At the opening today of Bridge Street Market, Meijer Inc.’s first foray in decades into smaller, neighborhood grocery stores, company executives say they’re “bullish” on the format and plan more similar stores, including in Michigan.

Meijer Inc.’s 39,000-square-foot Bridge Street Market being built west of downtown will serve as a “proof of concept” for the company’s planned expansion of smaller format urban grocery stores.

Drivers and pedestrians on Grand Rapids’ west side will soon see a new scaled-down store format take shape for Walker-based grocery retailer Meijer Inc.

G.B. Russo & Son Ltd. expects to open a new downtown grocery store this summer.

The demand for a downtown grocery store appears to be getting heard loud and clear.

Fresh Thyme Farmers Market will anchor a new development at the site of the former Michigan Athletic Club (MAC) near the corner of Breton and Burton in Grand Rapids, according to a statement by CWD Real Estate Investment.