GR Tamales Restaurant to Open Second Location in Eastown

Tamales Mary is expanding with a new location in Eastown.

Grand Rapids Business Journal reports that the new restaurant will be 1551 Wealthy St. SE, at the site of the former Spoonlickers.

Owners Mary Martinez and Humberto Alvarez operate the original Tamales Mary location at 1253 Burton St. SW in Wyoming.

Renovations are underway at the Eastown location, which is expected to open in January 2021.

Martinez tells GRBJ,

We are very fortunate to have the support of our customers and our community, which has allowed us to continue growing. Since opening our current location in Wyoming, I had always had a vision of owning more than just one Tamales Mary, so this is very exciting for our family.

Tamales Mary also operates an eco-friendly mobile food cart, though that has been difficult during the pandemic.

Martinez spoke to GRBJ about operating their Wyoming location during this challenging year saying,

We’ve adapted over these past few months, tightened our operations and continued offering our full menu while abiding by all health regulations, and fortunately, our loyal customers have stuck with us.

While a menu for the Eastown location has not been revealed yet, at their Wyoming location, Tamales Mary serves approximately 18 different kinds of tamales, including chicken, beef, pork, shrimp, bell peppers with cheese, and black beans with fresco cheese. The menu also includes, tacos, burritos, quesadillas, tostadas, drinks like horchata, and desserts.