Slows Bar-B-Q opens in Grand Rapids Downtown Market

Slows Bar-B-Q, the nationally renowned barbecue joint based in Detroit, officially opened Slows Grand Rapids (SlowsGR) on August 6 in the Downtown Market, an urban, self-sustaining, mixed-use facility on Grand Rapids’ south side that brings together food production, distribution, marketing and education about local foods. The new full-service, market-style barbecue restaurant is located at the corner of Ionia and Logan Streets, on the Southeast side of the Market Hall.

SlowsGR is a family- or market-style dining experience with no reservations. Guests will order their food at a window and find their seats among several rows of long tables with benches which channels a Texas barbecue style of dining. Led by head chef, Adam Watts, the Grand Rapids location features a similar menu to the Detroit location, including slow-cooked barbecue favorites such as brisket, ribs, pulled pork, wings and more, along with 40 artisan and craft beers on tap.

"We brought together a strong team to lead SlowsGR, with a head chef and general manager who both have extensive background in the Grand Rapids restaurant scene to create a barbecue experience that distinct to Michigan,” says Phil Cooley, co-owner of SlowsGR. “Moving into the Downtown Market is a great opportunity to create a presence in West Michigan, and the Heartside neighborhood is just the type of community-centered location that fits who we are.”

The Downtown Market is tasked with creating a thriving ecosystem of food entrepreneurs who commit to locally produced ingredients and to community building. Slows was created in 2005 by owners, Chef Brian Perrone, Phillip Cooley and others, with the intention of becoming a neighborhood joint and a contributing force in the community, Slows has become the anchor of a Detroit neighborhood’s commercial revitalization as well as a not-to-miss destination that now extends to Grand Rapids.

“Barbecue is an art form and a part of our American culture, and Slows is committed to the barbecue craft—studying it, making it and teaching customers about the process; they are an ideal member of our food culture and market community,” adds Mimi Fritz, President and CEO of the Downtown Market.

In addition to its restaurant space, Slows is expanding its popular Slows-To-Go service, which includes catering. The program will launch with special events at the Market and is currently taking catering reservations for large events and corporate groups.

Slows opened in 2005 on Michigan Avenue, at the edge of downtown Detroit, in Corktown, across from the long-abandoned Michigan Central Station. Today it has become one of the most popular barbecue joints in Michigan and has received significant recognition in national food and entertainment media. It is owned by Brian Perrone, Phillip Cooley, Ron Cooley and Mike Metevia.