A Tour of Grand Rapid’s Downtown Market

In Grand Rapids, south of Wealthy Street on Ionia Ave, is Downtown Market, a destination for the culinary curious and for those seeking a deeper understanding of the local food scene. The Market is a mixed-use facility that brings together local food production, education, and entrepreneurship opportunities. It has rooftop greenhouses and the nation’s first kid-friendly demonstration kitchen. If that weren’t impressive enough, the Market is LEED Gold Certified – a pillar of sustainability.

Their Education Foundation and Incubator Kitchen assist 50+ entrepreneurs in creating various food business concepts and offering 24/7 access to test kitchens, commercial equipment, and more at very affordable costs for a startup.

To date, Downtown Market has aided 31 businesses to graduate from the on-site Incubator Kitchen. While some graduates have moved to off-site prep spaces or production facilities, some have set up shop in the Market Hall, a local entrepreneur-driven food court.

Here are some of the most delicious spots that are worth a taste:

Field & Fire and Rad Bagels

A true artisan doesn’t cut corners. Shelby and Julie Kibler have sourced from local organic farms for their flour, spelt and corn. All of these local grains are house-milled on site. Lengthy fermentation draws out the flavor from the grains and enhances the nutritional value. Just one bite and you can taste the time and care baked within. 

Their specialties include rustic, wood-fired, European-style breads. It’s no surprise Shelby’s passion for baking and history started as a Principal of BAKE!, the Zingerman’s baking school.

Rad Bagels, their newest concept, serves handcrafted bagels utilizing sourdough techniques and long fermentation, with crazy and unique flavors. Show up early to grab bagel sandwiches for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Also, their sweet and savory waffle sandwiches? Yes, thank you!

Photo Credit: Field and Fire

Gaby’s Gourmandise

Since August of 2020, the Downtown Market Incubator Kitchen has been home to Gaby’s Gourmandise. Chef Jean Gabriel Ferrandon’s French patisserie is unlike any other in Michigan. Detail and precision are found in his cakes, tartes, crepes, cookies, and a variety of other classic French pastries. Additionally, savory menu items include a selection of French snacks, sandwiches, quiches, pies, salads, soups, and stews.

Formerly a teacher and baker in San Francisco at Berkley, Chef Gaby wants to stoke the fires of those excited to step out of the classic American comforts and enjoy the meticulous masterpiece of a well designed cream puff or mille-feuilles.

Love’s Ice Cream

Owner Chris McKellar started his food business because he wanted a way to share his passion for organic, locally-produced whole foods. Love’s philosophy shows that indulgences like ice cream are okay and can come from excellent ingredients.

With grassfed certified organic dairy products that are non-homogenized for a creamier texture, this ice cream is dense, minimally processed, and consciously sourced. There isn’t much that’s sweeter than that!

Old World Olive Company

Old World Olive Company is a specialty oil and balsamic vinegar shop carrying over 50 flavors and varieties! Owners Shasta Fase and Corey Delong have created the perfect little nook in Market Hall where you can fortify your kitchen supplies with the freshest and finest extra virgin olive oils from around the world.

Full bottles are available, along with mini bottle gift sets, and must-have kitchen accessories.

Aperitivo

Aperitivo has a full-service cheese and charcuterie counter paired with a fine selection of beer and wines. Shop owner Amy Ruis and her knowledgeable staff provide a delightful assortment of snacks and nibbles, or try one of their incredible sandwiches, all made on neighbor Field & Fire bread. The Nduja Melt with mozzarella, arugula, and balsamic glaze on Italian bread? That spicy pork sets my heart ablaze!

Neil Davey is a resident of Marshall, MI and is the West x Southwest Michigan Local Food Coordinator for Taste the Local Difference. This Hoosier turned Michigander can often be found writing his next book, fooling around in the garden, experimenting with his weekly CSA produce, or planning his next hiking trip somewhere in the pleasant peninsula.

Photo Credit: Downtown Market