown.com. Dinner $

GOJO ETHIOPIAN CUISINE & DELI Authentic dishes including vegetarian options. Watt (stew) dishes served with injera flatbread. Carry-out available. No alcohol. Closed Sun and Mon. // 421 Norwood Ave SE, 459-3383. gojoethiopiancuisine.com. Lunch, Dinner $$ GROVE Fresh, farm-to-table unique takes on American fare in a presentation unlike most experienced before. Multipletime Grand Rapids Magazine Dining Award winner.

Open Wednesday-Saturday // 919 Cherry St SE, groverestaurant.com, (616) 454-1000 Dinner, $$$

HANCOCK Nashville hot chicken restaurant with sandwiches, fried chicken, an assortment of Southern picnic sides, salads and desserts. Also serves breakfast. Open daily. // 1157 Wealthy St. SE, 805-4232. hancockgr.com. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $-$$

HARMONY BREWING CO. Custom brews with a full bar, wine and wood-fired pizzas. Sandwiches served 11 am-4 pm. Dog-friendly patio. Open daily. // 1551 Lake Dr SE, 233-0063. harmonybeer.com. Lunch, Dinner $$

KCM A Japanese/Korean fusion restaurant specializing in sandos, open-faced toast with meat, egg salad, curry and other rice bowls; tonkatsu, chicken katsu; and kimbap (Korean-style fish and vegetable hand rolls wrapped with seaweed). Open Tues.-Sun. // 209 Diamond Ave. SE. kcmgr.com. Lunch, Dinner $$

LITTLE AFRICA ETHIOPIAN CUISINE Hearty vegetable stews; sauces and fixings served on

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Ethiopian flat bread. No alcohol. Cash or checks only.

Closed Sun and Mon. // 956 E Fulton St, 222-1169.

Facebook. Lunch, Dinner $

MARU SUSHI & GRILL Large menu of Japanese cuisine with a twist, from sushi to hibachi grilled items. Vegetarian options.

Full bar. Open daily. // 927 Cherry St SE, 458-1900. marurestaurant.com. Lunch, Dinner $$-$$$

MATCHBOX DINER & DRINKS Breakfast all day, deli sandwiches, burgers, appetizers and seasonal entrées. Also, milkshakes and malts. Carryout available. Open daily. // 1345 Lake Dr SE, 774-8641. matchboxdiner.com. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $$

QUARANTINO’S Pizzeria featuring creative Detroit-style pies with glutenfree and vegan options, plus beer and wine. Located at 1444 Lake Dr. SE, Grand Rapids. Open daily, 11:30 a.m.–9 p.m. First come, first served. // 1444 Lake Drive SE, 734-6833. quarantinosgr.com. Dinner $-$$

MANGIAMO A Gilmore Collection restaurant that serves upscale Italian fare in a historic East Hills mansion. // 1033 Lake Dr SE, 356-2627. mangiamogr.com. Dinner $$-$$$

TESTA ROSSA Neighborhood Italian joint serving up crispy crust pizza, pasta, hearty sandwiches, salad, and desserts. Enjoy live music and a lively, family-friendly at-mosphere and the Wolve's Den Bar with a late-night menu. //1017 Wealthy St. SE, 278-3174. terragr.com. Mon-Wed, 11 am – 10 pm; Thurs–Sat, 11 am – midnight. Wolves Den Bar: Thurs–Sat, 4 p.m. to midnight. Lunch, Dinner $$

TERRA Eastown eatery features food from local, ethically raised and sustainable sourcing. Specialty cocktails, Michigan craft beers, wines from small wineries. Open daily. // 1429 Lake Dr SE, 301-0998. terragr.com. Brunch (SatSun), Lunch (Mon-Fri), Dinner $$-$$$

WEALTHY STREET BAKERY Breakfast pastries; sandwiches, salads and soup; pizza available after 4 pm. Beer and wine. Kids menu. Closed Sun. // 610 Wealthy St SE, 301-2950. wealthystreetbakery. com. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $-$$

VIVANT BREWERY + SPIRITS European style craft beer and food. Spirits, wine and cider are also available. Locally sourced menu. Housed in a renovated funeral home chapel with a large patio and geer garden. Open daily. // 925 Cherry St SE, 719-1604. breweryvivant.com. Lunch (Fri.-Sat.), Dinner $$-$$$

THE WINCHESTER Locally sourced menu includes sharable plates in century-old space. Craft brews on draft. Full bar. Open daily. // 648 Wealthy St SE, 451-4969. winchestergr. com. Breakfast (Sat-Sun), Lunch, Dinner $-$$

$ INEXPENSIVE (UNDER $10) $$ MODERATE (BETWEEN $10 – $20) $$$ EXPENSIVE (OVER $20)

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

H H H

STILL THE BESTHHH

3868 W River Dr. NE Comstock Park

834 Leonard St. NE Grand Rapids

(616) 784-5011

(616) 458-3766

Voted Best Pizza & Breadsticks

dine / estau ants

YESTERDOG Specializes in the “good old-fashioned hot dog.” Cash or check only. Catering available. Open daily. // 1505 Wealthy St SE, 336-0746. yesterdog.com. Lunch, Dinner $

ZIVIO Modern European tavern and grill serving Bosnian cuisine melded with Turkish, Greek and other Central European countries' cooking traditions. Salads, wraps, gyros, dinner entrées. Full bar. Open daily.

Catering available. // 724 Wealthy St SE, 608-3534. ziviogr.com. Lunch, Dinner $$$

East Grand Rapids BIG BOB’S PIZZA Neighborhood pizza parlor in EGR’s Gaslight Village also offers appetizers, soups, salads, sandwiches, subs.

Full bar. Open daily. // 661 Croswell Ave SE, 233-0123. bigbobspizza.com. Lunch (Tue-Sun), Dinner $-$$

BOWDIE’S CHOPHOUSE An upscale steakhouse “perfect for date nights, business dinners and late-night cocktails.” The restaurant serves various items: starters; soups and salads; shareables; and entrées, including chicken, salmon and steak. Full bar. Open daily. // 2237 Wealthy St. SE, 805-5044. bowdieschophouse.com. Dinner $$$

CAROLINA LOWCOUNTRY KITCHEN Coastal South Carolina-inspired fare, including seafood, chicken, pork, beef and greens. Full bar.

