Meet the newest restaurant in downtown Zeeland: The Gritzmaker

ZEELAND — Shortly after Public Restaurant returned to downtown Zeeland, The Gritzmaker Social House has opened its doors at 120 E. Main St.

The new restaurant launched Monday, July 1, and is open for lunch, dinner and late night drinks. Ownership did not offer comment to The Sentinel after multiple requests.

“We are happy to announce that we are proudly here to serve the hardworking families of Zeeland, Michigan,” the restaurant wrote on social media. “We feel beyond blessed to be able to serve and give back to this outstanding community.”

The Gritzmaker received approval from Zeeland City Council for a liquor license and social district in June 2023. At the time, owner Scott Ingersoll said the restaurant would be the first of its kind in Zeeland, with a professional, pub-type atmosphere before dinner and a family-style restaurant after.

More: New tavern-style restaurant, The Gritzmaker, plans opening in Zeeland

The business is located in the old Elbo Room. It's actually Ingersoll’s second attempt to open there. When he was unable to purchase the building the first time, he switched focus to Comstock Park and bought the Mill Creek Tavern, which has a similar concept.

Ingersoll also helped open The Win Tavern 33 and Bird Dogs in Jenison, the latter of which closed in March.

The Elbo Room closed during the COVID-19 pandemic. That closure, coupled with the loss of Public Restaurant in late 2021 and a disastrous fire at Community Restaurant in April 2022, left Zeeland desperate for more eateries on Main Avenue. Community Restaurant has since reopened.

The Gritzmaker menu has a range of appetizers, soups and salads, specialty burgers, entrees, sandwiches and lunch specials.

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“We would like to take a moment to thank all of those involved in helping us put a lifelong dream together,” the restaurant posted. “Looking forward to meeting you soon.”

The Gritzmaker is open 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays and 11 a.m.-2 a.m. Fridays- Saturdays. For more information, visit thegritzmaker.com.

— Contact reporter Austin Metz at [email protected].

This article originally appeared on The Holland Sentinel: The Gritzmaker opens in downtown Zeeland