Editor’s note: This is Part 3 of a 10-part series on the top 10 Grand Rapids restaurants for 2021. To see a list of all of the restaurants, click here.
Luna is located in the heart of downtown Grand Rapids off popular Ionia Street and is steps away from Van Andel Arena. Last year, I came upon this independent Latin-infused eatery during a Saturday night stroll. Husband-and-wife owners Mario Cascante and Emily Stachowicz say their Latin heritage is the inspiration behind the menu. Cascante, who is from Costa Rica and raised in Southern California, opened Luna in downtown Grand Rapids in 2015.
Most other aspects in life are unstable, but Cascante said, “We pride ourselves on being a nimble and forward-looking organization. Thanks to our staff and management team, we were able to make a full transition to online ordering and takeout within 24 hours of the initial March shutdown order.”
Now, a year into a pandemic that has wreaked havoc on the dining industry, Luna, 64 Ionia Ave. SW, Suite 100, is offering takeout and delivery options in an effort to stay afloat. New state guidelines have permitted cocktails to-go and Luna offers multiple margarita options that bring the bar experience home. “We want to provide as close to a restaurant experience (as we can), from quality eco-conscious packaging, easy-to-assemble meals and great quality food at reasonable prices,” Cascante said.
While most businesses have had the opposite trajectory this past year, Luna is defying the odds with a planned expansion, coming to 7471 River St. SE in Ada Village, that was in the works prior to the pandemic.
As indoor dining remains restricted, Cascante predicts that the food industry will change. However, he said, “Luna is focused on bringing comfort and familiarity to our clients — something that was needed during uncertain times. Our family meal represented a great way for households to find comfort in yummy tacos.”
Cascante and Stachowicz are still on track to open their new restaurant in Ada some time in 2021 and will announce details as they become available.
This story can be found in the March 2021 issue of Grand Rapids Magazine. To get more stories like this delivered to your mailbox each month, subscribe here.
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