Open daily. // 2213 Wealthy St SE, 805-5231. carolinalck.com. Dinner $$

GASLIGHT KITCHEN ASIAN CUISINE Asian restaurant specializing in Chinese-American dishes. // 2128 Wealthy St. SE, 454-8677, gaslightkitchen.com. Lunch, Dinner JOSÉ BABUSHKA’S Starters, salads, burritos, chimichangas, flaming fajitas, tacos and special plates. Full bar. Open daily. // 2232 Wealthy St SE, 272-4472. josebabushkas.com.

Lunch, Dinner $$

OLIVES Seasonally inspired menu of creative fare and comfort foods featuring local produce and meats. Full bar.

Alfresco balcony. Closed Sun. // 2162 Wealthy St SE, 451-8611. eatatolives.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$

PERA PIZZARIA Pera Pizzaria features several different Mediterranean style pizzas, shish salads and a surprising pizza made with Nutella. // 2224 Wealthy St. SE, 805-4810, perapizzeria.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$

ROSE’S ON REED'S LAKE Dockside dining on Reeds Lake with varied menu, including pastas and wood-fired pizzas. Three-season porch. Serves beer and wine. Open daily. // 550 Lakeside Dr SE, 458-1122. thegilmorecollection.com/ roses. Lunch, Dinner $$

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Northeast GR BIRCH LODGE Menu includes wet burritos, sandwiches, burgers, gyros, fish baskets. Daily specials. Full bar. Open daily. // 732 Michigan St NE, 458-1918. Facebook. Lunch, Dinner $

BLUE WATER GRILL Entrées include steaks and fish, wood-fired pizzas. Nice wine selection. Lakeside views, outdoor patio. Beer, wine and cocktails. Open daily. // 5180 Northland Dr NE, 363-5900. thegilmorecollection.com/bluewater.

Lunch, Dinner $$-$$$

BUD & STANLEY’S Extensive menu includes Mexican specialties, pasta, burgers and more. Daily specials. Takeout available.

Serves alcohol. Open daily. // 1701 Four Mile Rd NE, 361-9782. budandstanleys.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$

CAFÉ MAMO An American restaurant inspired by grandma's garden.

Classic Midwestern dishes paired with tasty wine in a warm, comfortable setting. Open daily. // 1601 Plainfield Ave. NE, 350-3430. mamohsp.com.

Brunch (Sat-Sun) Dinner (Mon-Sat) $-$$

CHARLIE’S BAR & GRILLE Well-rounded menu features dinners from ribs, steaks and seafood to kielbasa and kraut. Also, Mexican fare and sandwiches. Full bar. Closed Sun. // 3519 Plainfield Ave NE, 364-0567. charliesbarandgrille. com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$

CHEERS GOOD TIME SALOON Menu offers something for everyone in a logcabin environment. Takeout available. Full bar.

Open daily. // 3994 Plainfield Ave NE, 363-1188. cheersgrandrapids.com. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $

DETROIT WING CO. Serves classic wings, boneless wings and chicken tenders with 19 house-made sauces. Its menu also includes mac n’ cheese, poutine, coleslaw, cornbread muffins and cheesecake. Detroit Wing Co. was founded in Detroit. Open daily. // 2004 East Beltline Ave. NE, 214-8331. detroitwingco.com. Lunch, Dinner $

FLO’S PIZZERIA RISTORANTE & SPORTS BAR Pizzas, sandwiches, salads, Italian and Mexican entrées, full bar. Big screen TVs; takeout available. Open daily. // 1259 Post Dr NE, Belmont, 785-1001. flossportsbar. com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$

FRED’S ITALIAN RESTAURANT Longtime favorite offers Italian fare, including fresh pasta and gourmet pizza. Full-service bar. Closed Sun. // 3619 Plainfield Ave NE, 361-8994. fredsitalian.net.

Lunch, Dinner $-$$

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UJI YAMA ASIAN BISTRO Hibachi grill tables or eat in dining room with Chinese, Japanese and Thai selections. Full bar. Open daily. // 1501 East Beltline Ave NE, 719-1859. fujiyamabistro. com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$

GOLDEN WOK Chinese cuisine with some Hunan-spiced dishes.

Sunday specials. Full bar. Open daily. // 1971 East Beltline Ave NE (Knapp’s Corner), 363-8880. goldenwokgrandrapids.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$

GRAVITY TAPHOUSE GRILLE Menu items pair with craft beer suggestions. 64 craft beers on tap. Open daily. // 3210 Deposit Dr NE (East Beltline at I-96), 719-4944. gravitytaphouse.com.

Lunch, Dinner $-$$

GRAYDON’S CROSSING Global pub serves traditional English pub food and worldinspired dishes. Full bar with large selection of microbrews and imported beers. Open daily. // 1223 Plainfield Ave NE, 726-8260. graydonscrossing.com. Lunch, Dinner $$

HUNAN CHINESE RESTAURANT Full menu of Chinese options. No alcohol. Open daily. // 1263 Leonard St NE, 458-0977. hunangrc.com.

Lunch, Dinner $-$$

JAKU SUSHI NORTH Japanese and Korean fare, including a large selection of sushi; plus, bento, bibimbap, hibachi, katsu, udon and more. Open daily. // 2289 East Beltline Ave NE, 649-0407. jakusushi.com. Lunch, Dinner $$

616 KABOB STOP Eatery serves “healthy and tasty” Mediterranean food, including hummus and falafel starters; salads; lentil soup; sandwiches, entrées and more. Closed Sun. // 2232 Plainfield Ave NE, 286-3035. hummusandfalafel.org. Lunch, Dinner $

KITCHEN 67 Large menu uses Michigan ingredients and includes steaks, sandwiches, salads, small plates, pasta and more elevated fare. Full bar with craft beers. Open daily. // 1977 East Beltline Ave NE, 272-3778. kitchen67.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$

LA HUASTECA Authentic Mexican restaurant offering burritos, tacos, enchiladas, flautas and more. No alcohol. Closed Sun. // 1811 Plainfield Ave NE, 447-7733. Facebook.

Lunch, Dinner $

LAI THAI KITCHEN Vietnamese, Thai and Japanese fare. No alcohol. Closed Sun. // 1621 Leonard St NE, 456-5730. laithaikitchen. net. Lunch, Dinner $-$$

LICARI’S SICILIAN PIZZA KITCHEN Specialties include thick-crust Sicilian pizza and stuffed

$ INEXPENSIVE (UNDER $10) $$ MODERATE (BETWEEN $10 – $20) $$$ EXPENSIVE (OVER $20)

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

H H H

STILL THE BESTHHH

West Michigan’s Ultimate Party Band

BOOK NOW

614.561.5577 www.greatscottlive.com

dine / estau ants

pizza with a crispy crust. Also pasta, entrées, calzones and desserts. Full bar. Open daily. // 3123 Leonard St NE, 608-6912 . licarispizzakitchen.com. Lunch, Dinner $$

LUCY’S Family café offers breakfast, lunch and baked goods.

