Owners of Grove, Green Well and Bistro Bella Vita Planning New Grand Rapids Restaurant

Grand Rapids-based Essence Restaurant Group owns Grove, Green Well and Bistro Bella Vita. Today they announced plans to open a fourth restaurant in 2016.

Essence Restaurant Group has purchased land at 816 Monroe Avenue, which will be part of 616 Development’s “Lofts on Monroe” project in the North Monroe Business District. They will be constructing a 5,200 square foot building.

“Essence has a terrific track record of helping revitalize neighborhood corridors, starting with Bistro Bella Vita in the Arena District and continuing into the East Hills district with The Green Well Gastro Pub and Grove,” said Essence Restaurant Group Managing Partner James Berg. “So, we are hopeful that our presence as part of the “Lofts on Monroe” project will continue that legacy.”

Project developers 616 Development are also looking forward to the restaurant.

“We are excited to have Essence Restaurant Group as a part of the Lofts on Monroe development.  The Monroe North neighborhood is a perfect place for a new concept from a trusted restaurant group,” said 616 Development’s Monica Steimle. “With the community focus on increasing access to the Grand River as well as improving connectivity from Belknap to the Grand River, this development and restaurant will be an asset for the corridor."

More detailed about the project are expected later this year.