July 24, 2020 (Grand Rapids, MI) Mertens Hospitality—owners of New Hotel Mertens Brasserie  New Hotel Mertens Bakery, and Haute rooftop lounge, all located at 35 Oakes Street SW in downtown Grand Rapids—announced last week it will make changes to its names, menus, and concepts. 

“After nearly three years, it was clear the use of the word “hotel” was causing confusion in the community,” said owner Anthony Tangorra. “However, we will continue to honor the history of our building and the hotel that was founded here in 1914 in a way that our guests will feel when they dine with us.” 

New Hotel Mertens Brasserie, which opened in 2017, has been closed since March due to the pandemic. When it reopens in October, it will be renamed Mertens Prime, retaining many of the French characteristics and dishes guests know and love, while adding a significant selection of steaks and chops. Additional enhancements include the addition of noise- reduction devices in the main dining room. 

“We are steadfast in our desire to not change who we are at our core and to retain our French menu and sensibilities,” Tangorra said. “When you choose a steak at Mertens Prime, it will be done with a flair and polish unique to the area.” 

In 2019, Mertens Hospitality opened New Hotel Mertens Bakery adjacent to the restaurant. It will be re-named Mertens Café with a new, highly focused menu specializing in made-to-order beignets (French doughnuts) and poutine (hand-cut French fries topped with cheese curds and gravy along with many other options & toppings). It will also specialize in café au lait featuring a new proprietary blend of coffee and chicory in partnership with Sparrows Coffee & Tea. 

“New Orleans and Montreal have been two of my favorite food cities for decades,” Tangorra continued. “A shift to beignets and poutine is a natural, reflexive change for us as both originate from highly French-influenced cultures that fit perfectly within the Mertens Hospitality brand.” 

Haute, the rooftop lounge opened in 2018, will be renamed Mertens Rooftop and will not undergo any significant conceptual changes.