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Rapid Growth Staff's Latest Articles

Heed the call, Do Gooders

Rapid Growth unveils its newest section, Do Good. Watch each week for the latest happenings in the growing nonprofit, volunteerism and philanthropic communities in West Michigan.

We’re putting the “good” back in do-gooder
There’s a new “Grove” being planted on Cherry Street

A first-for-the-area restaurant concept is being added to the ever growing menu of dining options in the East Hills and Cherry Street area.  The owners of The Green Well and Bistro Bella Vita, Essence Restaurant Group, are unveiling Grove, their third offering in Grand Rapids.  The building at 919 Cherry Street formerly housed Corez Wine Bar, which Essence purchased nine months ago.Grove, set to open in August of 2011, will use many of the core concepts of their other restaurants, using "earth-to-table" principles of natural ingredients sourced from local, family-owned and sustainable farms, with additional focus at Grove on sustainable seafood.  A new concept called prefixe menus will change daily, offering three course meals paired with complimentary wine.  Essence partner and executive chef Patrick Wise will lead the culinary team at Grove.  "We will offer dishes that are innovative with a hint of classic encompassing four elements of cuisine: Local, Exploration, Classics and Conscientiousness," Wise says. "We will guide our guests through a unique culinary journey with each visit."Wise also intends to use the new space as a "test kitchen" for all of their restaurants.  "He will assist his chef teams in driving the culinary excellence and the creative edge that Essence guests have to come to expect and enjoy," explains James Berg, managing partner of Essence Restaurant Group.Essence plans to add 35 new associates with the addition of Grove, with several from Bistro Bella Vita and The Green Well moving over to help launch the business.  You can follow their renovation progress as they get ready to open in August on their Facebook Page and on Twitter. Source: Patrick Wise, Grove and James Berg, Essence Restaurant Group Writer: Jeff Hill

Next Stop: Detroit City

Follow along with a busload of people from Grand Rapids who headed to Detroit, not to rescue the beleaguered city, but to learn from it.

Another Creative Workspace Coming To Downtown Grand Rapids

41 Sheldon Blvd, the long-time headquarters for UICA, will become a new headquarters for ArtPrize, Compass College of Cinematic Arts and other creative users.

Holiday for Rapid Growth: We’ll Be Back July 9

You won't be seeing a Rapid Growth issue in your e-mail box July 2, but don't flip out, people. It's just that time of year when we kick back for a week's vacation, break out the tanning butter and beach towels, and recharge our batteries.  So hold on tight, Rapid Growth will be back at you July 9 with another must-read issue.

It’s Been A Good Year

Rapid Growth is going to be taking a few weeks off for the holidays. In the meantime, the RG staff sat down and picked its favorites of 2008.

RGTV: Night of the Living Dead

It's time to paint the town red! Cover yourself in gore and be immortalized as one of the 1,400 zombies needed to bring the Zombie Walk world record home to Grand Rapids. Plus, see how current record-holder Pittsburgh fell in love with the undead.

Everything is Free

If you believe you can't get something for nothing, you've never been to the Freedom Celebration.

Spring Break on the (Michigan) West Coast

Sticking around home for spring break this year? No worries. West Michigan has a wide array of events and activites lined up for your enjoyment and relaxation.

Our Partners

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The Right Place
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