By Jason Wesseldyk
Sports Editor
Sometimes you just know when something is right.
That’s the way Mark Nieuwenhuis felt when he saw the retail space that was available for lease at 137 N. Main St. in downtown Plainwell.
“The first time I saw that space, I knew it was the perfect location for Bloom,” Nieuwenhuis said. “It just clicked.”
Bloom Eatery is the newest restaurant in downtown Plainwell, having held its grand opening on Nov. 1.
Offering a selection of breakfast and lunch options—in addition to a variety of coffee choices—Bloom is open Wednesday through Sunday from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Breakfast is served throughout business hours, with lunch beginning at 10:30 a.m.
The restaurant is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
Nieuwenhuis and his wife Kassidy appreciate the support they’ve felt from the community thus far.
“The response from the public has been great,” Nieuwenhuis said. “This community has been very accepting and has really embraced us.”
Breakfast offerings include such options as breakfast burritos, egg white wraps, pancakes, stuffed French toast, Belgian waffles, omelettes and biscuits & gravy. Lunch items include a variety of salads as well as sandwiches and burgers.
Espresso, latte, mocha, cappuccino and chai latte are among the coffee choices. Each can be ordered hot or cold.
“When customers come in, they can expect quality food and a great, lively atmosphere with unmatched customer service,” Nieuwenhuis said. “They’ll get home-cooked, quality food for breakfast and lunch.
“We are definitely focused on quality rather than quantity.”
Although Bloom is Nieuwenhuis’ first Plainwell-based restaurant, he is no stranger when it comes to the restaurant industry.
Having started his career in the business at 14 years old, he eventually worked at various restaurants in the Kalamazoo and Detroit areas. He later settled in Chicago for several years, serving as corporate chef for a local restaurant group.
Nieuwenhuis then decided to move back to the Kalamazoo area to begin opening his own restaurants.
He and Kassidy also own Turbo Chicken in Portage.
When naming Bloom, the Nieuwenhuises were inspired by the chicory flower.
“The chicory flower starts opening up every day at first sunlight and typically closes around 2 p.m., with full bloom around 10 a.m.,” Mark Nieuwenhuis said. “So, it is the perfect name for our breakfast hours.”
For more information about Bloom or to view the menu, visit bloom-eatery.com or its Facebook page.