Come join your fellow WestSiders and learn about what is going on in the StockBridge Business District. This meet up will be from noon to 1 p.m. Location Mercadito! 1202 Fulton Street West. 

Guest Speakers:

Mercadito! Team

Martha Arias Salazar & Mercedes Lopez Duran

Mercedes Lopez Duran is the founder and owner of El Granjero Mexican Grill. Originally from Mexico City, Mercedes arrived in Grand Rapids in 2005. With some years of experience in the restaurant industry, she took over Tacos El Ganadero on Bridge Street in 2007. With a fresh look and new menu, El Granjero specializes in making dishes Mexico City style such as Tlacoyos, Nopales, and El Molcajete. El Granjero has received many recognitions including 2017 Hispanic Business of the Year by the Hispanic Chamber and 2022 Neighborhood Business Award by Steepletown. 

Martha Arias Salazar is the founder of Tamales El Kora, specializing in food from Nayarit, Mexico. After closing the location due to the pandemic, Martha and Mercedes partnered to open the newest addition to the Westside. Mercadito is a street-food inspired concept serving snacks and desserts from different parts of Mexico including elotes, mangonada and for the first time in Grand Rapids, Marquesitas! 

Al Vanderberg serves as County Administrator/Controller of Kent County, MI since August 2021. Previously Al served as County Administrator of Ottawa County, MI; Deputy County Administrator/Controller of Kent County, MI; City Manager of South Haven, MI; and Assistant City Manager of Greenville, MI. Al earned his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science from the University of Michigan and Master of Public Administration Degree from Michigan State University.

Al Vanderberg, County Admin

Max Merget, Max Your Brain