Shipping Containers for Sale in Grand Rapids, MI

GRAND RAPIDS, MI - Hundreds of years ago, Grand Rapids, or Bow-E-Ting (the rapids) in Anishinaabek, was home to a sprawling plum tree orchard utilized by Indigenous women searching for a place of solace.

Indigenous tribes — particularly the Grand River Bands of Ottawa Indians — maintained a significant wild plum grove on the west bank of the Grand River. This grove was tied to a Native healing lodge, deeply integral to their seasonal life and ceremonial tradition.

However, as European settlers colonized the region, that plum orchard, yards from what is now Ah‑Nab‑Awen Park, was burned down to facilitate agricultural and urban development.

By 1979, it was named by the Three Fires Council of Chippewa (Ojibwe), Ottawa (Odawa) and Potawatomi Indians (Bodewadomi) to honor the land’s history.

The 6.4-acre park at 220 Front Ave. NW along the Grand River, which began as a bicentennial project, now honors these three major West Michigan tribes.

“There’s one plum tree still growing down there. The city doesn’t put plum trees into parks because they require different maintenance,” said Ron Yob, chairman or chief of the Grand River Bands of Ottawa Indians. “They attract animals and insects, and their droppings are on the ground. I finally convinced the city to put one plum tree there, symbolically.”

Since 2014, an original sculpture by contemporary Anishinaabe artist Jason Quigno has stood at the site of the former plum tree orchard, which describes the significance of the plum tree to Native peoples.

Additionally, a mural titled “ANISHINAABEK” vividly depicts Indigenous symbolism and culture along the steps leading down to the Grand River from Pearl Street and the tunnel underneath. Local artist Alan Compo, a member of the Grand River Bands of Ottawa Indians, painted it in 2018.

Based on what his elders taught him, Yob told MLive/The Grand Rapids Press that there used to be three circles of plum trees: yellow, red and blue, 250 feet in diameter.

Upon entering the eastern entryway, the circle opened in the middle to a wigwam, Yob said.

A wigwam is a traditional dwelling for the Grand River Ottawa and Chippewa tribes. It is a domed or conical-shaped structure with a framework of bent saplings covered in materials like birch bark or animal hides.

“It was a healing circle for the women of the community, and when they had problems, whether that be spiritual, economic or physical, and needed healing, they would go in there, and the other women who had experience would go in there with them to comfort them and lead them to a better way,” Yob said.

Charles E. Belknap’s account in his 1922 book “The Yesterdays of Grand Rapids” offers a vivid, first‑hand glimpse into the native plum orchard he witnessed as a youth on the city’s west side.

Belknap concluded that the well-worn trails from multiple directions led into this center, suggesting the grove may have served as a ceremonial gathering place, not merely a foraging orchard, like he originally thought.

Settlers continued to harvest its plums into the 1870s, but the grove was destroyed in that decade to make room for farmland expansion.

Nearly 150 years later, Yob worked with the city to implement a plaque to honor what was lost.

“When the settlers came through here, they burned the orchard down. That was a sacred circle for everyone,” Yob said. “Now they talk a lot about healing circles and places for women. We actually had one a couple of hundred years ago, and it was burned down. I thought it was important to show that our people did that.”

Even though one tree and a plaque cannot restore what was lost, Yob is at peace knowing that the area in Ah-Nab-Awen Park remains a healing, sacred place for Natives to seek solace.

Recently, an example of that enduring spirit occurred when an elder he knows reached out to him for help because she was worried the Department of Human Services (DHS) would take her grandchildren away. After all, the mother was going through hard times.

She came to him with tears down her face, Yob said. But once he took her to the plum tree and the commemorative plaque, everything changed.

“When we sat there by that plum tree, the healing was still there, because when we left, she was laughing and joking, and her tears went away,” he told MLive.

Looking back, Yob said it makes sense.

Growing up, his mother had a plum tree growing in her backyard, and now he has a couple, too. The healing spirit has been with him all along and continues to be.

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Michigan is about to experience a first!

“There are plenty of restaurant chains across the nation with locations in multiple states, but none in Michigan. A few examples might include Waffle House, Zaxbys, Bojangles, and Jack in the Box. However, that's about to change for one of those eateries.

Michigan is getting its very first Bojangles!

