Text: R. Collins
Many know the DeVos Place in Grand Rapids, Michigan as the downtown, riverside convention and exhibit hub that has hosted everything from Grand Rapids Comic Con to auto shows and food festivals. This month, as the convention center turns 40, it has also added a temporary food court to its repertoire called the Food Court at DeVos Place, which will provide restaurants and caterers opportunities to open for dinner service in a socially distanced space as the weather cools.
The Food Court at DeVos Place kicked off dinner service on October 12, 2020 with local brands Toom, Mosby’s Popcorn, and Scratch by Patria, as well as Chick-fil-A’s first downtown Grand Rapids location. Toom and Scratch by Patria are the Food Court’s first pop-up restauranteurs—more may be announced in the future—and they will offer menus specific to the venue until October 23rd.
Food Court at DeVos Place — Toom Falafel, courtesy of Toom 
Food Court at DeVos Place — Toom Beef Shawarma Sandwich, courtesy of Toom 
Food Court at DeVos Place – Toom Tabouli Salad, courtesy of Toom
Toom was founded by Walid Jamal, whose Lebanese heritage informs its classic Mediterranean dishes like Chicken and Beef Shawarma, Falafel, and Tabouli Salad. Scratch by Patria delivers robust flavor profiles in local, sustainable ingredients sourced by Patria’s Kitchen, which is also located nearby in the Grand Rapids Downtown Market. Find dishes like Southwest Egg Rolls, Herb Roasted Chicken Dinner, and treats like Lemon Butter Pie and Brownie ala Mode at their temporary location in the Food Court at DeVos Place.
Centrally located downtown, the Food Court at DeVos Place seeks to add to the variety of restaurant options for downtown workers, residents, and visitors; and it will be open in the Steelcase Ballroom at DeVos Place Monday through Friday, from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. ET. The entrance to the Food Court and curbside pick-up locations in located on Lyon Street, just west of Monroe Avenue. “Socially distanced dine-in,” carry-out, and curbside service will be available, and besides in-ballroom seating, guests can also dine on the terrace along the Grand River, weather permitting. A full-service bar by the Amway Grand Plaza is also offered on-site.
Featured image courtesy ASM Global
