Java Junkies & Deli opens in former Herkimer Hotel in downtown Grand Rapids

Sharon Hanks

Two women whose love for cooking led them to start their own catering business are now expanding into the restaurant business.

Christine Harwood and Linsey O’Dallaghan opened Java Junkies & Deli this week at 325 S. Division Ave. in downtown Grand Rapids. In addition to several coffee concoctions, Harwood says the 450-square-foot eatery will offer an extensive menu, including sandwiches, soups, salads and homemade pastries. The owners say they hope to include on the menu the point system used by Weight Watchers so diners can more carefully monitor their calorie and fat intake.

Java Junkies & Deli has seating for 10 but will be able to accommodate an additional 30 diners in an overflow room shared with neighboring Taquitos Mexican Grill, 327 S. Division Ave., Harwood says.

Harwood says she and O’Dallaghan started All Events Catering earlier this year and were looking to supplement their income during slow times. Before that, they prepared food for a private club in Grand Rapids.

Located in a former office space once part of the Herkimer Hotel, Harwood and O’Dallaghan completely renovated the site, pulling up old carpet and restoring the wooden floors to their original beauty. It will be open from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Source: Christine Harwood, co-owner of Java Junkies & Deli in Grand Rapids

Sharon Hanks is innovations and jobs news editor at Rapid Growth Media. Please send story ideas and comments for the column to Sharon at sharon@rapidgrowthmedia.com. She also is owner of The Write Words in Grand Rapids.