Crepes, omelets, deli sandwiches and build-your-own breakfast plates. Open daily. // 1747 Plainfield Ave NE, 591-3149. lucyscafegr.com. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $$-$$$

MAI’S THAI Thai fare for counter service only. No alcohol. Closed Sun. // 820 Michigan St NE, 451-3441. maisthaigr.com.

(Mon-Fri), Lunch, Dinner $

MILL CREEK TAVERN Comstock Park eatery offers appetizers, soups, sandwiches, full dinner options. Full bar with separate dining room. Closed Sun. // 3874 West River Dr NE, Comstock Park, 784-3806. millcreektaverngr.com.

Lunch, Dinner $-$$

THE OMELETTE SHOPPE Fourteen signature omelettes, selection of quiches and baked goods. No alcohol. Open daily. // 545 Michigan St NE, 726-5800; omeletteshoppe.com.

Breakfast, Lunch $

POKE TOKI Build-your-own bowls featuring a fusion of Hawaiian, Japanese and Korean cuisine. Catering available.

Closed Sun. // 5150 Northland Dr NE, 729-4414. poketoki.com. Lunch, Dinner $$

PALIO Ann Arbor-based eatery with an expansive menu of Italian fare. Full bar and happy hour. Open daily. // 545 Michigan St NE, 719-0660. paliograndrapids.com.

Lunch, Dinner $$-$$$

PRIME CASUAL Classic steakhouse serving prime cuts, sides, and drinks in the heart of Comstock Park. Full bar, open daily, 4–10 p.m. // 53874 W River Dr NE Suite B, 214-7738. primecasualsteakhouse.com. Dinner $$-$$$ REDS AT THOUSAND OAKS Large menu features sandwiches, salads, artisan pizza and entrées. Extensive wine list, craft beers, full bar. Patio with fire pits and covered deck. Open daily. // 4100 Thousand Oaks Dr NE, 447-7750. eatatreds.com.

Lunch, Dinner $$-$$$

REZERVOIR LOUNGE Full menu of appetizers, pizzas, sandwiches and entrées, some with Cajun flavor. Serves alcohol. Open daily. // 1418 Plainfield Ave NE, 451-0010. rezlounge.com.

Lunch (Tue-Sun), Dinner $-$$

RIO GRAND STEAK HOUSE & SALOON Texas-style barbecue ribs, steaks and more. Full bar.

Open daily. // 5501 Northland Dr NE, 364-6266. riograndsteakhouse.com. Lunch, Dinner $$-$$$

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THE SCORE Restaurant and sports bar with large menu, more than 100 beers on tap. Open daily. // 5301 Northland Dr NE, 3010600. thescore-restaurant.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$

SHESHCO GRILL Mediterranean cuisine, including surf, turf and vegetarian options. No alcohol. Open daily. // 2121 Celebration Dr NE (Knapp’s Corner), 364-0600. sheshcogrill.net. Lunch, Dinner $$

SHOTS ON THE RIVER Full menu kitchen and bar with 22 taps offering craft and domestic beer options, daily lunch specials, large patio with outdoor seated bar, banquet rooms, numerous TV’s, pool table, and live music every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday featuring some of West Michigan’s top cover bands. Open daily at 1 p.m. and closed on Sundays. // 5760 West River Drive NE Belmont, 951-6071, info@shotsgrandrapids.com.

Lunch, Dinner $-$

THAI CHEF Knapp’s Corner restaurant has large menu, including duck, seafood and vegetarian options. No alcohol.

Closed Sun. // 1971 East Beltline Ave NE, 570-0032.

Facebook. Lunch, Dinner $$ TIA JUANA This gem brings the Tijuana taco experience to Knapp's Corner. // 52289 E Beltline Ave NE Suite C, 901-3316. tiatacos.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$

Northwest GR AMORE TRATTORIA ITALIANA Regional Italian dishes using local products and Italian imports. Italian wines and liqueurs.

House-made desserts. Banquet facility. Closed Mon. // 5080 Alpine Ave NW, 785-5344. amoretrattoriaitaliana.com. Dinner (Tue-Sat) $$

CHINA CHEF Family-style restaurant with Szechuan-style entrées and Hunan choices. No alcohol. Open daily. // 4335 Lake Michigan Dr NW, 791-4488. chinachef49534.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$

CHINA CITY Chinese cuisine; lunch prices all day. No alcohol. Open daily. // 1140 Monroe Ave NW, 451-3688. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ EMPIRE CHINESE BUFFET II All-you-can-eat buffet. Seafood buffet Sat-Sun. No alcohol. Open daily. // 4255 Alpine Ave NW, 785-8880. empirechinesebuffet2.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$

FRICANO’S PIZZA RESTAURANT Famous for its thin-crust pizza. Pasta dinners with sauce that made its way to the retail market. Full bar.

Closed Sun. // 5808 Alpine Ave NW, 785-5800. fricanospizza.com. Dinner $-$$

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HIBACHI GRILL & SUPREME BUFFET Pan-Asian cuisine, including Chinese, Japanese, Mongolian and American. No alcohol. Open daily. // 785 Center Dr NW (Green Orchard Shopping Center), 785-8200. hibachigrillsupremebuffet.letseat.at.

Lunch, Dinner $$

616 KABOB STOP EXPRESS Located near the Allendale campus of Grand Valley State University, eatery serves “healthy and tasty” Mediterranean food, including hummus and falafel starters; salads; lentil soup; sandwiches, entrées and more. Closed Sun. // 10897 48th Ave., Suite B100, Allendale. hummusandfalafel.org. Lunch, Dinner $ PERRIN BREWING CO. Comstock Park craft brewery/taproom menu includes tacos, salads, burgers, panini and more. Kids menu available. Open daily. // 5910 Comstock Park Dr, 5511957. perrinbrewing.com. Lunch, Dinner $

ROASTED SPORTS BAR & GRILL Spacious sports bar with a diverse menu of specializing in ribs and other American fare. Outdoor seating. TV's for sports viewing. Full bar. Open daily. // 34322 Remembrance Rd NW, 381-2000. Lunch, Dinner $-$$

THREE HAPPINESS RESTAURANT Cantonese, Mandarin and Szechuan fare. Daily specials. No alcohol. Open daily. // Green Ridge Square, 3330 Alpine Ave NW, 785-3888. threehappinessgr.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$

WALKER ROADHOUSE Diverse menu with interesting twists on classic fare. Full bar.

