Bussiness
Holland almost lost five local businesses in 2024. Here’s who to support
HOLLAND — 2024 was a difficult year for small businesses.
Across Holland, several business owners turned to social media to keep the doors open — and, in most incidents we’ve reported, they’ve so far managed to stay afloat.
Here are five businesses we almost lost in 2024, but who managed to stick around:
Low Carb Grill opened over four years ago in Holland, offering healthy meals to diners who often have difficulty eating out.
On Nov. 7, owner Laurie Penninga turned to social media for help — and not for the first time. She explained that, over the span of two days, the restaurant only made $135.86 in sales.
“We’d love to be here for many years to come,” she wrote, inviting new and returning customers to stop in.
Things seemed to be looking up Wednesday, Nov. 13, when Penninga wrote, “It’s felt almost as busy as Tulip Time lately … and I love it.”
Just four months after opening in downtown Zeeland, The Gritzmaker turned to social media to address slow sales. The business had a rough start, thanks to a major construction project on Main Avenue.
“We would like to be here forever, but we are not filling the restaurant,” the business posted in mid-November. “I am reaching out humbly to see what we can do better to serve the community.”
Since that post, business has increased.
“You have showed out,” the business wrote. “Thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of our hearts.”
On Wednesday, Dec. 4, The Gritzmaker announced new menu options.
“Thank you all for your continued support and patience,” the business wrote. “We are so grateful and honored to be part of this amazing community.”
Since the company’s move to River Avenue in Holland, inside the former Saunders Family Bakery, Bliss Bakery has been transparent with customers about their struggle to survive.
In February, owner Krista Koets turned to social media to address the slowdown and resulting layoffs.
“I had to make a very hard choice when faced with the reality of my personal and professional financial situation,” Koets wrote on Facebook. “I have to restructure Bliss or close the doors. So, I’ve had the sad task of letting go (of) most of my wonderful team. I don’t think I’ve ever cried so much as I did yesterday.”
These days, the gluten-free bakery operates with a smaller staff, shortened hours and a reduction in the sweets menu. On Nov. 13, the business posted an update on their plan for the holidays, coming on the heels of what Koets called the “lowest sales day historically” on Nov. 6.
“Last year, we were able to offer a lot for Thanksgiving,” Koets wrote. “That just isn’t possible now with a staff of five.”
Despite the scale back, Koets remains grateful for local support.
“I appreciate each and every one of you who come in daily, weekly or monthly to support us,” she wrote. “As a single mama, this means everything to me.”
The business has continued to see low sales, but hopes to see a boost soon.
“Between the weather and post-holiday slump, last week was a low for the record books,” Koets wrote. “We’ve got some major ground to make up in sales, so we would LOVE to see you in the bakery this week.”
In October, EcoBuns owner Marissa Berghorst left a clear message to customers — “Visit us in the next two days, or we’ll have to close.”
It’s been 12 years since Berghorst and her mother, Vicki, took over the children’s store, which moved to 11975 E. Lakewood Boulevard in 2022.
“I’m reaching out today with something I never thought I’d have to say — our beloved store is at a critical point, and we need your help to keep our doors open,” Berghorst wrote.
Berghorst said, on the day she made the post, EcoBuns had four sales.
The post, however, changed the game. Longtime customers flocked to the store and online orders streamed in.
“How we went from considering shutting the doors to reordering because half of our store sold out, I’ll never be able to wrap my head around,” Berghorst said in the aftermath. “You showed up this week in a big way.”
The Poppy Peach, while not on the cusp of closure, posted to social media in November to implore locals to shop small.
“This year is awful,” owner Heather Ten Harmsel wrote. “Purely AWFUL.”
“If you want us, and other small businesses, to stick around, please shop and support your locally owned stores.”
— Contact reporter Austin Metz atametz@hollandsentinel.com.
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