Welcome to Cafe Jazzy Rose
Cafe Jazzy Rose is a jazz-centric restaurant, elixir lounge, and cafe that offers dine-in and to-go services for lunch and dinner. With a menu that showcases a variety of dishes made to celebrate jazz locales, and botanical zero-proof cocktails to enhance your mood, Cafe Jazzy Rose stands out as an inviting and distinctive dining option. Providing exceptional service and a unique ambiance, we aim to be a culinary destination in Grand Rapids.
Head Chef & Co-Owner Ben Kaja
For Chef Ben, a plate is a composition—a rhythmic blend of history, travel, and technique. With an MFA in Poetry and a background as a musician, he approaches the kitchen as he does a jazz set: with soul, improvisation, and mastery.
His 'Greatest Hits' menu is a
culinary map of a 30-year odyssey. From the precision of Tokyo and the coastal brightness of California to the deep, smoky traditions of the American South, Ben fuses world cuisines into a singular, soulful experience. Inspired by the legacy of Anthony Bourdain, José Andrés, and his father’s quote written to Ben in a poem “Dare dreams real”, his mission is simple: a service of genuine kindness. He has created a sanctuary where you can explore the unfamiliar and leave not just satisfied, but genuinely happier than when you arrived.
Co-Founder and Co-Owner Joseff VanHorn
With over 30 years of hospitality leadership, Joseff is the foundational force behind Cafe Jazzy Rose. Having honed his skills in premier establishments from Grand Rapids to La Jolla, California, he founded YoChef’s Catering Company in 2009 with a simple vow: to use only the
freshest ingredients and lead with passion. At Cafe Jazzy Rose, Joseff ensures that every guest experiences the premier standards of service and quality he has championed throughout his distinguished career. Joseff ensures that every guest experience at Cafe Jazzy Rose is a masterclass in service and atmosphere. His vision is to provide a space where Ben’s culinary creations can be enjoyed in a setting that feels like a 1920s escape. For Joseff, hospitality is an art form, and he has spent his distinguished career perfecting the fine details that turn a simple evening out into a lifelong memory.