Caribbean-Themed JungleBird Restaurant To Open In Kalamazoo

Art deco decoration, Caribbean flair, and casual island sophistication are coming to downtown Kalamazoo in early 2022 with the opening of JungleBird, a restaurant and cocktail lounge inside The Exchange.

It's the brainchild of restaurateur Mark Sellers, best known for creating HopCat, Stella’s Lounge, and Max’s South Seas Hideaway. The new spot will be located at 155 W. Michigan Ave in K-Zoo.

Craft cocktails and eclectic cuisine inspired by the tropics are to be expected. The atmosphere will feature Havana soul, Miami-style art deco, unique artwork, and tropical plants.

Sellers said,

"This is a restaurant concept I’ve been thinking about for years. JungleBird will combine much of what I love about the Caribbean — island hospitality, a welcoming, sophisticated atmosphere, creative and flavorful cuisine, and unforgettable tropical cocktails."

Chef Richard Williams, who previously created the menu for Max’s South Seas Hideaway in Grand Rapids, is tasked with creating JungleBird’s food menu. Williams is producing small plates such as Croquetas de Jamon (Potato croquettes stuffed with ham and red dragon cheddar) and Charred Octopus, as well as entrees like Churrasco Brick Chicken Thigh, Braised Short Ribs, and Chilean Salmon.

For dessert, guests will be able to choose from options such as Key Lime pie, Pastelitos de Cucurucho (layered puff pastry filled with guava, papaya, and coconut chutney with Chantilly cream and caramel deco), and homemade avocado sorbet.

The dining room at JungleBird will seat approximately 220 guests, with private event spaces for groups of up to 50, and an outdoor patio with seating for 40.