♦ Dreamy Bites ♦ Elevated Heights ♦ Dazzle in zero proof ♦
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, Owner, & Co-General Manager: 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.
The Parents Behind It All: Robin & Randy
Cafe Jazzy Rose was built on family. Chef Ben's parents, Randy and Robin, have been our anchors from the very beginning, acting as our liaisons through the restaurant purchase and joining us for every inspector and contractor walkthrough.
Every architectural detail carries their touch. Randy hand-crafted our bar partition, custom shelving, the bar pass-through, the caddies for your accoutrements, and the museum-grade art plaques. They did everything together—from building the bar wall from the studs up and applying the paint that sets our mood, to tackling the network wiring and ceiling tiles.
While Randy handled the structural and technical, Robin served as Jessie's trusted partner in art: choosing our gallery frames, vases, and lush greenery. She even navigated the painstaking task of applying the gold vinyl to the mural wall with a patience only a mother has. Together, they engineered the custom metal orb candle holders Jessie requested to perfection. We are eternally grateful for the love, labor, guidance, and patience they’ve poured into Cafe Jazzy Rose.
Many years ago, Randy visited Ben while he was in his University writing program. After the visit, Randy wrote Ben a poem. In it, he advised Ben to "Dare dreams real." Both of them have followed that advice for a long time, and Cafe Jazzy Rose is the living result of that dare.
Creative Director & General Manager: Jessie Kaja
Jessie is the strategic and creative force behind Cafe Jazzy Rose. Wearing the dual hats of General Manager and Tech Strategist, she masterminds the behind-the-scenes operation: spearheading website development, digital systems, and overarching brand strategy to keep the restaurant moving dynamically forward.
However, Jessie’s true signature is written into the very walls of the space. As Brand Historian and Principal Designer, she channeled her passion for art and historical accuracy into creating the restaurant's identity, blending striking Art Deco design with a welcoming, curated atmosphere. Whether she is optimizing the digital guest experience or perfecting the physical ambiance, Jessie ensures that the soul of Cafe Jazzy Rose, and the artists of the Jazz Age, shine through every touchpoint.
Bar Manager:
Alex Lackey
A familiar face in the Grand Rapids community, Alex Lackey brings years and years of bartending expertise and a vibrant local passion to the heart of our lounge. As Bar Manager, Alex has been absolutely instrumental in our success, consistently going above and beyond his duties to elevate the guest experience. Super friendly and deeply extroverted, he approaches hospitality like a master performer—effortlessly talking with guests, sharing stories, and making everyone feel instantly at home. When he isn't crafting complex liquid harmonies or innovating with our zero-proof botanical elixirs, you’ll find Alex soaking up the rhythm at music festivals or catching college and professional sports games. For Alex, a perfect night is all about high energy, great conversations, and seamless hospitality.
Sous Chef:
Cinque Ginns
Hailing from Chicago, Cinque Ginns brings 16 years of culinary devotion and a deeply soulful approach to our line. For Cinque, food isn't just a career—it is a lifelong passion that sparked in the kitchen of his grandmother, who taught him that cooking for others is the ultimate way to bring people pure joy. While his favorite cuisine to savor and perfect is barbecue, his inspiration knows no bounds. When he steps away from the heat of the kitchen, Cinque proudly classifies himself as a massive nerd—diving into video games, anime, comic books, building intricate Lego sets, and curating his action figure collection. Bringing that same focused creativity and playful artistry to his plating, Cinque plays a vital role in keeping our menus comforting, distinct, and full of heart.
Kitchen Manager:
Fish McSpuds
Born and raised right here in Grand Rapids, Fish McSpuds brings over a decade of kitchen expertise and a powerful mindset to the culinary ensemble. For Fish, cooking isn't just about executing a recipe—it is driven by a restless desire to consistently make dishes better than ever before. This culinary philosophy mirrors his approach to life, where his primary focus has always been continuous growth in all areas. When he isn't orchestrating a flawless nightly service with Chef Ben, Fish is heavily drawn to the peace of remote living, immersing himself in music, and dedicating his energy to loving and uplifting his friends and chosen family. Bringing precision to the line and soul to the crew, Fish ensures our kitchen always moves forward in perfect harmony.