Discover New Food, New Shops & Other New SWMI Businesses
It’s no secret that we have some pretty amazing local restaurants and shops in Kalamazoo.
Whether it’s for family night, date night or a quick shopping trip, Southwest Michigan’s options span a variety of tastes and interests.
Are you ready to find a new favorite? We’ve rounded up the newest stores and restaurants in Kalamazoo PLUS a sneak peek for those that are coming soon:
In this article
New Locally Owned Restaurants in SWMI
Try these locally owned spots for breakfast, desserts, Jamaican food, and much more.
PS: These restaurants will be on our ballot next year. See who was voted the best new restaurants by our readers for 2025.
caribbean food
Irie Jamminz Caribbean Kitchen & Market
3928 Portage St, Kalamazoo, MI 49001
Opened June 2026
New restaurant brings Jamaica to Kalamazoo. Find authentic Caribbean food, groceries and spices.
Look for favorites including jerk chicken, curry goat and oxtail.
soul food + breakfast
Greg’s Gourmet
6650 S Westnedge Ave, Portage, MI 49024
Opened June 2026
Moving from Kalamazoo to Portage, Greg’s Gourmet serves delicious soul food and breakfast options in Crossroads Mall.
Find them in the former Olga’s spot (which underwent a nice glow up). Dine in, carryout, or delivery.
ice cream + baked goods
Midnight Melt
1710 W Main St Unit F, Kalamazoo, MI 49006
Opened June 2026
Dubai-inspired dessert shop.
Find fresh baklava, ice cream, and other Middle Eastern treats in this Kalamazoo shop on West Main.
cookies
Mouse’s Cookiez
6650 S Westnedge Ave, Portage, MI 49024
Opened June 2026
Cookie shop located inside Crossroads Mall.
Mega-sized gourmet cookies that are best eaten cold. Vegan and gluten free options.
Verify hours before visiting (closed select days).
ice cream
TC Scoops
6894 Texas Dr, Kalamazoo, MI 49009
Opened May 2026
Hard scoop, soft serve and Dole Whip are all options at this new ice cream shop in Texas Corners.
They feature ice cream from Michigan including Plainwell Ice Cream, Ashby’s Sterling Ice Cream, and Moo-ville Creamery.
cookies
Kalamazoo Cookie Co
4023 Douglas Ave, Kalamazoo, MI 49004
Opened April 2026
Gluten free cookies, made to order in small batches.
Order ahead to guarantee availability. A small quantity of cookies are on-hand for walk-ins. Delivery available.
New National or Regional Chain Restaurants
These restaurants are new to Southwest Michigan, or have added additional locations near Kalamazoo recently:
| TOUS les JOURS Bakery Café 5721 S Westnedge Ave, Portage, MI 49002 Opened May 2026 |
| Little Caesars 6929 S Westnedge Ave, Portage, MI 49002 Opened July 2026 |
| 7 Brew Coffee 5806 Gull Rd, Kalamazoo, MI 49048 Opened May 2026 |
| 7 Brew Coffee 4702 Main St, Kalamazoo, MI 49006 Opened July 2026 |
New Locally Owned Stores & Other New Businesses
Opening a retail shop or other brick-and-mortar is a huge leap of faith. These shops are locally owned and ready for some Kalamazoo support:
houseplants + pottery studio
The Potted Plant – Kalamazoo
3798 W Centre Ave, Portage, MI 49024
Opened June 2026
Houseplants + pottery studio in one Woodbridge shop.
Discover a large variety of plants, from traditional to exotic.
Pottery classes are available for all ages and skills.
apparel
Dear June
7039 W Q Ave, Kalamazoo, MI 49009
Opened April 2026
Women’s apparel shop in Texas Corners.
Find them in the same strip mall as The Cheese Lady and Pink Lemonade on West Q.
Under Construction
These new restaurants and businesses are currently undergoing renovations or new construction before opening their doors in the greater Kalamazoo area:
| breakfast Berries Famous Pancakes – Texas Corners West Q Ave, Kalamazoo, MI 49009 Berries is adding another location in SWMI, next door to the Texas Township offices (just west of 8th Street). đź“·: Adam Garland Construction  |
| bakery Paris Baguette S Westnedge Ave, Portage, MI 49002 (next door to Main Street Pub) Portage’s new bakery cafe is the first one on the west side of the state, joining existing shops in Birmingham, Novi and Dearborn in the Detroit area. |
| trampoline park Soar ‘N Bounce 669 Mall Drive, Portage, MI 49024 Indoor trampoline park moving into Portage, just outside Crossroads Mall. |
| breakfast The Cozy Clover 10 East Michigan, Galesburg, MI 49053 Scratch-made breakfast restaurant in Galesburg. Everything is house-made, including breads, biscuits, sausage gravy, pancakes, jams, and more. đź“·: The Cozy Clover  |
| irish pub The Emerald Oak 3003 Oakland Dr, Kalamazoo, MI 49008 Irish pub in Oakwood Plaza, in the former home of Oakwood Bistro. Menu will include whiskey, beer, cocktails, fish and chips and traditional Irish breakfast. |
| sports bar Woody’s Bar & Grill 6905 Sears Dr, Portage, MI 49024 The former Craftsman Chophouse by Crossroads Mall will reopen as a sports bar. |
Did We Miss Your New Store or Restaurant?
Email our editor (liz@kzookids.com) to get your new restaurant, new shop, or other new business added to our list!
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