GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Paul Berglund, winner of the James Beard Foundation Best Chef Award Midwest in 2016 will debut as executive chef of Mertens Prime in downtown Grand Rapids in early 2021.
The former executive chef at The Bachelor Farmer in Minneapolis has already relocated to Grand Rapids, a news release said Tuesday.
“I was drawn to Grand Rapids in part by its dynamic and growing food and beverage community, which has made me feel welcomed here,” Berglund said. “I am excited to have the opportunity to contribute to the momentum the local area has generated in recent years.”
Berglund has built his career by focusing on European cuisine.
He developed a northern European offering at The Bachelor Farmer that opened to immediate success in 2011.
Berglund’s wife, Tia Chakraborty, was recently appointed as a neurointensivist at Spectrum Health, which brought the couple to Grand Rapids.
Given the current restrictions on indoor dining in the state, Berglund plans to spend time perfecting his dishes as he prepares for his debut.
The restaurant expects the menu to debut in January.
