Good morning, Grand Rapids. I’m Jenny and this is Calder News.

In an A.I. world, it’s always nice to celebrate people who create real work with their hands and their hearts.

And summer is a great time to find a lot of those handmade works at craft shows, festivals, and especially vendor markets.

Luckily, our team found a ton of those for you to check out over the next few months.

~Jenny F.

Together with: Tommy Branns Steakhouse

Tommy Brann’s, located on Division in Wyoming, has been a community institution for nearly 60 years. Neighbors and friends enjoy affordable and delicious meals every day of the week.

Known for their sizzling steaks, diners can also enjoy ribs, fries, and more. A favorite of regulars is their make-your-own salad bar, so popular at lunchtime, they had to offer it during dinner hours, too.

Tommy Brann, the founder, is one of five Brann siblings who have all been a part of the Brann’s brand, a franchise their father, John Brann, started in 1960. Though Tommy Brann has retired, his sister and nephew now own and run the restaurant, keeping the business family-owned.

A briefing of local news that matters

Downtown

Turns out you might not need a ticket to enjoy the musical acts playing at Acrisure Amphitheater. With its inaugural show last Friday, residents up to a mile away said they could hear the Lionel Richie concert. Read more here.

Development

John Ball Zoo’s plan for a future aquarium has hit a snag. Its prospective site in Walker, which included an old landfill, has been deemed unfit. The search continues for a suitable location. See more details.

Have news to report? Click here.

What City Commission is looking at later today…

🚌 Concerns over recent DASH system adjustments and renewed calls for Kalamazoo Ave safety improvements

🚓 New appointments to the Police Civilian Appeal Board and Utility Advisory Board

🎆 Fourth of July fireworks permit approval for the Fulton Street Bridge celebration (downtown won’t be the only show!)

🚧 More roadwork funding, rapid flashing pedestrian beacons, and a new agreement tied to Verdant Apartments

🍸 Reviewing a new liquor license request for a new upscale event venue and lounge called the 1850 Room downtown

🏙 FY2027 budgets for downtown, corridor, brownfield, and economic development authorities

See Full Agenda

📍 Grand Rapids City Hall — Open to the public at 7 PM this evening.

🌳 Credit Union Offers Free Trees

On Friday, May 29th, Bloom Credit Union, in partnership with Friends of Grand Rapids Parks, is giving away 150 trees at their Wyoming branch. If you go, arborists will be on hand to answer all your questions.

🎨 GRPM Searching for Artists

Are you an indigenous artist or know someone who is? Grand Rapids Public Museum is accepting logo submissions for the grand opening of their reimagined exhibit “Anishinaabek: The Original People of this Place.” Contest closes June 15th.

📺 Local Filmmaker Debuts TV Show

On Saturday, May 30th, Wealthy Theater is hosting a watch party for Off Air, a series pilot from local independent filmmaker Abbie Lemke and co-written with local comedian Carl Sobel.

A bunch of local markets are coming to town, and I’ve talked about a lot of them: Eastown’s Riverside Market, Heartside’s Crow’s Hold, and Downtown Market’s Pop-up Markets.

What do all these markets have in common?

They need vendors, artisans, and artists. Painters, fiber artists, upcyclers, jewelry makers, and more are all welcome to apply to any of the markets coming this summer.

Deadlines to participate are approaching soon. Wealthy Street Block Party doesn’t happen until September, but sellers need to apply by June 22nd. Don’t miss your chance to show off your beautiful handiwork.

Click through the links to the specific markets to apply!

Tous les Jours, a baked goods chain that draws inspiration from French and Asian cafes, is opening a 28th Street location this summer. Random fact - their Cloud Donuts are AMAZING. I’m glad we’re going to have one so close to home.

Soccer is having a moment in GR, first with the building of the new soccer stadium, and now with the arrival of Limitless Arena. This new venue will feature futsal, an indoor 5-on-5 soccer game, as well as a cafe and event space, set to open this fall.

Robinette’s Apple Haus, closed for the winter since December, will reopen on June 2nd. Enjoy the orchards, doughnuts, wagon rides, and more.

Kobold’s Kitchen announced its soft open date. Stop by, get first tastes, and offer your feedback starting June 3rd.

*Shows are subject to change, but that’s show biz.

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📧 Get your business in an upcoming issue of Calder News. Let’s talk about how we can put your business in front of thousands of GR locals.

Made with ❤ in Grand Rapids