Closed Sun. // 3272 Remembrance Rd NW, 791-9922. thewalkerroadhouse.com. Lunch (Mon-Fri), Dinner $$

Southeast GR AL-BOS EUROCAFE-BAKERY Authentic south­eastern European cuisine. Menu includes appetizers, soups, salads, sandwiches, pasta, entrées and kids options. Daily specials. Open daily. // 2930 Shaffer Ave SE, 325-2800. al-bos.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$

ASIAN PALACE Chinese and Vietnamese fare with extensive menus for each. No alcohol. Closed Mon. // 141 28th St SE, 5347770. Facebook. Lunch, Dinner $-$$

BELTLINE BAR Americanized Tex-Mex menu, including wet burritos.

Full bar. Curbside service. Open daily. // 16 28th St SE, 245-0494. beltlinebar.com. Lunch, Dinner $$

BRASS RING BREWING Small-batch, style-specific brewery in the Alger Heights neighborhood. // 2404 Eastern Ave SE, 460-1587. brassringbrewing.com. Lunch, Dinner $$

BROAD LEAF BREWERY & SPIRITS Pub fare including snacks, meat and veggies on a stick and

$ INEXPENSIVE (UNDER $10) $$ MODERATE (BETWEEN $10 – $20) $$$ EXPENSIVE (OVER $20)

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entrées like drunken noodles, burgers, tempeh and more.

Open daily. Brunch on Sun. // 2885 Lake Eastbrook Blvd.

SE, 803-0602. broadleafbeer.com. Lunch, Dinner $$

CABANA TRES AMIGOS Authentic Mexican fare including vegetarian selections.

Full bar. Takeout available. Open daily. // 1409 60th St SE, 281-6891. cabanatresamigos.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$

CAFÉ DE MIRO A café offering Kurdish, Armenian and Greek foods.

Traditional Mediterranean breakfast and side dishes; skillets, scrambles and acai bowls; pastries; toasts; soups; sandwiches; salads; Turkish coffee; tea; desserts; and more. No alcohol. // Breton Village Shopping Plaza, 1878 Breton Rd SE, (616) 719-1462.

Facebook. Open daily. Breakfast, Lunch $

CANTINA MEXICAN GRILL Menu offers extensive Mexican specialties. Full bar.

Drive-thru window. Outdoor patio. Open daily. // 2770 East Paris Ave SE, 949-9120. cantinamexicangrill.biz.

Lunch (Sun-Thu), Dinner $$

DADDY PETE’S BBQ Slow-smoked ribs, pulled pork, brisket and other meats. No alcohol. Catering available. Closed Sun and Mon. // 2921 Eastern Ave SE, 818-5522. daddypetesbbq.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$

Dinks and Dingers Social Club American fare full-service restaurant and bar with a twist.Shareable apps, stacked burgers, sandwiches, fresh salads,handhelds, and house specialties. GF options.Outdoor seasonal seating, Eat-In, Take-Out. Open Daily // 5080 Broadmoor Ave SE, 616-3438343. Lunch, Dinner $$ www.dinksanddingers.com

EL ARRIERO MEXICAN GRILL Extensive menu offers specialty dishes, à la carte selections. Mexican and domestic beers, margaritas.

Open daily. // 2948 28th St SE, 977-2674. elarrieromexicangrill.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$

EL GLOBO RESTAURANT Authentic Mexican fare; weekly specials. No alcohol.

Closed Mon. // 2019 S Division Ave, 734-6869.

Facebook. Lunch, Dinner $-$$

FIREROCK GRILLE Guests can cook signature dishes on 500-degree lava stone. Offers soups, salads, sandwiches and entrées. Full bar. Brunch on Sundays. Open daily. // 7177 Kalamazoo Ave SE, 656-9898. firerockgrille.com. Lunch, Dinner $$

FLORENTINE PIZZERIA RISTORANTE & SPORTS LOUNGE Italian fare with American and Mexican choices and thin-crust pizzas. Full bar. Open daily. // Towne & Country Shopping Center, 4261 Kalamazoo Ave SE, 455-2230. florentinespizza.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$

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GANDERS Features American cuisine with a twist and Michigan products, including craft brews. Open daily. // 4747 28th St SE (inside DoubleTree Hotel), 957-1111.

Facebook. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $-$$$

PHO ANH TRANG Vietnamese, Chinese, Thai cuisine. Daily specials.

Catering. Open daily. No alcohol. // 3633 Eastern Ave SE, 246-9966. Lunch, Dinner $-$$

GURSHA ETHIOPIAN RESTAURANT Authentic Ethiopian dishes, traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony. Buffet lunch and dinner on Sat. No alcohol.

Open daily. // 4301 Kalamazoo Ave SE, 350-0009.

Facebook. Lunch, Dinner $$

PHO SOC TRANG Wide selection of Vietnamese offerings. No alcohol.

Open daily. // 4242 S Division Ave, 531-0755. Lunch, Dinner. $-$$

HALL STREET BAKERY Breakfast sandwiches and pastries; pizza, entrée salads and soup served for lunch and dinner. Beer and wine.

Kids menu. Closed Sun. // 1200 Hall St SE, 214-7604. hallstreetbakery.com. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $-$$

INDIA TOWN Indian fare including vegetarian and vegan. Lunch buffet Mon-Sat. No alcohol. Open daily. // 3760 S Division Ave, 243-1219. indiatowngrr.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$

LAST CHANCE TAVERN AND GRILL Appetizers, soups, burgers and sandwiches and a huge selection of Michigan craft beers. Open daily. // 1132 Burton St SE, 719-4270. thelastchancetavern.com.

Lunch, Dinner $

LE KABOB Soups, salads, sandwiches, large choice of entrées and combos. Kids menu. Carry-out available. No alcohol. Open daily. // 3122 28th St SE, 272-4135. Lunch, Dinner $-$$

MI TIERRA Traditional Mexican, eat in or drive-thru. No alcohol.

Open daily. // 2300 S Division Ave, 245-7533.

