Upscale Latin restaurant moves into downtown

Upscale Latin restaurant moves into downtown

The "upscale" restaurant Luna will sell Latin dishes and Latin-inspired cocktails in downtown Grand Rapids. Courtesy Luna

The smells of Latin foods will soon be filling the air of a downtown space fondly remembered for its hot dogs.

Luna, a new "upscale" restaurant from local restaurateur Mario Cascante, is expected to open its doors this summer in Grand Rapids, on the first floor at 64 Ionia Ave. SW, replacing what was once Ritz Koney Bar & Grille.

Luna’s menu will feature Latin American dishes.

Cascante said Luna will offer “fine, classically cooked dishes with fresh, local ingredients.”

The restaurant will serve lunch and dinner seven days a week.

It will also feature a full-service bar with Latin-inspired cocktails and outdoor seating along Ionia Avenue SW.

“The inspiration for Luna comes from visits to some of the best restaurants in the country and a desire to bring those unique experiences to West Michigan,” Cascante said.

Luna will employ about 25 people.

The building is part of GRid70 and owned by Grand Rapids-based Rockford Development.

It recently underwent about $2 million worth of renovations.

“Mario’s expertise and Luna’s creative and distinct concept will be a great addition to Ionia Avenue,” said Mike Mraz, partner of real estate development, Rockford Construction.