Another Downtown Grand Rapids Restaurant Shuts Down

It continues to be a difficult year for local restaurants. Multiple have shuttered, including several downtown Grand Rapids, like House of Wine, Beacon Corner Bar, and Local Mocha.

Now, a Colombian eatery in downtown has also closed after two and a half years in business.

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You might remember when we first introduced Pochis Colombian Restaurant and Cafe in early 2023. Owner Paola Carlson had already made a name for herself with her dessert business, Pochis Sweet Designs, and decided to take things a step further by opening a full-service restaurant. The authentic Colombian restaurant opened up at 44 Ionia SW, Suite 1, where Menna's Joint used to be.

On the menu you'd find arepas stuffed with meat and eggs, crispy patacones (fried green plantains), and Colombian-style hot dogs. The restaurant also featured rich coffee drinks and an eye-catching dessert selection—drawing on Paola’s roots as a sweets designer.

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Sadly, as of June 11, Pochis Colombian Restaurant and Café is closed.

Carlson shared the news to Facebook saying, in part:

As a Latina businesswoman, I moved to the United States with the dream of building a better future for myself and my daughter. But I also carried something deeper, a passion to share the beauty of my culture and the rich, authentic flavors of Colombia with this community.
That dream became Pochis, a place full of love, tradition, and purpose.
After two and a half years of bringing Colombian food and traditions to Downtown Grand Rapids and West Michigan, it is bittersweet to share that, as of today, Pochis Colombian Restaurant & Café is closing its doors and ending full service.

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She cites rising food costs, the economy, strict restaurant regulations, and "at times a lack of interest in Colombian cuisine" that made it difficult for the eatery to stay afloat in a challenging and competitive industry.

It's not completely goodbye though, as they'll still offer catering services and host pop-up events. Plus, Carlson's other business, Pochis Sweet Designs, she says will continue to expand. You can buy the desserts online or in grocery stores like Meijer.