Green Beyond its Name: Green Well Gastro Pub

Green isn't just their name… it's their mission to be socially responsible. That's why Green Well Gastro Pub -- a restaurant with local flair located in East Hills -- strives to not only provide the best dining experience, but to also be eco-friendly and environmentally conscious.

Did you know that the restaurant resides in a LEED certified building? Recently, they even added solar panels to the roof to assist with energy production.  

Last month, the restaurant decided to close for a day so that staff could spend it in Cherry Street Park.  This was no picnic; it was a day dedicated to public service by weeding, painting, mulching and repairing items in the green space. 

Did I mention they are bike-friendly too? In fact, many employees as well as patrons live in the East Hills neighborhood, so the restaurant ensures that there is plenty of bike parking for everyone.

The latest endeavor at the Green Well Gastro Pub is the 'Off Center Gallery,' a gallery inside the establishment hosting Grand Rapids artists who will donate 10% of proceeds to Friends of Grand Rapids Parks, a local nonprofit agency. Currently, three artists are participating with the plan to have three new artists every quarter.

"Success comes in business when we all share in our achievements and are driven by a common good," explains Essence Restaurant Group Managing Partner James Berg. Green Well Gastro Pub, Bistro Bella Vita and the soon-to-open Grove are all part of the Essence family of restaurants. 

"One of our four bottom-line drivers for our restaurants' success is to live by the philosophy of local, environmental and sustainable business practices," continues Berg. "Participating in and giving back to the neighborhoods and community in which we do business is a key part of this belief and makes Essence Restaurant Group who we are at the core."

Want to be a do-gooder too? Of course you do.  Here's how…

Learn more about the Green Well Gastro Pub
Learn more about Friends of Grand Rapids Parks
Visit the restaurant gallery at 924 Cherry Street SE

Source: Jenny Luth, Clark Communications; James Berg, Essence Restaurant Group
Writer: Jennifer Wilson, Do Good Editor
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