GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — Weeks after a “terrifying” fire forced 7 Mares in Grand Rapids to shut down, the family that runs the restaurant is turning to the community for support, with a fundraiser scheduled for this weekend.
7 Mares has been at the corner of Kalamazoo Avenue SE and Adams Street SE since 1999, when Tina Santoyo founded it. More than 27 years later, it remains a family-run community staple, serving authentic Mexican dishes like quesabirrias, tacos, tortas and tilapia.
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“I grew up here. My parents have owned this restaurant since I was literally not even 5 years old,” said Yamilex Santoyo, who manages, serves at and runs social media for the restaurant. “And it’s a huge part of our community.”
“My mom has worked countless hours, countless days, countless nights, you know, just to have the restaurant up and running,” said sibling Sebastian Santoyo, the restaurant’s chef. “So it means honestly everything to me.”…