For local restaurants struggling to keep the doors open, any financial help is valuable, including the about $500 Kentwood’s The Candied Yam and owner Jessica Ann Tyson will not be spending on a county food service licensing fee this year.
The Kent County Board of Commissioners unanimously voted Thursday, March 25, to waive the 2021 food service licensing fee for all existing food establishments in Kent County “due to the significant hardship food establishments have experienced with closures and capacity limitations related to COVID‐19,” according to a statement from the county.
“It will help … its like $500 and up,” Tyson told WKTV when asked about the fee and how much it will save her business.
“Our restaurant owners and employees are hurting — they are among the hardest hit by the pandemic,” Kent County board chair Mandy Bolter said in supplied material. “The Board of Commissioners felt very strongly about waiving this fee as one small way to provide meaningful assistance where possible.”
This one‐time waiver, according to the county statement, will apply to the 2,294 existing food establishments (permanent, fixed, temporary, Special Transitory Food Units, or mobile) in Kent County that would otherwise be required to pay their annual licensing and inspection fee by April 30.
The Kent County action will total to “about $1.1 to $1.2 million” in waived fees, Monica Sparks, county commissioner for Kentwood’s commission District 12, said to WKTV.
“We took that out of the (county) budget,” Sparks said, while also giving credit to Dr. Adam London, Kent County Health Department director, for bringing the idea forward.
“The Health Department has worked tirelessly with our restaurants and bars over the last year to adapt to evolving regulations and occupancy restrictions,” London said in supplied material. “We are keenly aware of the challenges facing these establishments and we appreciate the Board providing this financial relief as they continue to weather the impacts of the pandemic.”
While the licensing and inspection fees are being waived, all restaurants are still required to submit a renewal application by April 30. The application will ensure establishments remain licensed during the 2021-22 operating period.
If an establishment does not intend to renew its license, the application still should be returned but include a signed note requesting its license be cancelled. Food establishments should expect to receive a renewal application from the health department within the next two weeks.
Restaurant owners with questions should contact the Kent County Health Department, Environmental Health Division, at 616‐632‐6900 or KCEHMail@kentcountymi.gov.
The Candied Yam owner Jessica Ann Tyson (left) said you have to be creative in letting people know your restaurant is still open. (Supplied)
By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma joanne@wktv.org
When you walk into Marge’s Donut Den, 1751 28th St. SW, gone is the chatter of people with their coffee and donuts. Gone is the rush of church groups stopping in before or after service to pick up a dozen. Gone are the families out for a treat.
It is quiet, except for the phone ringing.
“It’s very much quieter,” said owner Marge Wilson. “We have a big rug out to show people where to stand and right in the middle we have a table to remind people to go on either side. Or people can sit out in their car and we’ll bring them the donuts. For that reason, the phone rings a lot more.”
The signs on the doors of Marge’s Donut Den make it clear that only takeout is available. (WKTV)
To encouraging social distancing, on March 16, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer banned events and gatherings of more that 50 people causing most of the West Michigan restaurants to eliminate dining in. Those who could or wanted, move to takeout, curbside or delivery options. Marge’s Donuts Den, which offered both takeout and dine-in, closed its doors to its dining area with only access to the donut counter available.
On March 23, Whitmer issued an executive stay-at home order, but encourage residents to support local restaurants by ordering takeout and/or have food delivered from area restaurants. Since then, numerous organizations, such as Eatgr, have worked to promote restaurants that are currently offering those options. Recently, the Wyoming Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce distributed a list of chamber restaurants that are open. (See the list below.)
The elimination for dine-in has meant a reduction of customers with Wilson stating she has reduced her hours. Now the popular donut shop closes at 4 p.m. instead of 6 p.m. But she is grateful to be able to provide jobs for her staff who need or want to work.
“It has reduced the staff because there are some who are too afraid to come and others have to stay home to stay with their kids,” she said. “But for those who want to work or need to work, they can.”
For many of the local business owners, helping their employees was a big decision in staying open.
“I could have just closed,” said Jessica Ann Tyson, owner of The Candied Yam, 2305 44th St. SE. Both Wilson and restaurant owner and State House Rep. Tommy Brann echoed the same in their comments. “But there are factors you have to consider. There are employees who if you can keep working means that it is at least one less person drawing on the system. The local vendors who we purchase quite a lot from, and the customers who don’t cook or don’t know how to cook.”
There is also the cost of shutting down and then reopening a kitchen which can cost $3,000 or more where as Tyson estimates it is costing her about $700 a week to stay open.