Facebook. Lunch, Dinner $

MIKADO SUSHI Sushi and sashimi à la carte. Dinners offer full range of Japanese cuisine. Lunch specials. Serves alcohol. Closed Sun. // 3971 28th St SE, 285-7666. mikadogr.com/main. Lunch (Mon-Fri), Dinner $-$$

NU-THAI BISTRO Appetizers, soups, Thai salads, fried rice, seafood, duck, curries. No alcohol. Open daily. // 2055 28th St SE, 452-0065. nuthaibistro.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$

THE OLD GOAT Creative cuisine from Electric Cheetah owner Cory DeMint includes appetizers, entrées, sandwiches and salads. Kids menu. Full bar. Open daily. // 2434 Eastern Ave SE, 288-6976. oldgoatgr.com.

Breakfast (Mon-Fri), Lunch, Dinner $-$$

PAL’S INDIAN CUISINE Authentic Indian food, including lunch buffet 11-3. No alcohol. Open daily. // 2915 28th St SE, 957-2271. palsindiancuisine.com. Lunch, Dinner $

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PIETRO’S ITALIAN RESTAURANT Regional and contemporary Italian cuisine. Tuscan wines, desserts and cappuccinos. Kids menu. Takeout available. Open daily. // 2780 Birchcrest Dr SE, 452-3228. pietrosgr.com. Lunch, Dinner $$

SIP COFFEE & COCKTAILS Café by day with breakfast bites that transforms into a bustling nighttime cocktail lounge, serving flatbread and appetizers. Closed Sun, hours vary. // 806 Alger St. SE, 805-3517 $$ TACON MADRE Mexican hamburgers, Tacos, tortas, quesadillas, and more with and a variety of proteins (pastor, Barbacoa, birria, tripe, Chicharron, Trompo and more) to choose from. Aguas frescas and other authentic Mexican specialties. // 3501 Division Ave. S. Wyoming, 570-0322, taconmadremi.com. Lunch, Dinner $

THAI EXPRESS Thai specialties, spiced to customer specification. No alcohol. Closed Sun. // Towne & Country Shopping Center, 4317 Kalamazoo Ave SE, 827-9955. thaiexpressgr.com. Lunch (Mon-Fri), Dinner $

THAI FUSION Thai cuisine and fusion specials with good selection of starters and salads. Kids menu. No alcohol. Closed Sun. // 3097 Broadmoor Ave SE, 301-8883. Lunch, Dinner $-$$

TOKYO GRILL & SUSHI Tatami rooms, sushi bars. Hibachi, teriyaki, udon, tempura. Sake, Japanese and American beer and wine. Open daily. // 4478 Breton Rd SE, 455-3433. tokyogrillsushi.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$

VILLAGE INN PIZZA & SPORTS GRILLE Longtime favorite for pizza, pasta, burgers, chicken, Mexican. Daily specials. Mon-Fri pizza lunch buffet.

Full bar. Open daily. // 2215 44th St SE, 281-1444. vipizza.net. Lunch, Dinner $-$$

Southwest GR ALEBIRD TAPHOUSE AND BREWERY Community-focused brewery offering creative sandwiches along with a variety of burgers and entrées, including summer chicken and pea ravioli.

Open daily, lunch on weekends. // 2619 84th St SW, 288-7888. alebird.com. Lunch, Dinner $$$

$ INEXPENSIVE (UNDER $10) $$ MODERATE (BETWEEN $10 – $20) $$$ EXPENSIVE (OVER $20)

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BLUE GINGER ASIAN KITCHEN Noodle-based Thai dishes, chicken, seafood, beef and pork entrées, curries. Vegetarian options. No alcohol. Open daily. // 5751 Byron Center Ave SW (Bayberry Market), 261-8186. bluegingerkitchen.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$

FAR-EAST CHINESE RESTAURANT Chinese, Vietnamese and Korean dishes. Carry-out and catering available. No alcohol. Open daily. // 3639 Clyde Park Ave SW, 531-7176. Facebook. Lunch, Dinner $-$$

GOLDEN 28 Szechuan, Hunan, Mandarin, Vietnamese cuisine. No alcohol. Open daily. // 627 28th St SW, 531-2800.

Lunch, Dinner $$

LINDO MEXICO RESTAURANTE MEXICANO Fresh food with “real Mexican flavor.” Kids menu.

Serves alcohol. Open daily. // 1742 28th St SW, 2612280. lindomexicogr.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$

LITTLE BANGKOK Extensive Thai standbys plus some unique items. Kids meals available. Serves beer and wine. Closed Sun. // 2359 Health Dr SW, Suite 140, 929-2306. Lunch (Mon-Fri), Dinner $-$$

MONELLI’S ITALIAN GRILL & SPORTS BAR Southern Italian cuisine. Sports bar plus family-friendly dining room with fireplace. Open daily. // 5675 Byron Center Ave SW, 530-9700. monellis.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$

NOBLE RESTAURANT Breakfast favorites along with vegan and gluten-free options, handhelds, burgers and small bites. Open daily. // 1851 44th St SW, Wyoming, 530-8750. eatnoble.com. Breakfast, Lunch $$

PETE’S GRILL & TAVERN Casual bar and grill with tavern burgers, Detroit style pizza, sandwiches and entrees. Open daily. // 2588 84th St SW, Byron Center, 878-9582. petesgrillandtavern.com. Lunch, Dinner $$

WOODY’S PRESS BOX Complex includes two bars, patio and bowling. Sandwiches, pizza, Mexican and more. Full bar. Open daily. // 5656 Clyde Park Ave SW, 530-2400. spectrumlanes.com. Breakfast (Mon-Sat), Lunch, Dinner $$

Ada/Cascade/Lowell Area ADA GARAGE BAR & GRILL High quality bar appetizers, mac and cheese, chicken tenders, burgers and a variety of entrees. Plus there's always a $2 draft, a $3 well and a $4 glass of wine every day. // 518 Ada Dr SE, Ada, 682-3002, adagaragebar.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$

CASCADE ROADHOUSE Relaxed atmosphere with a diverse menu of traditional

fare. Full bar. Closed Sun. // 6817 Cascade Rd SE, 2597439. cascaderoadhousemi.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$

CORK WINE & GRILLE Contemporary dining with indoor and outdoor seating.

Seafood, steaks, burgers, fish, sandwiches, salads.

