News Summary
Mertens Prime, a renowned restaurant in downtown Grand Rapids, is officially up for sale with an asking price of $450,000. Owner Laura Sandborn aims to find a visionary owner to continue the establishment’s legacy. Despite rumors of closure, the restaurant remains operational, offering a New American Fusion dining experience and high-quality beef sourced from local suppliers. All restaurant equipment and a liquor license are included in the sale, providing a comprehensive opportunity for prospective buyers.
Grand Rapids – Mertens Prime, a popular restaurant situated in the heart of downtown Grand Rapids, has officially been listed for sale as owner Laura Sandborn seeks a new visionary to continue the establishment’s historic legacy. The asking price for the restaurant is $450,000, which also involves the transfer of debt liabilities exceeding $450,000 at low interest.
Located at 35 Oakes St. SW, Mertens Prime opened its doors in 2017 within a historic building that was originally part of the New Hotel Mertens, established in 1914. The venue started as a brasserie with a French influence but underwent a significant conceptual transformation under Sandborn’s management, which she resumed in 2021. In this role, she shifted the restaurant’s focus to a New American Fusion dining experience that emphasizes accessibility for a wider audience.
The menu at Mertens Prime now features an array of dishes designed to cater to diverse palates. Notable offerings include Chicken and Waffles, a decadent Filet Mignon for Two, and innovative vegan choices like the Marry Me Butter Bean “Chicken.” This reimagining aims to ensure that the restaurant remains a vibrant part of the community’s dining landscape.
Despite circulating rumors about a potential permanent closure when the restaurant went up for sale, Mertens Prime has remained operational. Sandborn and her team have been actively working to counteract these rumors and assure the community that the restaurant is still open for business. Sandborn herself faced a serious injury that impacted her daily involvement in the restaurant, but a dedicated team was able to sustain operations during her recovery.
Mertens Prime is renowned for its high-quality steaks, many of which are butchered in-house and sourced from local suppliers, such as Byron Center Meats. Additionally, the restaurant features a rooftop space offering nearly 360-degree views of downtown Grand Rapids, which serves as a venue for hosting ArtPrize artists. The rooftop kitchen specializes in shareable small plates, enhancing the casual dining experience and providing a unique atmosphere for patrons.
The establishment was launched as a celebration of Grand Rapids’ rich history, and as it moves toward a new chapter, Tangorra believes the restaurant connects well with certain clientele but has not yet achieved broader community engagement. Included in the sale are all restaurant equipment, furnishings, and a liquor license, making it a comprehensive package for any prospective buyer looking to carry on Mertens Prime’s legacy.
Tangorra, the current owner, has redirected his focus to his consulting business, which he believes has contributed to a lack of presence for the restaurant. He hopes that an enthusiastic new owner can breathe fresh life into Mertens Prime and achieve the potential he envisions for the restaurant.
In summary, Mertens Prime’s listing for sale marks a pivotal moment for this historic establishment as it seeks a new owner capable of continuing its unique dining experience and maintaining its reputation in Grand Rapids. Despite the challenges faced, the restaurant remains open and operational, inviting the community to continue enjoying its offerings while looking toward a promising future under new management.
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Additional Resources
- WOODTV: Mertens Prime in Downtown GR Looking for New Owner
- Crains Grand Rapids: Owner Lists Downtown Restaurant Mertens Prime
- Grand Rapids Magazine: Top 10 Restaurant of 2021 Mertens Prime
- MLive: Downtown Grand Rapids Restaurant Changing Its Name
- WGRD: Mertens Prime for Sale Grand Rapids, Mich
- Wikipedia: Grand Rapids, Michigan
- Google Search: Mertens Prime Grand Rapids
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Grand Rapids
- Google News: Mertens Prime
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.
