Hospitality

SIZZLE UP YOUR SUMMER

Good friends, good food—it’s the perfect recipe for fun in the sun. Andy Krause, our Executive Chef, has cooked has cooked up some easy dishes, drinks and décor to shake up your summer soirées. Not to mention racked up top chef kudos that are shining a much-deserved spotlight on our haute hospitality.

Summer months are made for foodies. Just ask Meijer Gardens Hospitality, a talented team of culinary experts who are passionate about pushing the boundaries of creative cuisine. Their work was recently honored with two top awards at the 2019 American Culinary Federation of Greater Grand Rapids Annual Awards.

Executive Chef Andy Krause earned Chef of the Year, a prestigious award that recognizes a culinarian with continuous commitment to the food service industry through leadership, development and education of fellow culinarians. It was a milestone moment for Meijer Gardens Hospitality, as it was the first nomination and first win in our history.

Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park also took home the Innovative Award, which is bestowed upon an organization that exemplifies new and cutting-edge trends in the industry that inspire innovative thinking; educate and enlighten future culinarians; and push the envelope with original products and services.

Pictured from left to right: Tori Bosscher, Annemarie Smartz, Stacie Niedzwiecki holding the Innovative Award, Jessica Bernia, Suzanne Bekkering, Sous Chef Adrienna Ryskamp and Executive Chef Andy Krause next to his Chef of the Year trophy.

Photo by Kirstin Volkening.

From floorplans to food, black tie to backyard, our award-winning team pulls out all the stops to create memorable events for the diverse list of members and guests who celebrate with us.

It’s an elevated energy that goes into every detail of our work, every season. This summer, Executive Chef Andy and the team have whipped up simple yet sensational twists on summer staples to delight your guests. Here is how to make some of our favorites at home:

SIMPLY SPECIAL WEDDINGS

Exchange your vows in one of our enchanting locations, such as the Arched Bridge in The Richard & Helen DeVos Japanese Garden.

Courtesy photo.

Outdoor weddings at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park are where memories are made. Now more than ever.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many weddings have been devastatingly cancelled. Meijer Gardens has developed several packages to accommodate those weddings that were unable to take place.

Our beautiful outdoor spaces are available to accommodate the most intimate of gatherings up to 80 guests. The Arched Bridge and Viewing Hill, located in The Richard & Helen DeVos Japanese Garden, are available for gatherings of less than 10 people, other wonderful locations like the DeVos Van Andel Piazza, Gwen Frostic Woodland Shade Garden, Stuart and Barbara Padnos Rooftop Sculpture Garden, Cherry Tree Promenade and Moon Viewing Deck are available for larger groups. Some locations are not available during public hours, so please contact Meijer Gardens Hospitality for availability.

So, what exactly is a Simply Special Wedding? Simply arrive all dressed and ready to say “I do.” All locations are within a 10-minute walk and ceremonies will take place with your family and friends gathered around you. Complimentary admission is included with your one-hour rental time. In case of inclement weather, a back-up location will be provided. Event coordinating services are included and, best of all, there are endless photo opportunities. Come celebrate a Simply Special Wedding with Meijer Gardens!

Several packages are available, including:

Option 1: Parties of less than 10 people (including officiant, bridal party and photographer). $550

Option 2: Parties of 11—25 people. $650

Option 3: Parties of 26—40 people. $800

Option 4: Parties of 41—80 people. $1600

Additional options include audiovisual services and a specialty beverage for a post ceremony toast.

Please visit MeijerGardens.org/host for more details and to book your Simply Special Wedding today.