GRAND RAPIDS, MI – A restaurant specializing in specialty diets is coming to Grand Rapids’ Creston neighborhood.
FIKA, a plant-based and gluten-free brunch spot, will open on Plainfield Avenue in spring 2025.
The restaurant will be on the ground floor of the Lofts on Grove apartments at 1359 Plainfield Ave. NE in a 3,095-square-foot space.
FIKA is the newest venture for owners Becca and Nick Van Liere, who already own Rise Authentic Baking Co. on Fulton Street.
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FIKA will offer breakfast and lunch items like pancakes, chik’n and waffles, fresh salads and sandwiches. Along with its menu, FIKA will feature a small market with deli items and packaged goods. The market will serve coffee, tea and espresso beverages, made with Squibb Coffee.
Rise Authentic Baking’s current menu features items like a southwest breakfast burrito, a buffalo chickpea salad sandwich and a breakfast sandwich made with mung bean egg, chickpea sausage, vegan cheddar cheese and spicy mayo on a sea salt bagel. Most menu items hover around $15-$17.
“FIKA” is a Swedish tradition that means to have “a coffee break,” often a social gathering meant to give people a chance to slow down.
“Inspired by the Swedish tradition of FIKA, a social coffee and cake break, the concept emphasizes community and connection over shared meals and drinks,” a news release stated.
The Lofts on Grove building that will house FIKA is a four-story mixed use apartment building. The $24.4 million project includes 110 market-rate apartments above the first-story retail space. The apartment rental rates range from $1,185 to $2,300.
“We’re thrilled to be a part of the Creston neighborhood’s growth and can’t wait to serve the community with a welcoming space for plant-based dining,” said FIKA co-owner Nick Van Liere. “We have seen the success of our sister company, Rise Authentic Baking Company, and the demand for a full food menu, so we know Grand Rapids is ready for a plant-based and gluten-free restaurant option. We are so excited to make it happen at The Lofts on Grove.”
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