UPDATE 2/24/2023: A new dining concept is coming to Grand Rapids. The first ever permanent food truck court is slated to open on the city's West Side. 

The City Planning Commission officially approved the plan for the Back Lot food truck court, restaurant, and bar at 648 Bridge St. NW on Thursday.

Wood TV 8 reports that David Meikle, who owns Back Lot food courts in Petoskey and Charlevoix, will reconstruct the building on the site, former home of Duthler Family Foods:

Developers plan on removing the roof and reconstructing the perimeter walls to create an enclosed courtyard. The wall and design would also be reminiscent of the original building. Renovations would be made to the indoor space.

Original Story 2/13/2023: We've got some really great food trucks in Grand Rapids. How cool would it be if they had a permanent spot to set up shop - with a bar? Well, it could be happening!

Northern Michigan Food Truck Lot Owner Plot Grand Rapids Location

A permanent food truck hangout may be coming to Grand Rapids West Side.

According to Crain's Detroit Business, the owner of a pair of food truck lots Up North is proposing a new lot at 648 Bridge St. NW, at the site of the former Duthler Family Foods.

Google
Google
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David Meikle owns The Back Lot Food Truck Courts in Petoskey and Charlevoix. He's also  been approved for another location in Marquette.

Back Lot Petoskey, Facebook
The Back Lot Petoskey, Facebook
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Meikle will go before the Grand Rapids City Planning Commission on Feb. 23 to seek special land use approval for the space at 648 Bridge St. NW.

The new food truck lot would join the growing Bridge St. restaurant and bar scene which includes Küsterer Brauhaus, One Bourbon, Arktos Meadery, Butcher’s Union, Fratelli’s Pizza Kitchen & Bar, Condado Tacos, New Holland Brewing’s The Knickerbocker, Drip Drop Cocktail Room, Broad Leaf Brewery and Spirits West Side, and more.

What Would The Back Lot Food Truck Court in Grand Rapids Look Like?

At the new Grand Rapids food truck lot there would be space for five food trucks that would operate with lease agreements for a minimum of six months and up to several years, Crain's Detroit Business reports.

In addition to outdoor seating where patrons can dine and hang out, Meikle is also proposing a restaurant and bar at the space.

Here's a look at the restaurant and bar at The Back Lot Petoskey.

Back Lot Petoskey, Facebook
Back Lot Petoskey, Facebook
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According to Crain's Detroit,

Meikle hopes to operate the Grand Rapids food truck court for at least three seasons annually — spring, summer and fall. In the winter, the space would be used for outdoor seating for the restaurant and bar, with fire pits and heaters.

The plan reminds me of The Little Fleet, an open air bar with food trucks, downtown Traverse City!

Little Fleet, Facebook
Little Fleet, Facebook
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We'll keep you posted on whether Grand Rapids' first permanent food truck lot gets approved!

LOOK: 35+ New West Michigan Bars and Restaurants to Check Out

West Michigan is a great place for foodies!

More than 35 new restaurants and bars, including Mexican restaurants, seafood restaurants, pizza joints, cocktail lounges, and more have opened up in West Michigan in the past year.

How many have you been to?

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