Rockford Construction announced today that Ando, a new Asian restaurant, will fill the final available retail space located in the mixed-use development being built on Grand Rapids’ West Side at the corner of Bridge Street NW and Turner Avenue.

Offering a menu inspired by a blend of Japanese, Vietnamese, and Korean cuisine, Ando will feature street-style food in a casual atmosphere. Owner Robert Song is excited to bring “Ando Asian Kitchen” to Grand Rapids. Song said the bistro will offer a different menu and experience than his popular Maru Sushi and Grill located on Cherry Street SE

The menu will include small plates that are ideal for sharing, other street-style inspired items, and high-quality sushi. The inspiration for the name of the restaurant comes from Momofuku Ando, a Japanese inventor and businessman considered to be one of the creators of instant noodles.

“As I strive to offer Asian comfort food at Ando, I thought it was fitting that I pay homage to Mr. Ando, who changed the way we eat,” said Song. “In 1964, seeking a way to promote the instant noodle industry, Mr. Ando founded the Instant Food Industry Association that set guidelines for fair competition and product quality.”

“Ando is a great addition to the West Side,” stated Mike Mraz, partner, real estate development at Rockford Construction. “Rockford is committed to bringing a variety of quality dining options to the neighborhood based on feedback from our community. Ando will offer a new type of food at an approachable price in a welcoming environment.”

With Maru Hospitality Group successfully operating Maru Sushi and Grill in four locations across Michigan and plans for a Maru Kalamazoo underway, Song began developing a new idea with a different menu and feel, and identified this site as the perfect place to launch it.

“I picked the location on Bridge Street because I believe in the growth of the West Side and want to play a part in investing in our neighborhoods,” said Song.

Ando will have a full bar including 24 taps and seating for 120. The space will also feature a four-season room that will provide open-air dining in the warmer months and an outdoor patio.

Ando will be located on the ground floor of the development next to The Mitten State, a Michigan-themed t-shirt shop, and below 36 new apartments. The building will be adjacent to New Holland Brewing Company’s 40,000- square-foot brewpub, micro-distillery and full service restaurant. All businesses will open in the fall of 2016, with Ando slated to open on September 1.

“When Rockford began exploring how to best bring thoughtful investment to the West Side, our conversations within the neighborhood and business community led to some key things that have guided our work,” says Mike VanGessel, CEO, Rockford Construction. “Appropriate design and solid construction of new buildings, beautiful places for our neighbors to gather, and the creation of new jobs and opportunities – Robert and his team are great examples of these tenets and we are thrilled to welcome them to the West Side.”

Although the retail space is full, office space is available within the development. “Businesses are drawn to this part of our community for many reasons,” said Mraz. “It’s a walkable neighborhood with great shops and restaurants, making it an attractive option for companies of all sizes.”