Where to find food and deals during Battle Creek Restaurant Week

Nick Buckley, Battle Creek Enquirer
·3 min read

For nearly four years, Markeeta Haddley has been part of Battle Creek's burgeoning restaurant scene.

During that span, the owner of Simply Sensational Berries has cultivated and grown her customer base at 80 W. Michigan Ave., where her desert shop specializes in sweet treats and deli-style food.

Still, despite word-of-mouth and a strong social media presence, Haddley said she is still introducing her food to new customers.

"Even though we've been here for almost four years, a lot of people don't know we're here," Haddley said. "It's great that people can learn what hidden gems are here in town."

Simply Sensational Berries is one of at least 20 eateries in and around the city looking to satisfy more appetites through the inaugural Battle Creek Restaurant Week. From Monday through Friday, patrons of the participating restaurants can enjoy special menu items and discounts.

"I feel like small businesses are all about community, building relationships with the community and providing the community with something positive," Haddley said. "Through the pandemic and now, we're still growing and it's great."

Nathan Kruse and Clayton Holt prepare dishes at Kitchen Proper in Battle Creek on Feb. 23, 2022.
Nathan Kruse and Clayton Holt prepare dishes at Kitchen Proper in Battle Creek on Feb. 23, 2022.

Toast, a software company that provides point of sale technology for eateries, launched National Restaurant Week in September of 2021. Upon learning of the national effort, Café Rica owners Tristan and Jackson Bredehoft decided to put a local spin on the event, with their hospitality service company Breaking Bred working with community partners such as The City of Battle Creek Small Business Development Office, Penetrator Events, Sprout Co-Op and Kellogg Arena to bring it to fruition.

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"The more restaurants that are around... the better," Jackson Bredehoft said. "Battle Creek has always been historically a food city, not just cereal. We're trying to bring that back. This is a small beginning to what we want to build here on out, but it has to start somewhere.

"There are people who think there are not places to eat in Battle Creek. Here we have 20 restaurants that are locally-owned, non-chain restaurants signed up to do it. It's also bringing attention to the fact we have hardworking people locally that run restaurants that produce great food and have good hospitality."

Javier Fortoso hangs out with friends and family during a soft opening at Torti Taco Bar and Grill in downtown Battle Creek on Feb. 19, 2022.
Javier Fortoso hangs out with friends and family during a soft opening at Torti Taco Bar and Grill in downtown Battle Creek on Feb. 19, 2022.

The weeklong celebration of local restaurants culminates with a "Night Market" farmer's market and food truck event from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday at Festival Market Square in downtown Battle Creek. The evening will include live music and will feature at least 10 food truck and food vendors.

Here are the participating establishments for Battle Creek Restaurant Week:

∙ Cafe Rica, 62 E. Michigan Ave., Battle Creek

∙ Clara's On The River, 44 McCamly St. N, Battle Creek

∙ Cricket Club, 36 W. Michigan Ave., Battle Creek

∙ Figgs Fast Food, 559 Hamblin Ave. W, Battle Creek

∙ Griffin Grill and Pub, 38 W. Michigan Ave., Battle Creek

∙ Handmap Brewing, 15 Carlyle St. (first floor), Battle Creek

∙ Kitchen Proper, 34 W. Michigan Ave., Battle Creek

∙ Lucky Rooster Kitchen and Cocktails, 1299 Columbia Ave. E, Battle Creek

∙ One Nation Tap & Table, 544 W. Columbia Ave., Battle Creek

∙ Pizza Rescue, 65 Calhoun St., Battle Creek

∙ Serious Dogs, 55 S. 20th St., Battle Creek

∙ Simply Sensational Berries, 80 W. Michigan Ave., Battle Creek

∙ Smoke N' Fire at FireKeepers Casino, 11177 E. Michigan Ave., Battle Creek

∙ Suns Out Buns Out, 295 E. Emmett St., Battle Creek

∙ Territorial Brewing Company, 1600 Avenue A, Springfield

∙ Torti Taco, 5275 Beckley Rd., Battle Creek

∙ Torti Taco Bar & Grill, 80 W. Michigan Ave., Battle Creek

∙ Umami Ramen, 215 W. Michigan Ave., Battle Creek

∙ WACO Kitchen, 15955 S. Airport Rd., Battle Creek

∙ We Are Saints Again Bar and Grill, 517 E. Michigan Ave., Battle Creek

For more information, visit battlecreekrestaurantweek.com.

Contact reporter Nick Buckley at nbuckley@battlecreekenquirer.com or 269-966-0652. Follow him on Twitter:@NickJBuckley

This article originally appeared on Battle Creek Enquirer: Where to find food and deals during Battle Creek Restaurant Week