Discover New Food, New Shops & Other New SWMI Businesses
Kalamazoo has some pretty amazing local restaurants and shops.
Whether it’s for family night, date night or a quick shopping trip, Southwest Michigan’s options span a variety of tastes and interests.
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 which restaurants our readers voted the best new restaurants for 2025.
lunch
Noon
826 E Cork St, Kalamazoo, MI 49001
Opened September 2026
Salads, wraps, soups and sides. Same location as House of Soul and Seafood (they operate at different times with separate prep areas).
Open M – F, 10:30 AM – 3 PM
asian fusion
Hot Box Restaurant
1700 Drake Rd Ste B2, Kalamazoo, MI 49006
Opened September 2026
Quick-serve Asian fusion restaurant, from the same owners as Nonla.
Bonus: it’s right next door! This shop is just steps away from their Drake shop in Kalamazoo.
asian
New Joyfong Modern Cuisine
8136 Portage Rd, Portage, MI 49002
Opened September 2026
New owners and new dishes welcome locals back to this longstanding favorite on Portage Road.
Previously carryout only, the refreshed space now invites diners to eat inside.
breakfast
The Cozy Clover
10 E Michigan, Galesburg, MI 49053
Opened September 2026
Scratch-made breakfast served in Galesburg. For clarity, EVERYTHING is made in-house: sausage, biscuits, bread, jams and more.
Open 6 days/week (closed Mondays).
pizza & ice cream
Kazoopy’s Pizza & Grinders- Roundabout
6040 S 12th St, Kalamazoo, MI 49009
Opened September 2026
Kazoopy’s added a fourth location in SWMI with pizza and grinders at 12th and Milham’s roundabout. This shop also serves ice cream.
Be sure to snap a pic with the Buttercup ice cream mural.
burgers
5th Street Burger & Fries
3023 Oakwood Dr, Kalamazoo, MI 49008
Opened July 2026
Owners originally from Kalamazoo opened two locations in Arizona before returning here to bring burgers to Oakwood Plaza.
Find them in Treat Street’s former spot.
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.
korean bbq
K-upBop Laboratory
6225 S Westnedge Ave, Portage, MI 49002
Opened June 2026
Build your own bowl with Korean BBQ. Inspired by Seoul’s street food culture.
Also sells Asian market items (snacks, ice cream, drinks).
Find the shop in Portage, in the former Moe’s spot on Westnedge.
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 on 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 is 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 businesses 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.
play cafe
Little Latte Lounge
3635 E Main St, Kalamazoo, MI 49048
Opened June 2026
Play cafe on East Main, for ages 0-6.
Book your play time on their website.
thrift shop
Valentines Vintage Thrift
4423 W KL Ave, Kalamazoo, MI 49006
Opened May 2026
Vintage thrift shop in Kalamazoo.
All items are $10 or less.
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. |
| irish pub The Emerald Oak 3003 Oakland Dr, Kalamazoo, MI 49008 Irish pub in Oakwood Plaza, in the former home of Oakwood Bistro. The menu will include whiskey, beer, cocktails, fish and chips and a traditional Irish breakfast. |
| boutique The Velvet Daisy 340 E Michigan Ave, Kalamazoo, MI 49008 Nestled between Sarkozy Bakery and Bimbo’s Pizza, The Velvet Daisy is coming to East Michigan Avenue, bringing vintage, boutique and artisan goods. |
| 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!
More to Explore
When is Kroger opening in portage mi ?? They bought big lots on westnedge. No open date
Good question- we haven’t seen any specifics. Kroger purchased the land in the summer of 2025, but we haven’t seen any renovation announcements or an estimated opening date.