by Erin Cataldo

The Grand Rapids Downtown Market announced last week that Slows Bar-B-Q, the nationally renowned barbecue joint based in Detroit, will open a new, full-service, barbeque restaurant inside the Downtown Market. It is the first restaurant to commit to the Market, and the restaurant’s first expansion outside of Detroit.

Slows Bar-B-Q Grand Rapids will be located in the Market’s southeast side, at the corner of Ionia and Logan streets. It will feature a similar menu to the Detroit location, including slow-cooked barbecue favorites such as brisket, ribs, pulled pork, smoked turkey, jambalaya and more, along with several dozen Michigan-based artisan and craft beers on tap. The restaurant plans to open in spring 2015.

“Slows is a notable success in downtown Detroit. Its up-cycled atmosphere, delicious menu, commitments to their communities and their craft make them an ideal addition to the Downtown Market,” says Mimi Fritz, president and CEO of the Downtown Market. “Unlike any other place, the Market offers us the chance to know our food and the people who make it. We are thrilled to introduce Slows and their authentic take on barbeque to West Michigan.”

The Market is tasked to create a thriving ecosystem of food entrepreneurs who commit to locally produced ingredients and to community building. Created 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 neighborhood’s commercial revitalization and a Detroit destination.

“The Downtown Market is just the type of community-centered, neighborhood location that fits who we are,” says Brian Perrone, executive chef and co-founder. “We are completely devoted to barbecue — studying it, making it and teaching customers about the process. We are excited to join such a great group of artisans to create a friendly, welcoming, accessible and open environment.”

In addition to its restaurant space, Slows plans to expand its popular Slows-To-Go service, which includes catering. The program will launch with special events at the Downtown Market and plans to expand to serve a larger area in the future.

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.

“If it’s possible for one restaurant to have done more than its share for Detroit, it’s Slows,” adds Fritz.

Construction on Slows’ Grand Rapids location will begin in early 2015. The restaurant plans to open in spring of 2015.