The types of cuisine available in this world is represented by an endless abyss of options. Many of them stick in certain places, while others do not. As a unique area that Big Rapids is, there have been many attempts to insert new options. Satisfying that need is tough, as the audience is very diverse and unique. The question comes down to what’s the next big idea?

After proposing this question over our social media platforms, here are five of the top responses from our followers within the community:

 

Steakhouse

As one of the most popular responses, a franchise steakhouse has been absent from the area for some time. A Ponderosa once frequented Old US-131 north of 19 Mile Road, but lack of traffic eventually led to the disintegration. With a plethora of casual bar and grill restaurants, both locally owned like Schuberg’s or a franchise like Applebee’s, it has made steakhouse fans travel up to 60 miles or settle for limited options at these versatile establishments. Especially considering the addition of hotels and professional meeting venues, adding a large-scale steakhouse like Logan’s Roadhouse or Longhorn Steakhouse could boost the idea of businesses venturing to Big Rapids for cheaper rates than Grand Rapids. 

 

Italian Restaurant

Remember when the talk of the town was an Olive Garden prank on Facebook? Welp, it turns out it has stuck with townspeople to this day. This was the most liked comment of all posted via our Facebook inquiry. Big Rapids is home to quite a few pizza parlors, but not many sit down pasta, “wine and dine” restaurants have reached this far north. The city used to have Vivo’s a few years back, until the establishment left and was inhabited by A La Mode on State Street. Since then, there isn’t many places that a couple or friends can dress up and go out to eat in formal fashion. This could be a cool add to the town.

 

Seafood/Sushi

Seeing this common nomination definitely caught my attention. Get it? Outside of Long John Silvers, there really is little to no options for finding seafood options in Big Rapids. It’s a shame because Big Rapids has a reputation, or at least a partial reputation, when it comes to bodies of water. First, the word “Rapids” in our name. Second, the heavily travelled and fisherman-filled Muskegon River. And third, a fairly large population of people that live in the area on the river or a nearby lake. Adding a seafood place could amplify this idea back into the town’s image. This can also include a sushi place, which had some success before at TTOWA before it closed and was replaced by Timber Cannabis Co.

 

24-Hour Diner

One of the more unique ideas on this list, a 24-hour diner is an interesting idea. While downtown can be quiet during night hours, placing a dinner along Perry Avenue near the hotels may bring success. Similar to a Waffle House, the establishment would likely need to specialize in breakfast to fill the void in that area. The hardest part of putting in a 24-hour diner would be staffing the full day as well as obtaining licenses for serving late hours, but the wide-open opportunity to provide visitors with a convenient any meal, any time option may be enticing enough to draw in a business. 

 

Thai Pad/Chinese Restaurant

Adding some international spice to the town’s menu could be a huge hit. In this category, China One Buffet and New China Chinese Restaurant have been trying to capture that audience, but their tucked away locationshave made it a little difficult. I think adding a second, different style restaurant or faster food place could help boost the desire for Thai or Chinese food. Examples of this could be Panda Express or Lai Thai Kitchen could be options as well as a homestyle, non-franchise original restaurant as well. 

 

In summary, all these options would seem to be bring a plus to the foody scene in Big Rapids. The town has its hidden gems, well-established historical restaurants, as well as some modern fast-food options. Adding a popular, yet unique restaurant in any of the five categories above would add another slice towards completing a positive pie of food places for everyone.