Tommy Brann, owner of Brann’s Steakhouse and Grille at 4157 Division, admits he often thinks about his employees. It is why he decided to stay open, offering takeout even though it only makes up about five percent of his business.
“I’m looking at chairs up and and an empty bar,” Brann said. “Much of our business is dine in. This is a place that people come with families to celebrate birthdays, weddings, showers, and sadly, funerals.
“This is a place where you are around people but sadly, right now we can’t do that and we understand why.”
For many of the restaurant owners we talked to, they understand the reasoning for the restrictions on gatherings. As a state representative for the Wyoming and Byron Center areas, Brann said he also has heard from a number of local business owners as well and there are some he fears may simply not reopen.
“You’ve got to be creative,” Tyson said. “We still feel obligated to offer specials so that seniors who are on a fixed income can still come as well as entice people to order.”
Tyson said her cost has gone up but she made an effort to keep her prices the same because she recognizes there are people who do rely on the restaurant for a good meal.
And she figures, if she is open she might as well share with those who are considered essential workers, doing a daily delivery to various individuals and organizations such as the Kent County Health Department’s Emergency Operations Center and a local milk operation.
“I am staying optimistic and getting my energy from other people and places,” Tyson said.
Wyoming Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce member restaurants that are currently offering takeout and/or delivery:
Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant 4515 28th St. SE Kentwood, MI 49512 (616) 730-8466
Noto’s Old World Italian Dining 6600 28th St SE Grand Rapids, MI 49546 (616) 493-6686
Dave & Buster’s 3660 28th Street SE Kentwood, MI 49512 (616) 224-8800
The Candied Yam 2305 44th Street S.E. Kentwood, MI 49508 (616) 551-3509
Buffalo Wild Wings Grill & Bar 2720 44th St SW Wyoming, MI 49519 (616) 261-9464
Osta’s Lebanese Cuisine 2228 Wealthy St. SE Grand Rapids, MI 49506 (616) 456-8999
Monelli’s Italian Grill & Sports Bar 5675 Byron Center Ave. SW Wyoming, MI 49519 (616) 530-9700
Brann’s Steakhouse and Grille 4157 S Division Ave Wyoming, MI 49548 (616) 534-5421
Hilton Garden Inn 2321 East Beltline Ave. SE Grand Rapids, MI 49546 (616) 608-8800
Apple Spice 701 68th St. SW #410 Byron Center, MI 49315 (616) 805-3288
Applebee’s – Wyoming 1375 28th Street Wyoming, MI 49509 (616) 261-2588
Buddy’s Pizza 4061 28th St. SE Kentwood, MI 49512 (616) 554-9663
Buffalo Wild Wings Grill & Bar 2035 28th St SE Grand Rapids, MI 49508 (616) 241-2999
YoChef’s Catering Co. 34 44th St. SE Kentwood, MI 49548 (616) 608-3003
McDonalds 1221 28th St. SW Wyoming, MI (616) 531-6190
Marge’s Donut Den 1751 28th St. SW Wyoming, MI (616) 532-7413
Cindy’s Donuts & Ice Cream 4020 28th St. SE Kentwood, MI (616) 259-8295
Beltline Bar 16 28th St. SE Grand Rapids, MI (616) 245-0494
Bagel Beanery 455 Michigan NE Grand Rapids, MI (616) 235-7500
The Wyoming Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce kicked off its 40th Anniversary with its Annual Meeting and Awards Dinner on Jan. 25 at the Amway Grand Plaza. At the event, several individuals and two local businesses were honored including The Candied Yam for Retail Business of the Year and WKTV for Service Business of the Year. To read all about it, click here.
Fast and Shiny
Sports cars, along with SUVs and trucks, are expected to be the big draw at the 2020 Michigan International Auto Show , as they were last year in this photo. (Supplied)
If you didn’t score “Hamilton” tickets yet or not planning to go, you’ll be happy to know another favorite American past-time is in town: the 2020 International Car Show. The annual event is taken place this weekend at DeVos Place. Mixed with some of the newest cars coming out are a few classics from the Gilmore Car Museum. For more about the show and where to park, click here.
Filling the Shelves
Our giving spirt sometimes ends when the holidays are over. Pantries such as the Family Network of Wyoming are in need of food and especially personal care items such as toilet paper. Have a few hours to spare? Volunteers also are needed. To learn more about how Family Network of Wyoming has been helping its community for the past 15 years, click here.
