What started in 2023 as a small community idea has grown into one of the most anticipated events of the spring in West Michigan. A new small business, a belief that Rockford deserved something special, support from the Rockford Chamber of Commerce and city officials, and collaboration with other local businesses — that’s how a block party becomes a tradition. Year four brings the biggest lineup yet.

At the end of 2024, we didn’t know what the future held for our business. Running a small, independent food business has only gotten harder—rising food costs, rising labor costs, supply issues, and the constant pressure to do more with less. We’re not backed by investors. There’s no safety net. Everything we’ve built has been bootstrapped, step by step.

Every spring, we do something a little different here in Rockford — in the best possible way. We shut down an entire city block, fill it with tacos, live music, miniature donkeys, kids activities, and a whole lot of community love, and celebrate Cinco de Mayo the way it deserves: loudly, deliciously, and together. The Cinco de Mayo Block Party has become one of the most anticipated events of the year...

As we reflect on 2024, it’s clear this year has been one of growth—not just as business owners but as individuals and as a team. Running...