Grand Rapids Recap 2023
As 2023 comes to a close, we wanted to take a minute to celebrate some of our favorite small businesses that opened their doors in our amazing community. Our vibrant city saw so many new restaurants and businesses open, as well as countless events celebrating art, music, culture, food, and more. At Treadstone, we are so lucky to be located in the heart of the city and get to experience first-hand all the excitement! We can’t wait to see what 2024 brings for Grand Rapids!
Table of Contents
Myrth artisanal pizza and pasta in Ada
New Businesses Opened in West Michigan in 2023
Butcher Block Social
Enjoy barbeque, bourbon, and beer at this family friendly, Caledonia restaurant that encourages gathering with their open seating at communal tables.
The Caribbean Bite
If you’re looking for authentic Puerto Rican and Dominican foods, check out the new downtown location of the Caribbean Bite at Studio Park.
Chartreuse Sisters
This cute little café features a fusion of French and American pastries and beverages, celebrating the cultures of the sisters who own the shop.
Eastern Kille Distillery
A Grand Rapids favorite for cocktails, Eastern Kille said goodbye to their Ottawa Avenue location this year, but opened up their new and improved location in Rockford! Stop by for cocktails and pizza!
The Foolery
This fine-dive bar is located next to it’s sister company, Social Misfits, and offers up Detroit-style pizza as well as delicious desserts and cocktails.
General Wood Shop
A new addition to the Westside on Bridge Street, this LGBTQ+ cocktail bar aims to be a friendly and comfortable space for all.
Has Heart Coffee Shop
Recently opened in Veteran’s Park, this coffee shop is part of a non-profit, and aims to both employ veterans and make sure no veteran has to buy their own coffee here.
High Tea
In the mood for a tea party? Check out High Tea for a classic British tea time tradition. You’ll feel like you’re in Bridgerton!
Mammoth Distilling Cocktail Lounge
Mammoth Distilling’s newest location on Wealthy street has both great drinks and a fun atmosphere. P.S. They also have location by our Traverse City office too!
Midnight Express Café
This café has a lot to offer, from paninis and wraps, to acai bowls and smoothies. Don’t forget to sample the espresso and tea menu!
Myrth
In the heart of Ada is Myrth—serving up artisan pizza and pasta made from farm-to-table ingredients.
Partage & Sidedoor Sammies
Opened by a husband and wife team, Partage serves organic handcrafted cuisines in a number of ways, from their storefront and “sandwich speakeasy” to catering and take home meal kits.
Popnotch Goods
Located Uptown on Wealthy, this new shop offers the timeless snack of popcorn with a variety of exciting flavors!
Pursuit of Happiness
A woman owned business, Pursuit of Happiness is a casual bar and market serving up bubbly drinks and snacks in a lively setting with west coast vibes.
Scholar
There couldn’t be a better spot for cozying up in the winter than Scholar. Sip a cocktail by the fire in the study, or take a seat for a bite to eat in the parlor.
Testa Rossa Pizzeria
From the masterminds behind Electric Cheetah and The Old Goat comes Wealthy Street’s newest go to spot for pizza and Italian dishes.
Art installation “Evanescent” at the Return to the River Festival
Grand Rapids Exhibits & Events
ArtPrize
One of Grand Rapids’ largest events, ArtPrize celebrated its 13th year! Check out this year’s winners here!
World of Winter Festival
With numerous events, activities, and art installations taking place over the span of two months, World of Winter encourages people to get out and enjoy the beauty of winter! 2023 was the 6th year Grand Rapids got to experience this festival!
Return to the River Music & Art Festival
Back again for the second year was Return to the River. This family friendly festival is held along the Monroe North riverwalk and is a celebration of music, art, and food!
Lantern Festival at John Ball Zoo
A spectacular display of Asian lanterns lit up the zoo for this first annual Festival, telling the intersecting story of wildlife and Asian culture.
Christkindl Markt
The Downtown Market introduced a beloved old-world tradition to Grand Rapids this year with their first annual Christkindl Market. This holiday market featured food and gift vendors, live performances, and activities for the whole family.
Flights of Flavor
It’s no secret that we love food and beverages here in Grand Rapids, so to help more people experience all the delicious offerings, Flights of Flavor, an ongoing foodie adventure, was launched this year!
Brick by Brick at the GRAM
The Grand Rapids Art Museum has featured a rotation of amazing works this year, including their current interactive Lego exhibit, Brick by Brick: The Creative Art of Lego.
Red panda babies, Dawa and Nima, born in August at the John Ball Zoo
Other Fun Local Happenings
- Grand Rapids was ranked #2 Most Beautiful & Affordable Place to Live in the US by Travel & Leisure
- Frederik Meijer Gardens was named Top Sculpture Park in the US by USA Today
- Over 20 new murals went up around Grand Rapids
- John Ball Zoo welcomed two baby red pandas and a baby bonco
- The DASH (Downtown Area Shuttle) bus debuted a new singular route and extended hours
- Spectrum Health rebranded to Corewell Health
- Construction was (finally) completed on 196 between Hudsonville and Zeeland
- A cow got loose on 131
- Grand Rapids still doesn’t know how to zipper merge
Treadstone Lakeshore office grand opening in Grand Haven
Treadstone 2023 Recap
- We celebrated 3 office grand opening parties in Grand Haven, Kalamazoo, and Traverse City
- We added two amazing employees to our Loan Officer team — Amy T & Luke M
- We helped 1800+ families into homes this year
