GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Real Food Café is well known among breakfast lovers in the Grand Rapids area, and just as during regular business, the restaurant’s regulars have been a major part of keeping the place in business, say co-owners Renee and Frank Amodeo.
Their story of the two pandemic shutdowns is familiar amount restaurant owners: “We closed in the beginning in March, we closed completely because that's what we felt the most comfortable with for ourselves and our staff,” said Renee. “Then we reopened in June. And we operated for quite a while with that 50% capacity. we adjusted to all the changes that we had to make. It was challenging every step of the way.
“This new shutdown we went to take out only, and it's been all right,” she added. “We were glad to stay open; we're glad to help people keep working. We feel like we knew how to operate safely, And so we felt a lot more comfortable doing takeout this time around.”
Frank admits the limit of 25 percent capacity will be hard in the short term. “It's a start for us. I mean, it's better than empty room,” he notes. “We feel that if this three weeks is successful, maybe they'll widen it to 50 percent down the road. That's what we're shooting for.”
Dine-in or takeout, customers can expect the usual wide selection of breakfasts, baked goods, and lunches. Some people would say the long menu is daunting: “Everybody tells us we should cut it down,” said Renee, chuckling. “But every time we try and take something off the menu, it's something that somebody loves, and we just can't take it off. So just keeps getting bigger.”
For takeout, the Amodeos describe themselves as old school: no delivery apps. “Call on the phone and we'll take your order,” Renee promised, “and we'll have it ready for you when you get here.”
- 2419 Eastern Ave SE, Grand Rapids, 616-241-4080
- 3514 Plainfield Ave NE, Grand Rapids, 616- 361-1808
We're Open: Tell us your story
See a list of places that are Open In West Michigan