Extensive wine list, specialty cocktails. Open daily. // 5500 Cascade Rd SE, 949-0570. corkwineandgrille. com. Lunch, Dinner $$-$$$

THE EURO BISTRO European bistro fare includes entrées, small plates, salads, wood-fired pizzas. Takeout available. Full bar. Closed Sun. // 6450 28th St SE, 719-2017. eurobistrogr.com. Lunch (Mon-Fri), Dinner $$-$$$

served seven days a week. Pizza available during lunch Tues-Sat. Brunch specials available Sat-Sun. // 584 Ada Dr SE, Ada, 920-7028. eatwithnonna.com.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Tue-Sat) $-$$

NOTO’S OLD WORLD ITALIAN DINING Elegant décor, extensive classic Italian menu. Special wine cellar dinners. Lounge menu features lighter fare. Closed Sun. // 6600 28th St SE, 493-6686. notosoldworld.com. Dinner $$-$$$

OSAKA STEAKHOUSE & JAPANESE RESTAURANT Asian fare, including sushi, hibachi, shabu-shabu and more. Full bar. Open daily. // 4977 28th St SE, 4194628. Facebook. Lunch, Dinner $$

FLAT RIVER GRILL Casual atmosphere in turn-of-century building. Comfort food, wood-fired pizzas. Full bar plus The B.O.B.’s House of Brews beers. Alfresco dining on patio. Open daily. // 201 E Main St, Lowell, 897-8523. thegilmorecollection. com/flatriver. Lunch, Dinner $$-$$$

SABOR MEXICANO Burritos, tortas, quesadillas, quesabirrias, tamales (pork or chicken) and tacos served the authentic way, menu items for kids and more. // 109 Riverside Drive in Lowell, 987-5027. Lunch, Dinner $

JU SUSHI & LOUNGE Sushi and sashimi, Japanese hibachi, tempura, soups, salads and entrées in elegant surroundings. Full bar, huge sake selection. Takeout, catering and banquets.

Open daily. // 1144 East Paris Ave SE, 575-5858. jusushi.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$$

SAPPORO RAMEN & NOODLE BAR Fresh, traditional Japanese “soul food” with an innovative twist. GF options available. No alcohol.

Takeout available. Closed Mon. // 5570 28th St SE, Cascade, 608-6657. sappororamenbar.com.

Lunch, Dinner $-$$

LA LAGUNA Authentic Mexican dishes including shrimp, wraps, salads, kids menu. No alcohol. Open daily. // 6250 28th St SE, 805-8821. Facebook. Lunch, Dinner $-$$

SCHNITZ ADA GRILL Schnitz Deli by day, casual fine dining by night. Full bar, happy hour 3-6. Closed Sun. // 597 Ada Dr SE, Ada, 682-4660. schnitzadagrill.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$$

LITTLE BANGKOK Extensive Thai standbys, plus some unique items.

Kids meals available. Serves beer and wine.

Closed Sun. // 850 Forest Hill Ave SE, 808-3153. littlebangkokgr.com. Lunch (Mon-Fri), Dinner $-$$

SHEPARDS GRILL & TAVERN Bar food with flair, from appetizers to sirloin. Open daily. // 6246 28th St SE, 350-9604. Facebook.

Lunch, Dinner $-$$

MAIN STREET BBQ Wood fire used to smoke ribs, brisket, chicken, sausage and pork. Rubs and sauces are gluten-free. Also serves sandwiches, wings, salads and soups. Catering.

Takeout/delivery at 1539 Plainfield Ave NE. Full bar.

Open daily. // 210 E Main St, Lowell, 987-3352. bbqlowell.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$

MYNT FUSION BISTRO Thai, Korean and Chinese. Renowned for its curries. No alcohol. Closed Sun. // 800 W Main St, Lowell, 9879307. myntfusion.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$

NOCO PROVISIONS Laid-back, regionally inspired comfort cuisine. Outdoor seating on the patio. Full bar. Open daily. // 4609 Cascade Rd SE, 747-0300. nocogr.com. Lunch, Dinner $$

NONNA’S: THE TRATTORIA Fresh, European-style pastries, salads, soups and entrées made from scratch. Breakfast and lunch

$ INEXPENSIVE (UNDER $10) $$ MODERATE (BETWEEN $10 – $20) $$$ EXPENSIVE (OVER $20)

THORNAPPLE BREWING CO. Brewpub features a wide selection of original beer, cider, wine and spirits brewed in seven-barrel brewing system. Plus, artisan pizza, appetizers and dessert.

Brunch on Sun. // 6262 28th St SE, 288-6907. thornapplebrewing.com. Lunch (Sat), Dinner $$ ZEYTIN Turkish and Mediterranean cuisine. Full bar, beer and wine lists. Takeout. Open daily. // 7437 River St, Ada, 682-2222. zeytinturkishrestaurant.com. Lunch, Dinner $$-$$$

Grandville/Jenison Hudsonville Area ARROWS RESTAURANT Breakfast, soup and sandwiches, daily lunch specials, chicken, fish and other dinner staples. No alcohol. Open Monday–Saturday, 6:30 a.m. – 9 p.m. Closed Sun. // 4225 32nd Ave Hudsonville, 896-0033, dinearrows.com.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $-$$ G R M AG .CO M

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BANGKOK TASTE Thai fare. No alcohol. Closed Sun. // 674 Baldwin St, Jenison, 667-8901. bangkoktaste.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$

CEDAR SPRINGS BREWING CO. German-style brewery features American pub and traditional Bavarian menu. Open daily. // 95 N Main St, Cedar Springs, 696-2337. csbrew.com. Lunch, Dinner $$

Magnum coffee. No alcohol. Open daily. Catering available. // 455 Michigan St NE, 235-7500; 2845 Breton Rd SE, 245-4220; 5316 Clyde Park Ave SW, 2499500. bagelbeanery.com. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $

EL BURRITO LOCO More than 70 Mexican selections, plus a few American options. Daily food and drink specials. Full bar. Open daily. // 4499 Ivanrest Ave SW, Grandville, 530-9470. elburritoloco4.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$

GRILL ONE ELEVEN American-with-a-twist menu, full-service bar and lounge. Open daily. // 111 Courtland St, 863-3111. grilloneeleven.com. Lunch, Dinner $$-$$$

BRANN’S STEAKHOUSE & SPORTS GRILLE Famous sizzler steaks, small plates, sandwiches, salads, gluten-free and vegetarian choices, bar munchies. Full bar. // 3475 Fairlanes Ave SW, Grandville, 531-6210; 4157 S Division Ave, 5345421; 5510 28th St SE, 285-7800. branns.com.

