Fish Lads of Grand Rapids has completed their first month of business at the Downtown Market, and the fishing is good.
The first impressions of bringing a fresh fish market to Grand Rapids have been very positive for fish monger Jeff Butzow, who started this venture after working seafood markets in Seattle. "The opening week was very busy. The whole week after that was busy too. Now it has become steady during the week and we are very busy on weekends. The attitude of our customers and excitement is overwhelming."
The biggest surprise so far for Butzow has been peoples' willingness to try new fish. "People have embraced the whole fish. Sardines, skate wings and whole snapper have been very popular."
Fish Lads' next milestone, planned for early October, will be the opening of their seafood bar, where customers can enjoy fresh fish cooked in a variety of ways. Butzow says further additions to their business model will feature cooking demonstrations and seminars, slated to begin in 2014.
Fish Lads currently employs 10 individuals. It is open during regular market hours. You can follow their business through their website
here or their Facebook page
here.
Writer: John Rumery, Innovation and Jobs Growth Editor
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