The former Gaia Café in Grand Rapids East Hills neighborhood has new life as a Japanese and Korean fusion restaurant.

The Grand Rapids Business Journal reports that KCM opened earlier this month at  209 Diamond Ave. SE.


View this post on Instagram

We are open!!! #japanesefood #sando #rice #tonkatsu #kimbap #toast #tea #coffee

A post shared by KCM GR (@kcmgrandrapids) on

Enter your number to get our free mobile app

KCM owner Jason Kim is from Korea and has worked at  Mikado Sushi and Kobe Japanese Steakhouse in Grand Rapids; his wife is from Japan. Kim tells GRBJ that the lack of diversity in local Asian food options inspired him to open KCM:

I think Grand Rapids people need to try out more authentic food.  I wanted to sell food like what we cook at home.

Kim says many of the recipes they use at KCM are family recipes. Menu items include sando, which are Japanese sandwiches served on Van's Pastry bread or open-faced  toast with meat or another filling. 


View this post on Instagram


#japanesefood #toast #crabsalad #eastown #grandrapids

A post shared by KCM GR (@kcmgrandrapids) on

KCM also serves curry and rice bowls, tonkatsu (deep fried pork tenderloin, pork shoulder, or chicken), and kimpap (Korean hand rolls wrapped with dried seaweed).


View this post on Instagram

#japaneserice #ricecurry #japanesefood #miso #rice #eastown #grandrapids

A post shared by KCM GR (@kcmgrandrapids) on

KCM is preparing to do a full launch of the eatery soon, expanding the hours to seven days a week and hiring more staff. As of now, KCM is taking in-person dine in and carry-out orders, but are planning to add phone and online ordering.

Currently, KCM is open 11:30 a.m.-8 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday and noon-7 p.m. Sunday.

More From 97.9 WGRD