Bojangles is a fried chicken fast-casual eatery that originally hails from North Carolina. Currently, there are over 800 locations split amongst 17 states, but it's about to be 18 states with the addition of Michigan.

The very first Michigan location of this fried chicken chain is set to open at 1730 28th St. SW, Wyoming, which is near Grand Rapids. This location has been a few other businesses before, including Main Street Pub, a Chinese restaurant called Hong Kong Inn, and most recently a Taco John's, which closed in September 2024.

At this time there is no word on an official opening date, as the website just says, "Coming Soon!". The Michigan location is one of many Bojangles plans to open before the end of 2025.So, we don't have to wait too long.

Michigan isn't the only state getting its very first Bojangles location. Oklahoma, New York, New Jersey, Nevada, Ohio, and California are all getting their first ones, too.

Bojangles in planning on opening more than 1,000 new locations over the next few years... I wonder if one will come to Lansing?

If you grew up in Michigan, chances are you remember most of these fast food chains that dotted the Midwest in the 1970s, '80s, and '90s.

Almost all of these once-popular chains have completely disappeared, but there are a couple that are looking to make a comeback.

Don't get it twisted... Lansing's food scene is already pretty tasty! There's a great mix of local and national places serving up a variety of cuisines. But there's always room for more good food. Take a look at the chain restaurants that would make a delicious addition to Lansing.

This has been a wild time in the world of fast-food chicken here in Grand Rapids. Until this week, I hadn't even realized that this was such a big deal. I recall when the first Chick-fil-A opened in Kentwood, and a line stretched along M-6 for about three days straight. I thought that was insane.

But things have only progressed since this. Earlier this week, Bojangles announced that it would be expanding into Michigan for the first time, selecting Grand Rapids as its premier location later this year.

Now, we've received an update on another fast-food chicken spot that's finally making its way to West Michigan: Raising Cane's.

Raising Cane's is a hot commodity, passing KFC as the third most popular chicken chain in the country. For many years, East Lansing was the only Raising Cane's location in the state of Michigan. However, this year alone, locations have opened in Ann Arbor and Detroit, and very soon, Grand Rapids will be joining the mix.

The location, which will be opening in the former Outback Steakhouse building next to Trader Joe's at 3650 28th St SE, Kentwood, MI 49512, is now scheduled to open on November 18th, according to a report by MLive. You can try winning Free Canes for a Year, and more, at the grand opening ceremony.

If the Grand Rapids launch is anything like the one in Detroit earlier this year, which saw people in line before sunrise, this opening is likely to prove quite popular.

Below, you can see photos from the crazy launch day for Hot N Now earlier this week.

The second Hot n Now in Michigan (and the entire country) opened today in Wayland, across the street from the Gun Lake Casino and Resort. The turnout for opening day was crazy. It took two and a half hours in line to get served at the window. But this is definitely still the food people fell in love with years ago.

Looking to explore West Michigan’s booming restaurant scene? More than 35 new dining destinations have opened in 2025 across Grand Rapids, Muskegon, Wyoming, Hudsonville, and Holland — and the list keeps growing!

From fresh bakeries and authentic Mexican restaurants to Cajun eateries, burger joints, Vietnamese spots, vegan places, a footlong hot dog establishment, and even a beloved Grand Rapids breakfast and lunch favorite brought back to life, there’s something for every taste. Don’t miss the new bars and food trucks shaking things up too!

Bookmark this list and check back often — we’re adding more of West Michigan’s newest restaurants all year long.

Here’s a perfect reason to get outside this weekend, soak up some fall color, and grab a few freebies while you’re at it!

Friends of Grand Rapids Parks is hosting its annual Pumpkin Party this Saturday, October 18, at the Southeast Area Farmers’ Market in Joe Taylor Park—and everyone’s invited!

The fall fun runs from noon to 2 p.m., but if you want to explore the farmers’ market too, that’ll be open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Expect a full dose of autumn vibes with cider and donuts, fresh produce from New City Neighbors, and kids’ activities galore. Kids can take home a free pumpkin, while adults can snag a free tree from local foresters — all while supplies last. (It’s first come, first served, so don’t wait until the last minute!)

This year marks the first time Friends of Grand Rapids Parks is teaming up with Baxter Community Center to put on the event.

