Miro Mediterranean Plans Downtown Grand Rapids Restaurant
The Mediterranean eatery's owners plan a full-service restaurant and bar at 10 Ionia Ave NW, the former Wahlburgers and The Foolery space.
Updated on Nov. 2, 2026 in Dining Out
Live Poll
Do you think downtown Grand Rapids is getting better for local restaurants?
Miro Mediterranean, LLC is moving into 10 Ionia Ave NW on the ground floor of the Residence Inn in downtown Grand Rapids. The business plans commercial kitchen upgrades and a full bar buildout for the space, which previously housed Wahlburgers and The Foolery.
Why it matters
The site has changed hands several times in recent years, and the approved development district liquor license signals the new operator's plans for a full bar alongside food service. The project adds another dining option to a downtown corridor near Van Andel Arena.
The Downtown Development Authority and the Grand Rapids City Commission both approved a development district liquor license for the business. No opening date, investment total, or final menu details have been announced.
The players
Miro Mediterranean, LLC
Miro Mediterranean is the restaurant company taking over the 10 Ionia Ave NW space, linked to the Café de Miro concept that first opened in Breton Village in 2019.
Downtown Grand Rapids Inc.
Downtown Grand Rapids Inc. is the organization that publicly announced the planned restaurant and bar for the downtown site.
Grand Rapids City Commission
The Grand Rapids City Commission is the city's elected legislative body that approved the development district liquor license for the business.
The details
The project will involve commercial kitchen upgrades and a full bar buildout. If the menu mirrors Miro Mediterranean's other locations, it is expected to feature signature gyros, kofta, house-made meze dips, and artisan paninis.
Timeline
August 2023: Wahlburgers closed at 10 Ionia Ave NW.
July 2025: The Foolery closed at 10 Ionia Ave NW.
2019: Café de Miro first opened in Breton Village, a sister concept connected to the new owners.
Culture Shift
The project joins the 70+ new and newish restaurants that Downtown Grand Rapids Inc. has counted around West Michigan, reflecting continued reinvestment in former restaurant spaces. The reuse of a site that has turned over multiple times points to downtown dining's ongoing churn.
Downtown diners will eventually have a new Mediterranean option with a full bar near Van Andel Arena. Residents planning nights out should watch for an opening date, since none has been set yet.
The takeaway
Downtown dining options are shifting quickly, so checking for updated opening dates before planning a visit can save a wasted trip. Following local business announcements helps you catch new spots early.
Further reading
Explore more local openings and reviews in Dining Out coverage across the region.
Source note: This article includes information reported by 97.9 WGRD.
Live Poll
Do you think downtown Grand Rapids is getting better for local restaurants?
