Slow’s Bar-B-Q Says a Quick Goodbye To Grand Rapids

I'm frequently at the Downtown Market here in Grand Rapids to grab a bite, a drink, or to just walk around and see all of the things they have to offer. But, starting on Sunday they're going to have one less business after they suddenly closed their doors.

It started as a rumor online after several of the staff went to local forums to ask for help finding new employment, but it's now official after a statement made to Facebook.

Slow's Bar-B-Q, a Detroit based BBQ chain is planning to shut down their Grand Rapids location at the end of the week. Your last day to visit them will be Sunday, October 8th.

They've spent the past 8 years inside the Downtown Market, and now they'll be only located on the east side of the state. They're blaming slow business after the pandemic for their closure, stating they couldn't make it work inside their Grand Rapids location.

They released a statement on Facebook explaining more

The Downtown Market has been an ideal partner during these past eight years, and we appreciate their confidence in the work of the Slows team as well as the Market's investment in our business. We will also miss operating alongside so many talented merchants. Finally, we must show appreciation and gratitude for the hard-working staff of Slows GR. They have been incredible. The metro Detroit team will do everything in our power to help these professionals secure other employment. Any other businesses in West Michigan would be fortunate to have any of them join their team.

While their doors will be closing soon, they say they plan to honor any catering orders they already had booked, and hope to help their staff find new jobs in the industry.

It's sad to see another restaurant go, especially one of our very few BBQ restaurants in West Michigan. We wish their staff luck in their future endeavors.