local business
Join us: The Rapidian says thank you with hyperlocal donor incentives
by (Renato)
Submitted 05-14-2013 under OPINION
Our fund drive officially starts today! You may have noticed invitations already in your Facebook community or elsewhere that Rapidians are asking you to “Join Us.” Well, today, you finally can. Why should you join us? Maybe you value...
Salty, crunchy, delicious: local tortilla chips put to the test
by (Vossj)
Submitted 04-19-2013 under OPINION
Established in 1975, El Matador Enterprise Inc is a long-standing tortilla chip manufacturer here in Grand Rapids. New competition has arrived for the once lone local corn chip factory. Charley's Pub & Grill, established in 2009 as...
During annual Shop Hop, Eastown Antiques turns profit for hunger relief
by (Feeding America...)
Submitted 12-13-2012 under NONPROFITS
The four neighborhoods that comprise Grand Rapids' Uptown Business District were flooded with Christmas lights and crowds during last Thursday’s Holiday Shop Hop. But visitors would have been hard-pressed to find a spot more heavily...
Global Infusion owners open up about shop's origins and future
by (laurelgreen)
Submitted 12-05-2012 under INNOVATION-SPOTLIGHT
“Well, we make the best chai in this city... but that really goes without saying,” jokes Joana Hively, co-owner of local fair trade shop Global Infusion. Hively and her best friend Beth Grilley have co-owned Global Infusion since they...
Eastown Antiques supports food bank during Shop Hop
by (Feeding America...)
Submitted 12-03-2012 under NONPROFITS
Eastown Antiques, which stands like an anchor on the corner of Lake Drive and Wealthy, has long been one of the prime destinations in the annual Uptown Holiday Shop Hop. This year, Eastown Antiques is doing something different: Along with the...
Andrew Castagne opens up The Shallows Art Gallery to community
by (campbelletara)
Submitted 11-01-2012 under OPINION
Andrew Castagne was born and raised in Sault Sainte Marie, MI before moving to Grand Rapids three years ago to attend Kendall College of Art and Design. Castagne’s artistic and creative gears have always been turning at high speed. He...
GROW participant uses improvisation in business settings
by (lizstudt)
Submitted 08-24-2012 under INNOVATION-SPOTLIGHT
Mary Jane Pories knew she was an educator and she knew she was creative. When she felt a particular need within the business community around her, Pories took a leap and founded Fishladdder Inc., a business that teaches other businesses and...
Harmony Brewing Company set to open
by (nickmanes)
Submitted 01-24-2012 under NEWS
After a long and sometimes contentious battle with a variety of factors, Harmony Brewing Company is going through its final preparations and is set to open by the end of January at 1551 Lake Dr. SE, in a one-time liquor store that has sat...
Locally owned or chain restaurants: Does it really matter?
by (wendypchef)
Submitted 11-23-2011 under OPINION
A hot new chain restaurant opens up in town. Some are excited. Others are dismayed and prefer to only dine at locally-owned restaurants. Does it really matter? According to Melissa English, Administrative Coordinator at Local First, yes, yes it does...
Taking lessons from R.I.T. Music
by (tylersteimle)
Submitted 11-11-2011 under LOCAL LIFE
Frank Nawrot, lead singer and guitarist for local band Absinthe, and a lifetime Grand Rapids resident, started playing guitar as a teenager. He grew up in the Creston district and took lessons from long-time R.I.T. Music guitar instructor and...