ADA, Mich. — The owner of Luna in downtown Grand Rapids announced plans for a new culinary concept in Ada Village, joining a number of businesses moving into the thriving community redevelopment.
Owner Mario Cascante, and his wife, Emily Stachowicz, plan to open a new Latin-infused restaurant in the heart of the redeveloped Ada Village at 7471 River St. in fall 2020. Similar to its downtown Grand Rapids location, the new restaurant will feature contemporary Latin foods.
“There is so much excitement and energy happening in downtown Ada – starting with the recent infrastructure renovations and continuing on with the community and business revitalizations over the past few years,” Cascante said. “Emily and I are inspired to be part of that growth and livelihood in Ada Village. What better way to do that than blend the Latin American and West Michigan cultures with specialty cuisines and cocktails.”
Cascante, a native of Costa Rica and raised in Southern California, opened Luna at 64 Ionia Ave. in downtown Grand Rapids in 2015. His upbringing along the southern West Coast is a leading influence for the restaurant’s rich culinary heritage of Latin America.
Luna, a dining destination in the city’s Arena District, is known for its fresh Mexican dishes, including tacos, tamales, tortas and fajitas, as well as its salsa flights, featuring the chef’s assortment of fresh-made salsas, served alongside Luna’s house-made chips. Cascante and Stachowicz are committed to supporting and strengthening West Michigan’s local economy by working with local and independent farmers, purveyors, distributors, and producers.
“Our handmade, fresh Mexican fare is what put Luna on the map in Grand Rapids,” Cascante said. “This will continue to be an essential element in our Ada location as well.”
“We are thrilled to expand upon our dynamic dining experience into the Ada community,” Stachowicz added. “Similar to our location in Grid70 in downtown Grand Rapids, our authentic Latin dishes, made with fresh, local ingredients, will bring that Central American flair that we’re known for to the residents and visitors of Ada.”
While Cascante and Stachowicz are focused on bringing the Luna restaurant concept to Ada, they are seeking name suggestions for their new restaurant. The public is invited to visit Luna’s Facebook and Instagram pages and suggest a name for the new Ada restaurant using #LunaAda.
