News Summary
Brio Living Services is planning to expand Porter Hills Village in Grand Rapids, enhancing its facilities to better serve the region’s older adults. In conjunction, Making Thyme Kitchen is seeking new ownership as its founders approach retirement. These developments reflect the growing demand for improved senior living and local food services in the community.
Grand Rapids Plans Expansion of Aging Community Services
Brio Living Services is exploring plans to expand its Porter Hills Village community located at 3600 Fulton St. E in Grand Rapids, a facility dedicated to serving older adults since 1970. The expansion comes as part of Brio Living Services’ ongoing commitment to enhancing the quality of life for seniors in the region.
The Porter Hills Village, formerly known as United Methodist Retirement Communities (UMRC) & Porter Hills, is well-regarded in the community for its comprehensive services and care for older adults. The proposed expansion aims to transform the existing facilities to better accommodate the needs of future residents.
Background on Porter Hills Village
Porter Hills Village has been a vital part of the Grand Rapids community for over five decades, providing various programs and services tailored to the aging population. This move to expand and improve facilities reflects the growth in demand for senior living arrangements as the population ages. Brio Living Services is committed to ensuring that the community can continue to provide exceptional care and support to its residents.
Making Thyme Kitchen Up for Sale
Simultaneously, Making Thyme Kitchen, a well-known food business run by Ken and Karen Bryan, is seeking new ownership as the couple plans for retirement. Established in 2005, the business operates out of a 1,575 square-foot kitchen and retail space, delivering weekly meals throughout Grand Rapids. The Bryans are offering the business for sale at $740,000, including all assets, real estate, kitchen equipment, and their esteemed recipes.
The Bryans began Making Thyme Kitchen without prior experience in the food service industry, initially operating out of a church basement. They struggled initially to demonstrate the value of their meal delivery service but persevered by nurturing customer relationships and focusing on satisfaction. Over time, they expanded their operations significantly, moving to various locations including a storefront at 962 Cherry St. SE in 2008 and ultimately relocating to their current site on Eastern Ave. in 2018.
Evolution of Making Thyme Kitchen
Throughout their 20 years in business, Making Thyme Kitchen has focused on customer engagement, utilizing feedback to adapt and refine their offerings. Their commitment to customer service and strong relationships with patrons has fostered a loyal clientele, resulting in very few complaints during their tenure. The current team includes a dishwasher and two kitchen staff who play a vital role in the daily operations.
In 2013, the Bryans expanded their reach by adding a presence at the Downtown Market and began establishing wholesale accounts, thereby increasing their footprint in the local food market. Their business philosophy has emphasized creating meaningful connections with customers and ensuring staff are valued and well-supported.
Future of Making Thyme Kitchen
The decision to sell was guided by a previous inquiry from a potential buyer that did not materialize; this prompted the Bryans to actively seek new ownership to ensure their legacy continues. They are looking for a buyer who shares their values of customer service excellence and strong employee relations. As the Bryans transition into retirement, they aspire to explore new opportunities outside of the food business that allow them more free time and energy.
The intersection of Brio Living Services’ plans for expansion at Porter Hills Village and the impending transition of Making Thyme Kitchen reflects broader trends in both senior care and local food services in Grand Rapids. The community continues to adapt to meet the changing needs of its residents, while small businesses like Making Thyme are pivotal in promoting engagement and satisfaction among consumers.
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Additional Resources
- McKnight’s Senior Living: Brio Living Services Rebrands
- McKnight’s Senior Living: People in the News
- Lenconnect: Tecumseh Resident Named to Board
- Crain’s Grand Rapids: Making Thyme Kitchen for Sale
- Wood TV: Aging at Home Services
- Wikipedia: Senior Living
- Google Search: Brio Living Services
- Google Scholar: Senior Living Expansion
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Senior Citizen
- Google News: Grand Rapids Senior Living
Author: STAFF HERE GRANDRAPIDS WRITER
GRAND RAPIDS STAFF WRITER The GRAND RAPIDS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREGrandRapids.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Grand Rapids, Kent County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as ArtPrize, Festival of the Arts, and World of Winter. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce and Grand Rapids Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in furniture, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Steelcase, Spectrum Health, and Meijer. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREDetroitMI.com, HERENorthville.com, HERENovi.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
