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<\/p>\nGRAND RAPIDS, MI \u2014 A new eatery offers a tranquil space free of dietary restrictions.<\/p>\n
FIKA, at 1359 Plainfield Ave. NE in Grand Rapids, offers plant-based and gluten-free breakfast and lunch options like pancakes, chik\u2019n and waffles, fresh salads. The eatery opened two weeks ago and aims to be a safe space to unwind. <\/p>\n
Fika (FEE-KUH) is a Swedish practice involving a coffee break or social gathering with family and friends.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s kind of a verb \u2014 taking a break from work, whatever stressors you have going on, and be together and have that intentional time together,” owner Becca Van Liere said. \u201cOur ethos was inspired by the practice, and that\u2019s what we leaned into.\u201d<\/p>\n
The airy gathering space features pillowed seating and focal coffee bar. Owner Nick Van Liere said the space is intentionally designed for people to \u201cunplug\u201d while encouraging them to be themselves. <\/p>\n
The couple got their culinary start baking vegan pastries in their apartment twelve years ago. The pastime grew into Rise Authentic Baking Co., a vegan and gluten-free bakery on Grand Rapids\u2019 West Side.<\/p>\n
Fika further fills the need for gluten-free breakfast and lunch options in West Michigan, Nick said. He called the new brunch spot a \u201csavory brainchild.\u201d <\/p>\n
\u201cRise is about community and building community around the food that we\u2019re offering. We want to provide options for people whether they have allergies or food preferences.\u201d Nick said. \u201cWe wanted to extend that beyond food by creating a safe environment for our employees and customers to feel safe, no matter who they are.\u201d<\/p>\n
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Inside Fika, at 1359 Plainfield Ave. NE in Grand Rapids, on Thursday, May 29, 2025.Isaac Ritchey | iritchey@mlive.c<\/p>\n
The menu at Fika features typical brunch fare like buttermilk pancakes, avocado toast and sandwiches. The Chick\u2019n and Waffles, Breakfast Sando and Tot and Sausage Hash are three favorites.<\/p>\n
The Chick\u2019n and Waffles for $19 is a Belgian-style waffle paired with battered and fried tofu nuggets. It is served with vegan butter and spicy maple syrup.<\/p>\n
The Breakfast Sando for $18 is Just Egg, Violife cheddar cheese, Sriracha mayo and choice of bacon or chickpea sausage on an English muffin.<\/p>\n
The Tot and Sausage Hash for $19 is tater tots, chickpea sausage, spinach, red onion, vegan goat cheese and Mama\u2019s Lil\u2019 Peppers. It is served with a choice of white or cinnamon raisin toast with butter and house made jam.<\/p>\n
Offerings also include smoothies, salads and \u201cKids at Heart\u201d smaller items. <\/p>\n
Fika serves Squibb<\/a> coffee drinks.<\/p>\n The eatery has two entrances. The Plainfield entrance is the order-in side, and the Grove Street entrance is the to-go side.<\/p>\n Customers will find a market on the to-go side of the eatery. It features local art, vegan cookbooks and grab-and-go snacks.<\/p>\n Fika is open 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Monday through Friday and open 8 a.m to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.<\/p>\n For more information or to see the full menu, visit the eatery\u2019s website here<\/a> or call (616) 805 3443.<\/p>\n Outside Fika, at 1359 Plainfield Ave. NE in Grand Rapids, on Thursday, May 29, 2025.Isaac Ritchey | iritchey@mlive.com<\/p>\n Want more Grand Rapids-area news? Bookmark the local Grand Rapids news page<\/a> or sign up for the free \u201c3@3 Grand Rapids<\/a>\u201d daily newsletter.<\/p>\n![\"Michigan\u2019s](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/UHRFQWJVMZHOPCQ5BH46TU5CV4.JPG\")
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