As they prepare for dine-in patrons while former Grove space prepares for next concept
(GRAND RAPIDS, MI) – This past Friday, Essence Restaurant Group announced plans to welcome patrons back inside to dine at its popular eateries The Green Well (June 15) and Bistro Bella Vita (June 23), and that preparations are being made for a late-summer announcement of a new concept restaurant at the former Grove location. Since May 1, this location has been operating as a pop-up concept called Jimmy Berger’s Gourmet Chicken, which will close June 7.
The Green Well
East Hills neighborhood hot spot The Green Well will hold three days of reservation-only, limited-seating dining from 3:00 pm to 10:00 pm Thursday, June 11, through Saturday, June 13. The establishment will be closed June 14 in order to prepare for full-service, normal operating hours starting June 15. At that time The Green Well will return to normal operating hours of 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Sunday, with happy hour being 11 a.m. to 5:00pm Monday through Friday.
Regular daily specials will also return June 15:
• Monday: Mac & cheese and $15 bottles of wine
• Tuesday: Nachos and $5 margaritas
• Wednesdays: Grilled cheese and $3 drafts
• Thursday: KVB and low- and zero-proof cocktails
• Sunday: Brunch all day
Bistro Bella Vita
One of downtown Grand Rapids’ longest-running, full-service restaurants, Bistro Bella Vita will have three days of soft-opening events from Thursday, June 18 to Saturday, June 20. Limited-seating, reservation-only dining will run from 4:00 pm to 10:00 pm. Bistro will be closed June 21 and 22 in preparation for normal operations starting Tuesday, June 23. At that time, Bistro will be open Tuesday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 9:00 pm, Fridays from 11 a.m. to 10:00 pm and Saturdays from 4:00 pm to 10:00 pm. Bistro will be closed Sundays and Mondays. Daily happy hour specials will run 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm Tuesday through Friday.
Jimmy Berger’s Gourmet Chicken Pop Up
After closing March 16 as award-winning Grove, Essence leaders made the decision to turn the building at 919 Cherry Street into a temporary “pop-up” eatery called Jimmy Berger’s Gourmet Chicken, which opened for takeout orders May 1. As they now shift staffing and operations into properly opening its flagship locations for full-service dining under social-distancing rules, Essence leaders announce that Jimmy Berger’s concept will end June 7. They plan to publicize a new full-service concept for the space later this summer, with an opening date set for fall 2020.
“We enjoyed the experience of trying the pop-up concept, and remain grateful to everyone who supported us through the pandemic, but now it’s time we get back to ensuring The Green Well and Bistro can be full-service again,” said Essence Restaurant Group managing partner James Berg. “We are excited to offer our community full-service dining again.”
In Berg’s 30 years of restaurant-industry experience, he has never seen such a tumultuous time for the dining industry. As many regional and national restaurants had to shutter or pivot to survive this pandemic, Berg and the Essence leadership team worked tirelessly behind the scenes to make sure 2020 would end strong.
“To all of our incredible guests that have supported our brands, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Without your passion and support, we could have easily thrown in the towel, as this has been incredibly trying on everyone at Essence,” Berg said.
Berg acknowledges that some people may be scratching their heads regarding the swift opening and closing of Jimmy Berger’s, but it’s all part of the quick-moving, food-service industry as well as the thought leadership and innovation that Essence is known for.
“We know that taking risks puts us in a vulnerable position, but the outpouring of support we received during this pandemic reminded me that this market is for us, and we owe guests and followers transparency and honesty; we know they want to see us succeed,” Berg added. “We’ve had to make some hard adjustments, but we’re always reaching for new, unique ways to serve this market.”
Since the beginning of the quarantine period, The Green Well quickly pivoted to a carryout and online ordering operation. That process has worked so well that Essence leaders plan to put an emphasis on carryout and online ordering once it morphs back into full-service operations.
Essence leaders are planning on a phased approach to returning Bistro Bella Vita and The Green Well to full service by incorporating strict COVID-19 safety precautions including physical distancing practices to ensure the health and safety of its guests. Bistro’s large dining room areas will provide an advantage, as they can easily accommodate guests looking for an exceptional dine-in experience, while also having adequate and safe space between seating areas. The Green Well has expanded its patio space to accommodate safe social distancing standards.
“We intend to do everything possible to protect our guests and ask in return that our guests be mindful of our policies to protect our team,” Berg added. “If we work together, these precautions and physical distancing requirements will allow us to be social once again.”
Upon Bistro’s reopening, Essence’s executive chef Jeremy Paquin will work with Bistro’s head chef Dan Blanchard to elevate Bistro’s Modern French and Italian cuisine. General manager and beverage manager Tristan Walczewski will oversee the service team and wine program.
“Together this experienced team will reopen Bistro Bella Vita as the culinary destination in Michigan,” Berg noted.
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