The holiday season is the perfect time to get familiar with new businesses in and around your neighborhood.
Last month Neighborhood Ventures and the Neighborhood Business Alliance celebrated local businesses during the Annual Neighborhood Business Awards. Ninety businesses out of nearly 1,700 located in 20 districts were celebrated at the event that took place at Wealthy Theatre. Mayor George Heartwell and members of the Grand Rapids City Commission presented the awards to the finalist in more than a dozen categories. Businesses were recognized for notable neighborhood economic development successes, being new additions to neighborhoods, and their investment and commitment to the community.
Ride with us to check out the following winners of their respective award categories:
Donkey Taqueria
Winning the Best Exterior Maintenance award, this full-service bar offering authentic Mexican food is located just off of Rapid Routes 4 and 5. Don’t miss their margarita menu and delicious tacos.
Grand Rapids Garage Bar & Grill
Grab a burger and some craft beer at this Ottawa Ave. NW destination. The Garage Bar & Grill won for Best Business Promotion. You can ride DASH North and Route 7 to get there.
Woosah Outfitters
This new addition to Division Avenue was recognized for the Best Interior Renovation. Ride Routes 1, 3, 6, and 13 to explore the handcrafted art and apparel.
Ralph’s Market
Located on Leonard Street, this local grocery store won for Best Exterior Renovation. You can get there on board Routes 7 and 9 to grab some groceries.
Two Scotts Barbecue
Dig into exceptional barbecue just steps away from a Route 7. Two Scotts received the Gerald R. Helmholdt Grand Award this year.
Standard Lumber
The Boston Square location on Kalamazoo Avenue won for Best Longstanding Business. For all your building and remodeling needs you can ride Routes 2 and 4 to get there.
Logan’s Alley
This neighborhood pub at 916 Michigan St. NE won for Best Neighborhood Restaurant. You can ride Routes 13 and 19 for access to local craft beer and good food.
The Old Goat
The long-awaited Eastern Avenue restaurant in Alger Heights won Outstanding New Business. If you haven’t had a chance to check The Old Goat out yet, it’s a must for foodies. Ride Routes 4 and 28.
Southtown Square
This LINC Community Revitalization project in the Madison Square neighborhood won for Best New Construction. Check it out via Roues 3 and 19 .
Star Collision CARSTAR
Is your car in need of some love? Drop it off in the Creston neighborhood with the winner of the Good Neighbor Award. You can ride Route 11 to get home.
The Black Heron Kitchen & Bar
Visit the West Side’s newest gastropub at 428 Bridge St. NW right off of 7 and 9. The Black Heron won for Best Reuse of a Building.
Do you have a favorite business in your neighborhood?
