By: Deborah Johnson Wood
The term gastropub may sound strange to American ears. But it’s a common name in Europe for pubs that specialize in serving quality food. And the gastropub planned for 924 Cherry Street SE will offer more than quality eats and libations—it’s also serving up 25 jobs in an area that hasn’t seen many new jobs of late.
The Green Well, a name that takes its cue from its 'green' building, has 18 jobs still open for service team members and the chef's team members after filling its key positions of restaurant managers, bartenders, and head chef.
Grand Rapidians will recognize the restaurant’s owners—Essence Restaurant Group, consisting of James Berg, Jeff Gietzen, and Patrick Wise—as the owners of Bistro Bella Vita, a popular dining venue in downtown Grand Rapids. But Berg says the new place will have a completely different feel and menu.
“We'll have about 110 seats in the restaurant and bar, and outdoor seating for 20,” Berg says. “It's going to be have a cool patio. A bit of serenity, if you will.”
The patio overlooks the formal Italianate gardens created as part of the $5 million restoration of the former D.A. Blodgett Home for Children.
The menu will feature over 20 draught beers with an emphasis on micro-brews, as well as fresh foods and small plates for sharing.
Source: James Berg, The Green Well; Rob McCarty, The Image Shoppe
Deborah Johnson Wood is development news editor for Rapid Growth. She can be contacted at [email protected].
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