EL GRANJERO

When Mercedes Lopez-Duran was a little girl, she imagined she might go to the head of the class when she grew up - as a teacher. Instead, today she's the head of a thriving, local restaurant. Lopez-Duran is the owner and creative chef at El Granjero, a Grand Rapids restaurant that prides itself on serving delicious, authentic Mexican dishes like grilled cactus, and bright pink, sweet Jamaica (pronounced ha-my-cah) juice made from the Jamaica flower.

Also known as: El Granjero Mexican Grill

Primary location: Grand Rapids United States