Bosnian restaurant adds to a thriving local network in Grand Rapids
Bosna Express’ subtitle on Facebook is ‘modern European restaurant.’ This European-style bistro is just as likely to be found in Munich and Sarajevo as it is to be found on 28th St SW, just east of 131.
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Dino Duratovic, part-owner and general manager, says that the menu’s array of offerings has both multi-cultural appeal and strong Bosnian roots. From Philly cheesesteak to cevapi, the menu boasts plenty of Bosnian dishes with Mediterranean-style twists, like their gyro, served in soft lepinja bread, rather than in a pita. And there’s an ample selection of local microbrews. “You have to do it in Grand Rapids,” Duratovic explains.
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Duratovic’s father, Damir, like many of the Bosnian refugees who came to Grand Rapids in the late 90’s and early 2000’s, established himself on the local business scene with hard work and an entrepreneurial spirit. In 2001, he opened Bosna Express, first on Clyde Park Ave in Wyoming, now at 128 28th St SW.
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The Duratovics’ vision is to provide excellent food and quality service. It’s clear their hard work has paid off – as it has for other Bosnians and recent immigrants. “There are so many Bosnian companies here,” the younger Duratovic explains. Those who fled conflict in the former Yugoslavia now claim business success and a thriving local network in Grand Rapids. “It’s not only about the Bosnian community, we’re excited to see anyone do well,” Duratovic says.
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At Bosna Express, both Bosnian and English are spoken fluently, and everyone from sports fans to local beer aficionados will feel at home. Framed jerseys hang on the brown brick and wood panel walls, and soccer trophies line the top of a cooler behind the counter. The restaurant has the familiar feel of a pub, and the wide-boothed comfort of a family restaurant.
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Bosna Express’ menu combines both contemporary and traditional offerings to create innovative meals. Local micro brews like Perrin’s Hotbox Brown and international classics like a trappist ale from Belgium pair perfectly with comfort-themed dishes. The cevapi, a Bosnian meat sandwich on soft, house-made lepinja bread is garnished with locally-sourced fixings and served open faced – what Dino Duratovic calls “Grand Rapids-style.”
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Other Bosnian favorites such as cimbur, a fried egg dish, are offered alongside European mainstays like beef stroganoff and stuffed peppers. Smoked sausages, feta and baklava are also available from a small deli. At Bosna Express, the combination of local ingredients and Bosnian tradition yields a food experience infused with a distinctive Grand Rapids story.
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Find Bosna Express on Facebook // See a short video featuring Dino Duratovic
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Hours: 10am – 9pm.