Lunch, Dinner $-$$

MICHIGAN MOONSHINE DISTILLERY A distillery with starters, sandwiches, salads and sides with a barbecue theme. Many of the items include Bobby Q sauce. Closed Sun. and Mon. // 4005 Chicago Dr SW in Grandville, 259-1000. michiganmoonshine.us. Dinner $$

PIKE 51 BREWING CO./ HUDSONVILLE WINERY Craft brewery and winery under one roof. Appetizers, salads, sandwiches and entrées. Open daily. // 3768 Chicago Dr, Hudsonville, 662-4589. hudsonvillewinery.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$

RUSH CREEK BISTRO Diverse menu in club-like surroundings. Weeknight and happy hour specials at full-service bar. Open daily. // Sunnybrook Country Club, 624 Port Sheldon Rd, Grandville, 457-1100. rushcreekbistro.com. Lunch, Dinner $$

WHITE FLAME BREWING CO. Small production brewery with taproom. Sandwiches, wraps, appetizers and a couple twists on the classic macaroni and cheese. Open daily. // 5234 36th Ave, Hudsonville, 209-5098. whiteflamebrewing.com.

Lunch, Dinner $-$$

THE WIN TAVERN Family-friendly restaurant offering cooked-toorder meals, including starters, salads, burgers, sandwiches & steak. Sunday breakfast, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. with a build-your-own hash bar and more.

Full bar. Open daily. // 7628 Georgetown Center Dr, Jenison, 734-6724. thewintavern33.com.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $$

Rockford Area BOSTWICK LAKE INN Menu includes steaks, pork, fish, chicken, mac and cheese, pizzas, sandwiches, soups and salads. Large deck. Full bar. Open daily. // 8521 Belding Rd, 8747290. thegilmorecollection.com/bostwick. Lunch (Sat-Sun), Dinner $$-$$$

BOULDER CREEK RESTAURANT Golf Club restaurant has varied menu. Golf course views from inside or deck. Serves alcohol. See website for seasonal hours. // 5750 Brewer Ave NE, Belmont, 363-1330, ext 2. bouldercreekgolfclub.com/ restaurant. Lunch, Dinner $-$$

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HONEY CREEK INN Pub setting offers beyond pub fare and daily specials. Closed Sun. // 8025 Cannonsburg Rd NE, Cannonsburg, 874-7849. cannonsburgvillage.com.

Lunch, Dinner $-$$

MARINADES PIZZA BISTRO Wood-fired pizzas, salads, pastas, sandwiches.

Michigan craft beer. Catering. Open daily. // 109 Courtland St, 863-3300. marinadespizzabistro.com.

Lunch, Dinner $

ROCKFORD BREWING CO. Located alongside Rogue River. Menu features wings, salads, gyros, burgers, as well as gluten-free, vegan and vegetarian options. Handcrafted brews on tap. Open daily. // 12 E Bridge St, 951-4677. rockfordbrewing.com. Brunch (Sun), Lunch, Dinner $-$$

TIMBERS INN Appetizers to meat ’n’ potatoes fare in lodge-like surroundings. Full bar. Open daily. // 6555 Belding Rd NE, 874-5553. timbersinn.net. Lunch (Wed-Sun), Dinner $-$$

THIRD NATURE BREWING COMPANY Located near the White Pine Trail and the Rogue River, Third Nature Brewing is a rustic brewery and taproom offering “comfort foods” such as pizzas and hot sandwiches, as well as healthier options like power bowls and salads. Open daily. // 7733 Childsdale Ave. NE in Plainfield Township, 616-5129314. thirdnaturebrewing.com. Lunch, Dinner $$

Multiple Locations ANNA’S HOUSE Retro-style diner with a menu that caters to guests with a wide variety of dietary needs; gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan and vegetarian options. Natural, local ingredients are utilized to create tasty classic breakfast entrees, benedicts, house bowls, salads, wraps, sandwiches, fresh-pressed juices, signature coffees, lattes and more. No alcohol. Open daily. // 5488 Northland Dr NE, 330-3310; 3874 Plainfield Ave NE, 361-8500; 2409 East Beltline Ave SE, 551-0434; 3766 Potomac Circle, Grandville, 2885855; 525 84th St SW, Byron Center, 447-1201. annashouseus.com. Breakfast, Lunch $$

BAGEL BEANERY Bagel and coffee cafè offering healthy whole grain and sugary sweet bagels, breakfast and lunch sandwiches.

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FIRST WOK Mandarin, Hunan, Szechuan cuisine. Full bar. Open daily. // 2207 44th St SE, 281-0681; 6740 Old 28th St SE, 575-9088; 3509 Alpine Ave NW, 784-1616 firstworkgr.com. Lunch, Dinner $$

GRAND CONEY Classic diner offering custom hot dogs, traditional breakfast items and comfort foods. No alcohol. Open daily. Downtown location open 24 hours. // 809 Michigan St NE, 776-5580; 5121 28th St, 930-3596. thegrandconey.com. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $

HERB & FIRE PIZZERIA Fast-casual atmosphere with Italian accent. Signature and create-your-own pizza options, flatbread sandwiches and salads. // 3180 44th St SW, Grandville, 773-1443; 2121 Celebration Dr NE, Suite 250, 7731895 herbandfirepizzeria.com. Lunch, Dinner. $-$$ HOPCAT Crafted brews with some 50 beers on tap and 150 bottled. Full bar and creative fare, including sharables, signature fries, burgers, wraps and more. Open daily. // 25 Ionia Ave SW, 451-4677; 84 W. Eighth St in Holland, 965-9780; 2183 East Beltline Ave NE. hopcatgr.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$

MORNING BELLE This “garden-themed” brunch spot is part of Meritage Hospitality Group. Its menu features breakfast entrées; lighter options, such as salads and grain bowls; glazed doughnut waffles; specialty beverages, such as freshly squeezed orange juice and breakfast cocktails; and more. Limited bar. Open daily. // 1600 East Beltline Ave NE, 301-8171; 434 Bridge St NW, 855-6907. morningbellebrunch.com. Breakfast, Lunch $$ MR. BURGER Breakfast, burgers, chili dogs, sandwiches, homemade soups and desserts. // 2101 Lake Michigan Dr. NW, 453-6291; 950 44th St. SW, 538-0363; 1750 44th St. SE 455-8604; 5181 Northland Dr. NE, 363-3888; 2300 28th St. SW; 538-4439; 5835 Balsam Dr., Hudsonville, 6625088; 6880 Lake Michigan Dr, Allendale, 986-1110. mrburger.com. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $

MUDPENNY Coffee bar with all-day breakfast, sandwiches, burgers and salads. Catering available. Closed Sun. // 570

$ INEXPENSIVE (UNDER $10) $$ MODERATE (BETWEEN $10 – $20) $$$ EXPENSIVE (OVER $20)

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Grandville Ave SW, 259-5353; 496 Ada Dr SE, 259-5353. mudpenny.com. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $

PEPPINO’S PIZZERIA AND SPORTS GRILLE Italian/American menu. Full bar. Open daily. // 130 Ionia Ave SW, 456-8444; 1515 Eastport Dr SE, Kentwood, 554-8880; 5065 Lake Michigan Dr, Allendale, 895-1615. peppinospizza.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$$

PITA HOUSE Sami’s gyros, Middle East specialties. No alcohol.

