Choo Choo Grill is a family owned place that has been running for over 60 years and open 6 days a week for breakfast and lunch.  Inside is a step back in time with 8-10 seats at the wrap-around counter and 2 booth-like tables.   The cooking is on the griddle just in front of the bar and they’re known for their olive burger – a Grand Rapids tradition.  Rick Mack bought the place from his father in 1997 but now is tired of the 2 a.m. mornings and the daily grind.  So the place was listed for sale and no one knows if a buyer will keep it the same or what.  It’s obviously filled with regular customers where much of the talk centered on the possible sale and how that will change life.  The tiny place is actually next to the railroad tracks and it’s filled with train photos and replicas.  You’d hate to see a place like this change but profit and big rule our world.  Meantime you can still hurry in and enjoy a fresh made burger and malt.  They do a lot of take out and have parking so I encourage you to grab a stool while they’re still in business. Continue reading →