ROCKFORD, MI - Jody’s Restaurant, a Rockford staple known for diner classics like mushroom melts, homemade cinnamon rolls and crispy chicken tenders, announced on Dec. 11 that it would be closing after 44 years in operation.
Soon, a West Michigan credit union will be moving in.
The long-running restaurant said it would tentatively shutter its doors by Dec. 22, 2024, after owner Don Mendham decided to retire.
A post on Facebook confirmed that it has “been sold and is closing,” but did not name a buyer.
City of Rockford property records show that the restaurant’s property, located at 503 E. Division St. NE in Rockford, has been purchased by Consumers Credit Union, a West Michigan financial institution headquartered in Kalamazoo.
The half acre property and 2,178-square-foot building were sold to Consumers Credit Union by Jody’s on Dec. 20 for $700,000.
Lynne Jarman-Johnson, the chief marketing officer at Consumers Credit Union, confirmed the sale.
“We are thrilled to be opening an office in our Rockford community,” Jarman-Johnson said. “We’ve been serving Grand Rapids for over a decade, and Rockford is a natural extension of that market and home to many of our members and employees.
“We are excited to provide financial support, create jobs and invest in community initiatives in the years ahead,” she said.
The credit union anticipates breaking ground on a new building later in 2025, Jarman-Johnson told MLive.
In its December Facebook update, Jody’s posted, “While all of this is happening so fast for Don and starting his retirement, it is still bittersweet.”
“Don has been serving our community for almost 44 years. A huge shout out to him and his family for being so committed to the business and the community.”
Jody's Restaurant, located at 503 E. Division St. NE in Rockford, has closed after 44 years in operation. Danielle James | MLive
Throughout December, the restaurant discontinued its breakfast offerings, sold its bulk food items and posted its freezers for sale.
RELATED: See which Grand Rapids-area restaurants, cafes closed in 2024
Commenters on Facebook shared their fond memories of Jody’s as the restaurant updated patrons on its closure. Many highlighted the baked chocolate chip cookies and strawberry shortcake.
Want more Grand Rapids-area news? Bookmark the local Grand Rapids news page or sign up for the free “3@3 Grand Rapids” daily newsletter.