Grand Haven, MI (WGHN) – After more than 118 years in business, Fortino’s in downtown Grand Haven has completed a major renovation project aimed at preserving the historic specialty food store for future generations.
The project was supported in part by a $25,000 Match on Main grant from the State of Michigan and included new windows and doors for both Fortino’s and neighboring business Alegria, along with structural improvements to the front and rear of the historic building.To celebrate the completion of the renovations, Fortino’s will host a grand reopening celebration Thursday, May 28, from 5 to 7 p.m.
The history of Fortino’s dates back to 1907, when Louis Fortino immigrated from Italy seeking a better life for his family. After finding work in the United States, he purchased a small fruit and cigar shop in Muskegon for $25 from another Italian immigrant — laying the foundation for what would become one of Grand Haven’s longest-standing businesses.
Over the decades, the business adapted to changing times. In 1941, Paul and Mary Jane Fortino took over operations as supermarkets began replacing neighborhood grocers across the country. Rather than compete directly, the family transformed Fortino’s into a gourmet food store, a concept that was uncommon in the area at the time.
Of the nearly 30 small grocers operating in Grand Haven following World War II, Fortino’s is the only one still in business today.
In 1977, Margaret Michlitsch, daughter of Paul and Mary Jane, returned to Grand Haven with her husband, Navy veteran Ken Michlitsch, to continue the family business.
Longtime customer Kelly Larson became the fourth owner of Fortino’s in 2015 and has continued the tradition while maintaining the store’s deep ties to the downtown community.
“I like to say that I’m the caretaker of Fortino’s because it is so much more than we are,” Larson said.
Larson said the renovation project represents more than upgrades to a building.
“This is the staple of downtown,” she said. “It’s a treasure to all of us in Grand Haven — it’s more than just me. It’s Grand Haven’s.”
As Fortino’s enters its next century in business, the completed renovations stand as both an investment in the future and a celebration of the generations of customers and community members who have supported the store for more than a century.
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