Mike Granchi
KP Vibe Thought of the Week “The best thing about a hometown isn’t just the places we share—it’s the people who make those places matter.” |
Could Kalamazoo's Biggest New Venue Become a Launchpad for Local Restaurants? |
A hometown food opportunity with big potential for Kalamazoo businesses. |
 AI-generated illustration; not a photograph of the actual location or event. |
Imagine heading downtown for a hockey game or concert and discovering that the food inside the arena comes from one of your favorite Kalamazoo-area restaurants. That could become part of the experience at the planned Kalamazoo Event Center.
The venue is inviting local restaurants, specialty food producers and entrepreneurs to apply for concession opportunities through December 11, 2026. Organizers want more than the usual game-day snacks: they're looking for flavors that reflect the community.
Greg Adams of Greg's Gourmet at The Crossroads is among the local business owners interested. For entrepreneurs like him, a busy arena could introduce their food to customers who have never visited their restaurants. But serving crowds quickly also brings challenges involving staffing, preparation and cost.
Could this major downtown project create meaningful opportunities for the smaller businesses that already make Kalamazoo special? We take a closer look at what the opportunity involves—and which hometown favorites readers would love to see inside.
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Austin Lake's New Trail Is Taking Shape — Here's What's Ready and What's Next! |
A new way to enjoy the outdoors is taking shape in Portage. |
 AI-generated illustration; not a photograph of the actual location or event. |
If you've been wondering what's happening around Austin Lake in Portage, there's encouraging progress to report. The city says the new Austin Lake Trail's paved pathway, boardwalk and Wells Street parking lot are complete, putting some of the biggest construction tasks behind the project.
There are still finishing touches ahead. Benches, trash receptacles, bicycle repair stations, signs, fencing and landscaping are among the amenities being installed or completed. An early-November ribbon-cutting had been planned, but visitors should confirm the official opening status before making a special trip.
The trail is part of the broader Lake Center District improvements, which aim to make this area easier to explore and better connected for people walking and biking. It's not just about laying pavement; it's about creating another place where families, neighbors and outdoor enthusiasts can spend time together.
What will the finished trail look like, and how does it fit into Portage's larger plans? Here's what's ready, what's still underway and why the project is worth watching.
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40 Organizations, One Mall, and a Whole Lot of Help for Our Neighbors! |
One afternoon, dozens of organizations, and neighbors helping neighbors. |
 AI-generated illustration; not a photograph of the actual location or event. |
Sometimes the hardest part of finding help is simply knowing where to begin. This Saturday, November 7, The Crossroads Mall in Portage is bringing many of those answers together under one roof. From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., the free Community Resources Expo will welcome nearly 40 organizations that support neighbors across the Kalamazoo and Portage area. Visitors can connect with local nonprofits, learn about available services, and discover ways to volunteer or lend a hand. It’s an opportunity to ask questions face-to-face, without having to make dozens of separate calls. The gathering takes place near the mall’s upper-level food court, and everyone is welcome. Organizers are also encouraging donations of nonperishable food for Twelve Baskets Food Pantry. Families may even get to meet Flora, a local therapy dog. Whether you need a resource, know someone who does, or simply want to discover the people making a difference in our community, this is one event worth knowing about. |
Things to Do | November 5–12
Friday, November 6 — November Art Hop Where: Downtown Kalamazoo Explore local art and creative spaces during the November Art Hop. Event details
Friday, November 6 · 5–8 PM — Statement Pieces Opening Reception Where: Kalamazoo Institute of Arts An opening celebration exploring the connections between fashion, art and identity. Event details
Friday, November 6 · 6–8 PM — Candlelight Night Hike Where: Kalamazoo Nature Center Experience the woods after dark on a special evening hike; check registration and admission details. Event details
Saturday, November 7 · 11 AM–3 PM — Community Resources Expo — FREE Where: The Crossroads Mall, 6650 S. Westnedge Ave., Portage (upper-level food court) Meet nearly 40 local service organizations, explore community resources, donate nonperishable food to Twelve Baskets, and meet Portage Public Safety therapy dog Flora. Event details
Saturday, November 7 — Peter and the Wolf Where: Chenery Auditorium, Kalamazoo Enjoy the Kalamazoo Symphony's presentation of this beloved musical tale; check the organizer for tickets and performance time. Event details
Saturday, November 7 — Alice Cooper — Alice's Attic Tour Where: Wings Event Center, Kalamazoo Rock legend Alice Cooper brings his live show to town; check the venue for tickets and start time. Event details
Sunday, November 8 — K-Wings Sensory Sunday + Kids Eat Free Where: Wings Event Center, Kalamazoo A family-focused K-Wings game with sensory-friendly features and a kids-eat-free promotion; check official details. Event details
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Fresh on the Menu | Local Food Finds
Cluck & Moo — A New Chapter on Gull Road 5907 Gull Rd., Kalamazoo The former Rollup Ice Cream location is transitioning to Cluck & Moo, with a reported target grand opening of November 7. That date is a plan, not a confirmed opening, so check before visiting.
Shawarma Bros — Sandwiches at The Bodega The Bodega on W. KL Ave., Kalamazoo A newer food counter inside The Bodega brings shawarma and other sandwiches to the Arcadia-area neighborhood. It was highlighted in an October local dining review — a tucked-away option worth discovering.
5th Street Burger & Fries — Oakwood Plaza 3023 Oakland Dr., Kalamazoo This locally connected burger shop opened in July in the former Treat Street space. The menu emphasizes fresh-made burgers, creative toppings, fries and indulgent sides.
Casa 42 — Coming Soon to Portage 8211 Portage Rd., Portage The Latitude 42 team is transforming the former Blue Kitchella into a Mexican taqueria featuring house-made tortillas and scratch-made dishes. An October report projected a mid-November opening; not yet confirmed open.
Chino’s Kitchen — Eastside Expansion in the Works 806 Riverview Dr., Kalamazoo (planned location) The local Mexican food truck and catering business is planning a permanent Eastside location for tacos, burritos, quesadillas and more. No opening date has been announced.
Opening dates and hours can change. Please check with each business before visiting. |
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