New Grand Rapids Eatery Serves Up Made-to-Order Chicken and Fish

Big Fish & Things offers fresh seafood and poultry with a signature 'little kick' flavor.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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Big Fish & Things, a new restaurant in Grand Rapids, Michigan, is serving up fresh, made-to-order chicken and fish dishes with a unique signature flavor. Operated by lifelong Grand Rapids resident Terry Johnson, the restaurant aims to provide a personal, familial atmosphere distinct from larger chains. The menu features seafood options like catfish nuggets and perch, as well as chicken dishes like wings, tenders, and chicken and waffles.

Why it matters

In a city with many fast-food and chain restaurant options, Big Fish & Things offers a local, independent alternative focused on quality ingredients and personal customer service. The restaurant's success could inspire more small, community-focused eateries to thrive in Grand Rapids.

The details

Big Fish & Things opened recently in a space that previously housed several other restaurants on MLK Jr. Street in Grand Rapids. Owner Terry Johnson, a lifelong resident, developed the restaurant's signature recipes through experimentation, aiming to create a flavor with 'a little kick' that sets it apart from competitors. The menu features fresh, made-to-order seafood like catfish nuggets and perch, as well as chicken dishes like wings, tenders, and chicken and waffles. Johnson has cultivated a personal relationship with customers, creating an almost familial atmosphere.

  • Big Fish & Things opened in 2026.
  • The restaurant is open Monday through Saturday from noon to 8 p.m.

The players

Terry Johnson

The lifelong Grand Rapids resident who operates Big Fish & Things, putting his own recipes to the test by opening the new restaurant.

Big Fish & Things

A new restaurant in Grand Rapids, Michigan that serves made-to-order chicken and fish dishes with a unique signature flavor.

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What they’re saying

“This is my first rodeo”

— Terry Johnson, Owner (mlive.com)

“I develop a relationship with my customers, like a one on one. They're not just another number. So it's personal, you know, and you get a feel for your customers. Yeah, that's what keeps me going.”

— Terry Johnson, Owner (mlive.com)

What’s next

The business remains optimistic about future growth, with plans to potentially relocate to a strip mall off Burton Street near Kalamazoo Avenue.

The takeaway

Big Fish & Things offers a unique, locally-owned alternative to chain restaurants in Grand Rapids, with a focus on fresh ingredients, personal customer service, and a signature flavor profile that sets it apart from competitors.