Fun Fact: Some say Soda, we say Vernors
While Dr. Pepper and Coke Cola like to battle it out as the oldest soda the title actually goes to Michigan’s Vernors, which was created in 1866 by Detroit pharmacist James Vernor (hence the name Vernors.) The popular ginger ale was sold outside of the pharmacy starting in 1880, five years before Dr. Pepper even came on the market. And for those Vernors lovers, try a Boston Cooler, which is a twist on a float using Vernors and vanilla ice cream.
Wyoming Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Bob O’Callaghan and Board Chair Keith Morgan sit-down with WKTV’s Ken Norris to discuss the Chamber’s 40th Anniversary. (Video by WKTV)
Sometimes we do not fully appreciate when a business turns 40, said Wyoming Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce Board Chair Keith Morgan as he gave his report during the Chamber’s Annual Meeting and Awards Dinner on Friday, Jan. 25.
About 80 percent of small businesses survive the first year and only about 50 percent will make it to year five, Morgan said.
“Any idea of how many will make it to 10 years?” Morgan asked the crowded Amway Ballroom where the dinner was taking place. “About half of a percent. So that means that if there were a 1,000 business that started today, only about seven would make it to the ten-year mark.”
Which means, according to Morgan, getting to 40 is a pretty big accomplishment.
Much of the Chamber’s Annual Meeting and Awards Dinner was a celebration of the Chamber marking its 40th anniversary. U.S. Rep. Bill Huizinga along with representatives from Senator Gary Peters office were at the event. Several state legislators were there such a Michigan House Rep. Tommy Brann and State Senator Peter MacGregor, who presented the chamber with a state proclamation for its 40th anniversary. Both the mayors of the City of Wyoming and the City of Kentwood, Jack Poll and Stephen Kepley respectively, were in attendance and congratulated the Chamber for marking its 40th anniversary as well.
The evening also served as an opportunity to celebrate the many accomplishments of area businesses, business leaders and Chamber volunteers.
Jessica Ann Tyson, owner of The Candied Yam. (Photo by WKTV/Joanne Bailey-Boorsma)
Receiving the Retail Business of the Year award was The Candied Yam, owned by Jessica Ann Tyson.
The Candied Yam opened in 2016 offering a menu of “delightful southern cuisine.” Originally a takeout restaurant, around its one-year anniversary, The Candied Yam had to knock down a wall to accommodate a sit-down space. The expansion allowed the restaurant to offer even more to its community, Tyson said, adding that more importantly, it provided a way for the restaurant to give back. The Candied Yam has participated in a number of community programs such as The Pantry, Young Life of East Kentwood High, Taste of Kentwood, Job Corp, Grand Rapids Public Library Taste of Soul Sunday and the AARP Foundation to name a few.
“This award reminds us that we don’t exist without customers and this is our opportunity to show our customers who spend money with us through great customer service and great food that we are being recognized for what we do,” Tyson said. “We are honored and grateful to receive this award.”
WKTV General Manager Tom Norton and Board President Judy Bergsma. (Photo by WKTV/Joanne Bailey-Boorsma)
Receiving the Service Business of the Year award was WKTV, a community television station dedicated to covering the cities of Wyoming and Kentwood.
On Nov. 11, 1974, WKTV was incorporated and will soon be marking its 50th anniversary, said WKTV General Manager Tom Norton. It is one of the oldest, most continuously operated community television stations in the United States. In 2002, the station moved to near the border of Wyoming and Kentwood into its own permanent home. The 10,000-square-foot facility features two studios, multiple edit bays, public spaces, classrooms for media instruction and a 35-foot television production truck, one of the largest in Michigan.
Accepting the award for WKTV were Norton and Board President Judy Bergsma. Bergsma told the audience that WKTV is proud to be apart of the dynamic communities of Wyoming and Kentwood, offering an array of exciting programs. She thanked the chamber on behalf of the staff and volunteers for recognizing WKTV with this honor.
During the Annual Meeting and Awards Dinner, which was emceed by WOOD TV8 Rachel Ruiz, an East Kentwood High School graduate, the chamber also recognized several chamber volunteers.
Tony Marion, left, who received the Gerald E. Fessell Distinguished Service Award, is with Chamber President and CEO Bob O’Callaghan. (Photo by WKTV/Joanne Bailey-Boorsma)
Receiving the Daniel T. McLaren Committee of the Year Award was the Chamber’s Marketing Committee. Selected as the Daniel VanDyke Volunteer of the Year was Summer Vasquez, from Williamson Employment Services and receiving the lifetime achievement award, the Gerald E. Fessell Distinguished Service Award, was Tony Marino, of Mitten Water Solutions.
