RapidBlog: The Relationships You Build, by Rob Tamburello

Rob Tamburello is the GM of Grove and a partner in Essence Restaurant Group. 

An essential part of the experience of opening Grove has been the family atmosphere that has grown and flourished. I have had the great fortune of building some new relationships while renewing many that were established during my time at The Green Well. For me, this is the greatest part of working in the restaurant business. Like James (Berg, Essence Restaurant Group Owner/Managing Partner) always says, when you take away all the business, you’re still left with the relationships you have built.

We're taking relationship-building a step further with the farmers who play such an important role in our product. One of the farms I have been so excited to work with is Ham Family Farm in Allendale, a century-old, 40-acre family farm growing 37 different crops.

This past summer, while the sweet corn was just about to be harvested, we visited the farm to see first-hand just how special this place really is. Charlie Ham shared his approach to farming and how each year, he works very hard to improve upon his processes and product. This care shows through in the quality of produce they supply to Grove.

They use several techniques to ensure both earlier and longer growing seasons with the goal of being both first and last to market. During our trip, I learned so much about the tremendous amount of work that actually goes into producing the amazing food we grow here in West Michigan. From how early farmers start planting (in March), to how many people it takes to harvest the food. I counted at least 15 people picking food alone.

One of the by-products of opening this restaurant for me was a new-found gratitude for our wonderful state. I challenge everyone to go out and meet someone who is involved in our great local food system. It can be as easy as stopping by the farmer’s market and starting up a conversation with a farmer, to visiting one of the many local farms who supply us at Grove. I promise you will not regret it.

We hope to serve you soon at Grove where you will taste the difference that local food makes in our recipes. You can also visit Ham Family Farm at Futon Street Farmer’s Market or in Grand Haven.