Executive Director Stacy Bare tells Wood TV 8 that Joe Taylor Park in the Baxter Neighborhood is a “really beautiful park in a part of the city that not everybody knows about,” making it the perfect spot for a fall celebration.

????BELOW: GHOST HUNTING ADVENTURES IN MICHIGAN THIS FALL ????

If the weather turns gloomy, check the Friends of Grand Rapids Parks Facebook page for updates on an alternate location.

Dive into Michigan’s spooky side with a lineup of hands-on paranormal investigations and haunted history events across the state. From historic lighthouses and Masonic lodges to the Governor’s Mansion and local libraries, thrill-seekers and skeptics alike can explore eerie legends and real ghost-hunting techniques. Grab your flashlight, summon your courage, and get ready for chills, thrills, and maybe even a few ghostly encounters!

Fall in the Mitten State is glorious time. There's apple picking, pumpkin carving, hayrides, all the animals you'll spot like deer and migratory birds—and of course the stunning fall colors.

The Upper Peninsula is often mentioned in national rankings as one of the most beautiful spots for fall foliage in the country, but truly, Autumn beauty abounds across the entire state.

Sure, we'd all love take a few hours and go on a scenic drive (or head to a fall chairlift ride) but sometimes you just can't getaway. Here are more than 30 photos of fall around Michigan for those times when you're stuck inside. Spot anywhere you've been?

Work is underway at a restaurant on 28th Street, where North Carolina-based fried chicken chain Bojangles is opening its first Michigan store this year at a former Taco John’s location.

The new restaurant is in the works at 1730 28th St. SW in Wyoming, a contractor working on the project confirmed. The move would mark the first time Bojangles operated in Michigan in its 48-year history.

Bojangles listed Wyoming as one of 18 cities where it expects to open by the end of 2025, according to a report in USA Today. Six of the cities will be new markets for the franchise.

CEO Jose Armario said in the report that the expansion comes as the company is “keeping our foot on the gas on our mission to expand coast-to-coast.”

Newco Design Build LLC, a Grand Rapids-based general contractor, is spearheading the renovation project, which project manager Nick DeLaFuente said started work at the end of September.

Keep up with all things West Michigan business..

While DeLaFuente could not confirm when the restaurant will open, he said that Newco’s interior redesign and kitchen expansion in the 2,000-square-foot space is slated to wrap up by the end of November.

Representatives for the company did not respond to a request for comment for this report.

The franchise sells Southern-style fast food with an emphasis on fried chicken and buttermilk biscuits.

Beyond Michigan, Bojangles is expanding its footprint in New York, New Jersey, Nevada, Ohio and California. Bojangles currently operates 850 stores across 20 states, primarily in the southeastern U.S.

Bojangles joins the ongoing growth of quick service restaurants (QSRs) nationwide.

“QSRs (quick service restaurants) across the country, especially in Michigan and West Michigan, they’re doing really, really well. Their sales are up,” said Mike Murray, partner and senior vice president at Advantage Commercial Real Estate. “QSRs are definitely leading the charge in the restaurant world.”

This year, Bojangles has added 30 new locations as it fast-tracks growth into new markets, adding franchises in major metropolitan areas such as Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Houston and Phoenix.

“This is a defining moment for Bojangles as we extend our reach into some of the most exciting and fast-paced markets in the country,” Brooks Speirs, vice president of franchise development at Bojangles, said in a statement on the company’s growth earlier this year. “These expansions mark a bold step forward as we continue our journey to bring Bojangles’ signature menu and Southern hospitality to even more communities.”

According to Bojangles’ website, the franchise estimates an investment of between $2.6 million and $3.8 million for each new location.

According to a Top 500 Chain Restaurant report by Restaurant Business Magazine, Bojangles generated $1.78 billion in revenue in the U.S. in 2023.

The new Bojangles will occupy a 2,000-square-foot space that formerly housed a Taco John’s restaurant. Grand Rapids-based Meritage Hospitality Group closed the location nearly a year ago, alongside two other Taco John’s locations in Hudsonville and Caledonia. Meritage sold the property in July for $2.13 million, according to property records.

At the time, the company said it planned to reopen the locations under a different concept, but the restaurant remained closed.

The closure came two years after Meritage announced plans to spend $100 million to open 200 new franchises of the taco chain.

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