Open daily. // 1510 Wealthy St SE, 454-1171; 3730 28th St SE, 940-3029. thepitahouse.net. Lunch, Dinner $

REAL FOOD CAFÉ Fresh, locally sourced traditional favorites, scrambles and made-from-scratch baked goods; plus, soups, sandwiches and salads for lunch. Cash only. Closed Mon. // 2419 Eastern Ave SE, 241-4080; 3514 Plainfield Ave NE, 361-1808. Facebook. Breakfast, Lunch $

RED GERANIUM Breakfast and lunch favorites, omelettes, pancakes and burgers. No alcohol. Open daily. // 6670 Kalamazoo Ave SE, 656-9800; 5751 Byron Center Ave SW, 532-8888. redgeraniumcafe.com. Breakfast, Lunch

SUNDANCE BAR & GRILL Southwestern-infused cuisine, margarita bar. Open daily. // Waters Building, 151 Ottawa Ave NW, 776-1616; 5755 28th St SE, Cascade, 956-5644. sundancegrill.com. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Mon-Sat) $$

TACOS EL CAPORAL Mexican fare, with menudo Sat and Sun. No alcohol.

Open daily. // 1260 Burton St SW, 246-6180; 1717 28th St SW, 261-2711. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $

TACOS EL CUÑADO Fajitas, tacos, burritos and other Mexican fare.

No alcohol. Locations are individually owned and operated. // 1342 Grandville Ave SW, 452-1266; 455 Burton St SW, 248-9099; 1024 Bridge St NW, 475-800. Lunch, Dinner $-$$

TAMALES MARY Tamale-centered Mexican restaurant featuring 18 types of tamales, plus other Mexican dishes and daily buffet

specials. No alcohol. Open daily. // 1253 Burton St SW, 288-5007; 1551 Wealthy St. SE, 724-4269. tamalesmarygr.com. Lunch, Dinner $

THE TOASTED PICKLE Handcrafted unique sandwiches, soups, salads, cocktails and more. // 820 Michigan St NE, 17 Squires St Square NE. thetoastedpickle.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ UCCELLO’S RISTORANTE, PIZZERIA & SPORTS LOUNGE Italian fare, pizza, entrées, burgers, sandwiches. Full bar. Open daily. // 122 Monroe Center NW, 7731687; 2630 East Beltline Ave SE, 954-2002; 3940 Rivertown Pkwy SW, Grandville, 249-9344; 4787 Lake Michigan Dr NW, Standale, 735-5520; 8256 Broadmoor Ave SE, Caledonia, 891-1100; 19 N Main St, Rockford, 866-0666. Lunch, Dinner $-$$

VITALE’S PIZZERIA Multiple locations serving pizza and pasta from family recipes and a wide variety of American fare; burgers, subs, entrées and appetizers. Full bar. // 6650 E Fulton St, 676-5401, vitalesada.com; 5779 Balsam Dr, Hudsonville, 662-2244, vitaleshudsonville.com; 834 Leonard St NE, 458-8368, theoriginalvitales. com; 3868 West River Dr NE, Comstock Park, 7845011. vitalessportsbar.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$

GRMag.com Bringing You the Best of West Michigan View the Best of Grand Rapids list and more great content at GRMag.com $ INEXPENSIVE (UNDER $10) $$ MODERATE (BETWEEN $10 – $20) $$$ EXPENSIVE (OVER $20)

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gr gems / visit

Cans Film Festival founder and organizer Tr n Hoàng Calvin, center, is featured with the festival’s mitten- and can-shaped trophies, T-shirt and bags of empty cans used as admission.

The event offers a playful take on famed Cannes Film Fest in France.

The 'Cans' Film Festival Moving to September alongside ArtPrize in 2027, this grassroots film festival is ready for its closeup.

BY LISA ENOS

What do empty pop cans, a Michigan-shaped trophy and one of the world's largest art competitions have in common? This September, they're all part of the same story.

After celebrating its fourth anniversary this summer at the Wealthy Theatre, Grand Rapids' Cans Film Festival is moving to September 23–26, 2027, aligning itself with ArtPrize and staking its claim as a homegrown celebration of Michigan filmmaking. The timing is intentional: if hundreds of thousands of people are already downtown celebrating visual art, why not invite them to discover the state's filmmakers, too?

Founded by filmmaker Trâ`n Hoàng Calvin, Cans Film Festival embraces a uniquely Michigan premise. Admission isn't measured in dollars—it's measured in returnable cans and bottles. Every deposit helps fund the festival and support independent filmmakers. This year's event collected roughly 5,000 returnables, generating more than $540 for future programming. In a fitting twist, some visitors misunderstood the assignment and brought canned food instead, which was donated to Flat River Outreach Ministries in Lowell.

The festival's playful spirit extends to its awards. Instead of Cannes' famed Palme d'Or, winners receive the "Palm" d'Or—a trophy shaped like Michigan's Lower Peninsula. It's a wink to the legendary French festival, which presents the Palme d’Or, the highest award given at the annual 112

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Cannes Film Festival. but firmly rooted in the Mitten State.

More importantly, Cans is becoming known for something harder to manufacture: community. More than 150 attendees, 20 volunteers and filmmakers from across Michigan—and even Chicago—filled screenings, networking events and industry panels this year. Calvin intentionally designed the experience to put filmmakers first, creating spaces to recharge, collaborate and build the relationships that sustain independent careers long after the credits roll.

That mission matters now more than ever. As streaming economics make it increasingly difficult for independent films to find audiences, Calvin believes local communities have an opportunity to step in where the industry falls short.

"Art is only alive when it's interacting with someone," says Calvin.

His vision includes partnerships with businesses, breweries, churches, banks and arts organizations that can donate returnables, sponsor programming or simply show up.

His message is refreshingly simple: Bring us your cans. Every returnable bottle or can helps build a festival where Michigan filmmakers—and the community that supports them—can grow together.

"Bring us your cans so we can keep funding and grow this film festival," Calvin said. To find out how, visit cansfilmfestival.org.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE CANS FILM FESTIVAL

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