A delicious
destination
A collective of artisan food merchants and restaurants that are open seven-days-a-week, world-class private get-togethers, a commercial kitchen for start-ups, and a side of family-friendly public events—now that’s what we call a fun foodie experience!
Interested in being part of the Market?
of yum!
10 years
What started as a dream for a few community members soon became a reality, thanks to the leadership of Grand Action, the planning and consulting of Ted Spitzer, the design implementation by Hugh A. Boyd Architects, and the artisan food merchants and restaurants that have called the Market home since 2013.
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The Market is a mixed-use facility that brings together local food production, education, and entrepreneurship opportunities. Our indoor facility features a 20+ vendor Market Hall with two full-service restaurant spaces, while dozens of artisans line our outdoor Market Shed during public events. We offer several exceptional spaces throughout the site, including a rentable Incubator Kitchen, rooftop greenhouses, and the nation’s first kid-friendly demonstration kitchen (you have to see it to believe it). The Market is LEED Gold certified, features a green roof, live walls, geotherm wells, a rain garden, and plenty of other innovative, sustainable features.
We wanted our Market’s location to serve as a focal point within the city while revitalizing a previously neglected area. The Market continues to spark redevelopment of nearby properties while reintroducing community neighbors to a once underutilized Grand Rapids locale.
Grand Rapids Downtown Market, Inc. operates the Market. Its board members include leaders from the local business, government, and nonprofit sectors.
Vision
To be THE preeminent regional destination for innovative food and gathering experiences.
Mission
A vibrant gathering place that offers dynamic food-centered experiences and entrepreneurial opportunities, dedicated to positively impacting our community and economy.
Since opening in 2013…
Over 7 million guests
have visited the Grand Rapids Downtown Market.
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In ten years, the Market has become this region’s destination for artisan shopping, dining, and food-related fun. We are thankful to be visited by Grand Rapids community members and travelers alike. We like to think this is the place where local ingredients meet international food favorites.
2,000 public events
have been held here, including demos and classes.
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From cooking classes to vintage markets, we have hosted public events of all shapes and sizes! Some favorites include our annual Ice Bar (an outdoor bar made completely out of frozen slabs of ice), a decade of being an ArtPrize venue, and multiple food-feature promos that celebrate spicy food, fall flavors, breakfast classics, and more!
650 weddings
have occurred in our event venue spaces.
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Greenhouse ceremonies, Banquet Room receptions, terrace cocktail hours—we’ve seen it all! We’re proud to have become an award-winning West Michigan venue, even making the best of The Knot’s best of list in 2022! Nothing makes us happier than being a part of over 650 weddings over the years.
TAURI BAUM PHOTOGRAPHY
of artisan bread have been wood-fired at Field & Fire.
1.8 million loaves
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Field & Fire ferments their grains using a long-standing tradition of lengthy fermentation that draws out the flavor and also enhances the nutritional value of their breads and pastries. Pair that with the organically grown grains and flours they use, and the result is a baked good that is nourishing to both the body and soul. This Downtown Market fan-favorite is a bread-baking powerhouse that serves as champion of their craft.
of fresh seafood have been sold by Fish Lads.
700,000 pounds
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Fish Lads is a full-service retail fish market and quick-service restaurant providing the freshest seafood, both locally-caught and from around the world. They pride themselves on offering not only the very best seafood but also the very best professional counter service and advice on preparing your fish at home. Now offering specialty grocery items like hot sauces, marinades, dry pasta, rubs, and more.
have been wok-tossed by the experts at Rák Thai.
542,000 entrées
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Flavorful rice and noodle dishes are prepared every day at Rák Thai. Each entrée is lovingly-created on a blazing wok using classic take-out methods. Pair your savory main course with a sweet bubble tea or a mochi donuts to complete the meal.
of parmesan has been opened at Aperitivo.
3,860 pounds
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Aperitivo’s wine bar and cheese case are both iconic destinations within the Downtown Market! Their passion for artisan cheese (and its perfect wine pairing) have led them to becoming a must-visit corner of the Market.
have been scooped at Love’s Ice Cream & Chocolate.
500,000 scoops
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Owner Chris McKellar wanted a way to share his passion for healthy, organic, locally-produced whole foods. His sincere interest in knowing exactly where his food comes from fuels the Love’s philosophy—worthy treats for every body.
have started in the Incubator Kitchen.
Over 180 businesses
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A fully-equipped, shared use, rentable commercial kitchen that provides entrepreneurs a supportive, efficient, and flexible environment to develop and produce their product or service. Our kitchen space supports cookie bakers, pickle makers, meal preppers, roasters, and toasters who are seeking support and technical assistance.
have been created by the Downtown Market.
700+ jobs
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Each business within the Downtown Market (as well as the Market itself) has created meaningful careers over the last decade. Also, each Incubator business independently creates positions, adding to and supporting the growing Grand Rapids food community.
of rainwater have been filtered through our live roof.
450,000 gallons
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We collect, store, and reuse rainwater to keep our plants and grounds healthy and reduce our need for valuable fresh water. We also made sure that our parking lot’s porous pavement controls runoff and prevents harmful pollutants from reaching nearby rivers, lakes, and streams.
