people + places / city
The Sparrows will soon be serving coffee from Kingma's Market.
More parking
Grand Rapids is one of the newest markets for a Miami-based startup aiming to help local individuals and businesses make the most of expensive parking spaces. The Prked App allows users to digitally rent out their privately-owned parking spaces to the public for additional income while they are not being utilized. Due to multiple universities located in the area and a high population density, Grand Rapids has some of the worst traffic congestion in the nation, making finding parking downtown increasingly difficult and costly. Prked offers a solution by increasing the availability of parking, which the company said will, in turn, limit the cost of parking and the time drivers spend looking for parking, reduce car emissions, and reduce the need to build more parking structures, increasing green space. prked.com
CITY
Coffee shop joins Kingma’s The Sparrows Coffee is expanding with a new location in Kingma’s Market in the Creston neighborhood. It is expected to open later this month. “Kingma’s Market is a beloved neighborhood institution known for its friendly atmosphere and amazing customer service. As a small Grand Rapids business ourselves, we love the local flavor of this partnership,” said Tim Volkema, CEO of The Sparrows. “The Creston neighborhood is a perfect location for Sparrows, as well. It is densely packed with young families and other long-time residents who appreciate a great cup of coffee and the community a local shop
"Come spring, the patio and beautiful landscaping will invite customers to enjoy quality time and coffee with friends and family outdoors." Tim Volkema
like this will foster.” The Sparrows has been roasting and serving specialty coffees and free-trade organic teas since opening its first location on Wealthy Street in 2007. The new space will continue to offer the full-service coffee menu with espresso-based drinks, drip coffee, specialty tea and cold brew, along with readymade 12 oz. bags of Sparrows and Joven Coffee. The Sparrows also will partner with local vendors for grab-and-go items that pair well with its drinks. “The space is its own storefront but attached from the inside to Kingma’s Market, so customers can grab a cup of Sparrows coffee as they do their grocery shopping,” said Volkema. “It will be light and airy with huge windows and an indoor/outdoor feel due to a huge garage door that opens. Come spring, the patio and beautiful landscaping will invite customers to enjoy quality time and coffee with friends and family outdoors.” 2225 Plainfield Ave. NE
S. Nicole Esthetics
After working for nearly a decade as a certified nursing assistant, Grand Rapids native Shanae Gooch fulfilled her dream of going to esthetician school and starting her own business. Opened this past September amid the COVID-19 pandemic, S. Nicole Esthetics offers a full range of spa services including hair styling and cutting, makeup, nail and lash services. The spa is dedicated to helping both men and women feel more confident and beautiful. 613 Fuller Ave. SE
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GRAND RAPIDS MAGAZINE / FEBRUARY 2021
RENDERING COURTESY METRIC STRUCTURES PHONE COURTESY PRKED ESTHETICS COURTESY S. NICOLE ESTHETICS
