Client Feature: Broad Leaf Westside

Photo courtesy of BradLeaf WestSide

With 12 years logged at Brewery Vivant and four years at Broad Leaf Brewery + Spirits in Kentwood, the team behind these two beloved Grand Rapids staples have opened a second Broad Leaf on Bridge Street.

THE STORY OF BREWERY VIVANT & BROAD LEAF

We can thank the need for warehouse space and local zoning requirements for the invention of Broad Leaf. 

“We sort of accidentally opened Broad Leaf,” says Kris Spaulding, president and owner. “We were looking for a new warehouse site and found what is now Broad Leaf in Kentwood. The zoning requirements for that location included a storefront.”

Accidentally on-purpose, we would say. 

With Brewery Vivant nearing a decade and embracing classic European styles of beer and food, the team saw this as a great opportunity to experiment and create a brand to encompass more off-the-wall ideas, unique styles of beers, and eccentric food.

Founded in 2019, Broad Leaf is self-described as an outpost for community-building and creative expression with adventurous ales, cosmic cocktails, and a unique imbibing experience.

Photo courtesy of BradLeaf WestSide

THE WEST SIDE IS CALLING

The opportunity to occupy the space that was previously the home to Sovengard was brought to Kris and her husband, Jason, not once, but twice. On the second time, it seemed like the Westside was truly calling on them, so they answered. 

“When we signed on the Westside location, we knew it would be the perfect spot for a second Broad Leaf,” Kris said. “The experience at Brewery Vivant cannot be duplicated. The physical space and architecture of our building lends to the beer style and food menu and vice versa.”

 It was never in the plan to open a second Brewery Vivant location, but with its eccentric brand and experimental food and drinks, Broad Leaf was just the fit for Bridge Street’s growing brewery and craft cocktail scene.

Photo courtesy of BradLeaf WestSide

MEET BROAD LEAF WESTSIDE

Home to a menu full of your favorite Broad Leaf beers, cocktails, and spirits in addition to cider and wine, Broad Leaf Westside is a truly unique place to eat and drink.

Head Brewer Terry Lancaster has created an incredible list of unique, boundary-pushing beer styles. In addition to incredible beer, you’ll find an array of spirits including their award-winning 9 Botanical Gin, vodka, rum, and their line of Undead Spirits. Next to the beer taps, you’ll spot draft cocktails and a rotating selection of beer slushies. If you’re lucky enough to visit when there are small-batch cocktail specials on the menu, be sure to opt in.

The drinks pair perfectly with the unique food program led by Chef Ryan McClure. Their menu features a collection of dishes inspired by international street food (with a pinch of comfort food thrown in!). The result is a from-scratch menu dubbed an “action-packed gastronomic adventure!” New specials and seasonal dishes hit the menu often, and we’re big fans of the Bao Buns in whatever seasonal recipe they appear.

In the coming months, you can expect Broad Leaf to fully embrace their beer garden and patio, including the shipping container bar. Chef Ryan will tend to the existing herb garden and continue to partner with local purveyors of fresh produce, meat, mushrooms, and more. The beer garden outside will be dog-friendly (perfect to pair with our new Westside dog park!) and general manager Shayla promises her love of slushies will extend to the outdoors, too.

And even sooner, you can stop by Broad Leaf Westside for special events, like the upcoming Bao Down on February 8, a competition between their cooks and chef for the best bao buns Grand Rapids has ever seen. Find out more at broadleafbeer.com/westside.

Photo courtesy of BradLeaf WestSide

SWIFT PRINTING: ALL THAT THE NAME IMPLIES

Initially bonded over our mutual status of Certified B Corps, we have worked with Brewery Vivant and Broad Leaf since 2018 on a variety of projects. As defined by B Lab, the nonprofit behind B Corps, Certified B Corporations are businesses that meet the highest standards of verified social and environmental performance, public transparency, and legal accountability to balance profit and purpose. 

At Broad Leaf Westside, you can see some of our printing work from the outside in – starting with their exterior hanging signs! We’ve also done runs of 11x17” posters, postcards, and custom die cut stickers.

Swift Says – If you’re ordering stickers in large quantities, it may be more convenient to order locally from Swift. We create custom dies for the just-perfect shapes and we can kiss cut stickers, stickers and labels on a sheet, or stickers and labels on a roll, too.

Head over to 445 Bridge Street NW for a taste – Broad Leaf Westside is in the garden level, so turn right when you walk in and head downstairs! 

Broad Leaf Westside is open Wednesdays and Thursdays from 3-11 p.m., Fridays from 3 p.m. to midnight, Saturdays from 12 noon to midnight, and Sundays from 12 noon-10 p.m. They are closed on Mondays and Tuesdays when the whole venue is available to host private events. Groups are also welcome the rest of the week – contact Shayla at shayla@broadleafbeer.com to inquire about scheduling your event.

Visit broadleafbeer.com/westside to see the menu, upcoming events, and more.