GRAND RAPIDS, MI — Allora, a new restaurant described as a “fresh coastal Italian dining experience,” is expected to open by the end of the year at a renovated space in the Windquest Building that formerly housed Reserve Wine & Food.
Luke VerHulst, who spent a decade at Reserve, most recently as executive chef, will serve as general manager.
“We are excited to introduce Grand Rapids to Allora and the fresh flavors of coastal Italian cuisine this year,” he said. “Like our namesake, we aim to help conversations and stories flow while telling our own through a menu of sustainable, artfully prepared dishes inspired by Coastal Italy.”
Related: Downtown Grand Rapids wine bar and restaurant to close, rebrand with new concept
Allora, 201 Monroe Ave. NW, will have a “strong commitment to sustainability,” and will feature a menu that “evolves to showcase fresh, seasonal ingredients,” a news release says. The restaurant’s name is described as a filler word (similar to “so” or “and then”) and is “indispensable in Italian socializing and storytelling.”
“Our goal is to offer an unforgettable experience for every guest in an intimate, comfortable setting,” said founder Betsy DeVos, former U.S. Education Secretary. “At Allora, every delicious bite with family and friends will be a story.”
More information on the restaurant’s opening will be available later this year.
The restaurant is located on the first floor the Windquest Building, which houses the offices of the Windquest Group, a family-owned investment firm launched by Dick and Betsy DeVos in 1988.
Reserve Wine & Food closed its doors in May after 14 years in business to rebrand as a new concept.
The restaurant was known for its extensive bar selection, featuring over 800 wines in stock and 102 wines on tap via a nitrogen pressurized preservation system. Its menu featured oysters, caviar service, custom charcuterie plates, steak, fish, and a five-course chef’s tasting menu with paired wines.
The transformation of Reserve into Allora comes as an adjacent public plaza, known as Lyon Square, is being renovated to create greenspace and seating along the Grand River between DeVos Place and Amway Grand Plaza Hotel. The plaza will have colorful lighting, pedestrian walkways, landscaping and a platform overlooking the river.
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