After the event, Chamber President and CEO Bob O’Callaghan said the chamber was thrilled with the attendance, which forced the Chamber to move the event to a larger room. O’Callaghan said the chamber will be marking its 40th anniversary with special events throughout the year.
Summer Vasquez (left), who received the Daniel VanDyke Volunteer of the Year award is with Chamber President and CEO Bob O’Callghan. (Photo by WKTV/Joanne Bailey-Boorsma)
Staff from The Candied Yam serve up some of the restaurant’s specialties.
By Lindsay Papciak
Community Writer
The 17th Annual Taste of Kentwood took place this past Thursday, March 15, at the newly-renovated Kentwood Activities Center. The event featured 15 local favorites and each provided tastes of popular items on their menu. Guests had the chance to experience the diversity of Kentwood by attending one of two sessions during the evening.
Guests were welcomed into the Kentwood Activities Center with the smells of American and international cuisines. “[The Taste of Kentwood is] where neighbors and friends comes together and get to taste what’s great about Kentwood,” Kentwood Mayor Stephen Kepley said.
Residents enjoying the Taste of Kentwood at the newly renovated Kentwood Activities Center.
“This event provides opportunity for local businesses to showcase their cuisine and advertise to new customers,” Kentwood Parks and Recreation Marketing and Events Coordinator Laura Barbrick said. “It’s a great way to sample restaurants that you’ve wanted to try or may not normally get to.”
Local favorite The Candied Yam featured the restaurant’s fried chicken and sweet potato muffins. Co-Owner Jessica Ann Tyson loved being able to share her heritage and favorite recipes with old and new faces. “This is where the community thrives,” Tyson said. “People are working and living and playing and this is the other side of it. We are working and they are playing. So taking the opportunity to mix us all together is really nice.”
Tallarico’s Boardwalk Subs featured its Italian sub as well as its ham and turkey with original ‘herb de provance’ which is an herb mayo on their house-made white or wheat bread. Owner Chris Tallarico now runs five locations, so the Taste of Kentwood is a place for him to reconnect with Boardwalk Subs regulars as well as share why they were voted “#1 Best Subs in Grand Rapids” in 2017. “The food part is easy,” Tallarico said. “One thing that sets us apart is the experience we give. We treat people at Boardwalk the way you would be treated at a full service restaurant.”
One local resident enjoys his food at this year’s Taste of Kentwood event.
Tallarico has held down a booth at this event since he opened his first Boardwalk Subs in Kentwood in 2003. “We keep doing Taste of Kentwood because of the people,” Tallarico said. “Everyone is smiling and having a good time.”
“This event continues to grow in popularity every year,” Barbrick said. “We estimate that over 500 people came through our doors throughout the evening. Eventually, we may need to relocate to a larger space, but it’s a good problem to have.”
The Candied Yam is just one of the restaurants attending the Taste of Kentwood.
The 17th annual Taste of Kentwood will celebrate a smorgasbord of local cuisine on Thursday, March 15, at the Kentwood Activities Center, 355 38th St. SE.
The event will feature food and deserts from many local restaurants and businesses. It will be the first event to take place in Kentwood’s newly renovated Activities Center, which will feature an updated interior and newly renovated teaching kitchen.
“Taste of Kentwood showcases American and international cuisine that we enjoy in our community,” said Kentwood Mayor Stephen Kepley. “It’s a delicious way to experience the diversity of Kentwood while connecting with neighbors and supporting local businesses.”
Taste of Kentwood will feature local favorites such as The Candied Yam and Curry Leaf Indian Cuisine, along with new-to-market Nothing Bundt Cakes. Everyone can find something to enjoy from the variety of food, including sweets, BBQ, Mexican and soups and sandwiches.
Nothing Bundt Cakes will be tempting participants with its sweet treats.
Participating restaurants include:
Bloop Frozen Yogurt
Boardwalk Subs
The Candied Yam
Curry Leaf Indian Cuisine
Daddy’s Dough
Daddy Pete’s BBQ
Irie Kitchen
Jet’s Pizza
Nothing Bundt Cakes
On the Border
Peppino’s Sports Grille
PJ’s Pizza Coffee & Ice Cream
Red Robin
Taco Bob’s
Thai Express
Zoup!
The event is open to everyone. Tickets are $6 in advance and $8 at the door. Tickets can be purchased at www.kentwood.us/Parks. Two time slots are available, from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. and from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
