ZEELAND, Mich. — A West Michigan restaurant is celebrating a huge milestone. Frank's Restaurant in Zeeland opened its doors in 1924 serving what some say are the best burgers and shakes around. The restaurant has had a long run, and 100 years later, the family favorite is still thriving.
“Frank's has been part of my life forever and they have the best hamburger, the best chocolate malts, the best chili, they have got everything that’s the best,” customer Mary Bouwens said.
Not every restaurant can say they have “100 years in business." However, tucked away in downtown Zeeland at 134 East Main Avenue, Frank’s Restaurant has been serving family favorites for more than a century. Lifelong friendships have been forged between those four walls said long-time employee Carol DeJonge.
“Franks is a great place to meet with friends and everybody knows where Frank’s is, so when you come back to town, it's a great place to come, the food is great, but the relationships that you have here are wonderful,” DeJonge said.
From the Great Depression of the 1930s to the shutdown of the world during the COVID-19 pandemic, Frank’s has survived it all. The restaurant is still standing strong, looking forward to the next one hundred years. Customers said they have come back to enjoy their favorite meals for years.
“Normally they would serve me a Sprite and fries, and they actually just know my order when they see me, whenever I come in,” customer Taurean Smith-Partee said.
One of the restaurant’s favorite cooks, Grant Heuvelman, said he was overwhelmed with gratitude to be a part of the restaurant's iconic history and to be so loved and well-received by dozens of customers who enjoy his cooking. It’s his burgers that have made them a staple in the community.
“Being here for the 100-year anniversary, I’m very honored, especially to be the cook and one of the main bartenders and servers at night.” Heuvelman said. "I feel very honored and privileged, a lot of people look up to me here as a leader, but I’m honestly just a humble servant of the Lord doing my work here. Just loving what I’m doing, it’s so much fun, I honestly love my job coming to work every day is truly amazing.”
Zeeland Mayor Kevin Klynstra officially proclaimed April 5 as “Frank’s” Restaurant Appreciation Day, recognizing the iconic restaurant’s historic 100-year run.
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