Three new restaurants have opened in downtown Spring Lake in recent months, each bringing its own flavor to the community.
These new ventures are Mia’s Village Eats, Dr. Rolf’s Barbeque, and Hamburger Mikey.
Courtesy of Mia’s Village Eats. Alex and Brad Ashcraft, owners of Mia’s Village Eats.
Mia’s Village Eats: Fresh and local
Owned by husband-and-wife team Alex and Brad Ashcraft, Mia’s Village Eats focuses on providing healthy, delicious options that celebrate local ingredients.
“We started our food truck Smokin’ Ashes in 2020, and brick and mortar was always in the back of our heads,” Alex says. “We were very basic, looking around Grand Haven, Fruitport, not really any further than that.”
When the opportunity arose to take over a local space at 218 W. Savidge St., formerly Mama Mia’s pizzeria, they jumped at the chance.
“We heard word of mouth that the previous owners might be thinking about selling, and it was a little bit of a process, but it never hit the market.”
They kept part of the name, but they have made the restaurant their own.
“We wanted to keep the legacy of Mama Mia’s pizzeria but also add our own touch and rebrand,” says Alex.
Photo by Brittany Meyers. Mias Village Eats in downtown Spring Lake.
The Ashcrafts emphasize their commitment to supporting local farmers and producers, which is reflected in the ingredients they use.
“Everything is made in-house, from our dough to our sauces and dressings,” Alex explains.
“The local community has been very supportive, and we’ve had a lot of positive experiences,” Alex says. The restaurant’s rotating weekly specials, including Taco Tuesday and Wing Wednesday, offer dishes like chicken tortilla soup and chicken pesto pizza, ensuring there’s always something new to try.
“We have steady hours and offer quick service, making us a convenient option for lunch or a quick dinner,” she adds
The Ashcrofts each bring different backgrounds and skills to the business.
“My background is in customer service and event planning, while my husband has a diverse culinary background,” Alex says.
Photo by Brittany Meyers. Dr Rolfs Barbeque.
Dr. Rolf’s Barbeque: A doctor’s precision for the kitchen
Dr. Rolf’s Barbeque, 971 W. Savidge St., is the latest addition to the Hissom family’s culinary ventures, which started with a restaurant of the same name in Muskegon.
According to Judy Hissom, co-owner and wife of Dr. Rolf Hissom, their decision to open this location felt like a homecoming.
“Our family has lived in Spring Lake for over 30 years. We raised our five children in the Spring Lake community. Opening our second Dr. Rolf’s Barbeque here in this community was like coming home.”
The Hissoms pride themselves on their smoked meats and homemade sides, all inspired by Rolf’s own recipes.
“The rubs, smoking process, sauces, and sides are a result of years of Rolf cooking for our family and our community,” Judy Hissom says.
Rolf’s culinary journey began with a passion for cooking that evolved over the years. “Rolf has always had a passion for cooking and feeding people,” Hissom says. “In 2017, as our youngest son graduated from high school and another son moved home, we began growing this idea of taking Rolf’s recipes, coming up with a menu, and opening up a barbecue joint.”
They opened their first location in Muskegon in 2019, and the Spring Lake location opened over the summer.
Diners at the Spring Lake restaurant can enjoy amenities beyond what the Muskegon restaurant offers.
“Unlike our Muskegon location, we have a full bar menu here in Spring Lake. We also offer deck (outside) dining that is dog friendly, and there is even an opportunity for boaters to tie up alongside the docks.”
The journey hasn’t been without its challenges, from opening the Muskegon restaurant during the polar vortex of 2019 to navigating the COVID pandemic and launching a second location. “The key for us has been determination and surrounding ourselves with exceptional staff,” says Hissom.
The business is a family affair, with their sons and daughters-in-law actively involved.
Photo by Brittany Meyers. Hamburger Mikey in downtown Spring Lake.
Hamburger Mikey: A twist on the classic burger joint
For burger enthusiasts, Hamburger Mikey, at 909 W. Savidge St., delivers classic fare with a commitment to quality. Managing partner Tim Taylor has expanded the popular Muskegon brand into Spring Lake, bringing its signature burgers, fries, and shakes to a new audience.
Taylor says dedication to quality and service sets Hamburger Mikey apart.
“We’re all about our customer service being as equal as the food that we serve,” Taylor explains. “We always tell them that we’re not fast food, but we’re good food.”
One unusual aspect of the menu is the “burger of the month” collaboration with local restaurants.
Taylor says Spring Lake “is an amazing community” in an ideal location, situated between Grand Haven and Holland.
“Spring Lake is a great place for our business because of the busy traffic and the welcoming community.”
Photo by Brittany Meyers. Hamburger Mikey restaurant.
Taylor says the response from the community has been encouraging.
“The community has embraced us right off the bat, even before we opened. They have been very welcoming and supportive.”
Taylor hopes the business will play a meaningful role in the community.
“We hope to contribute to the local community by being involved and raising money for different causes,” he says.
We’ve all been there, right? You finally find an agency that gets you, the stars align, and you connect with that one Account Manager, Project Manager, or essential resource who just “gets” your business. They remember the details, they’re on top of things, and you feel like you’re finally in a groove. Then suddenly… *poof*… now you’re meeting someone new.
It’s frustrating, and you’re left wondering why this keeps happening. Let’s break down some of the reasons why agencies might keep switching things up on you—and how 3 Media Web does things differently.
1. High Turnover: A Symptom of a Deeper Problem
If you’re constantly seeing new faces, it’s probably a sign of high turnover. High turnover isn’t just about people leaving; it usually means something more is happening behind the scenes—burnout, poor management, or maybe a not-so-great culture. A revolving door of employees can disrupt your website project and make it hard to feel confident in your partnership.
At 3 Media Web, we know that happy, supported employees stick around, so we focus on building a culture where our team feels valued and empowered. To see how we boost our team and support each other, check out our blog on Strengthening Your Team Through Employee Advocacy.
2. Constant Shuffling: A Sign of Growing Pains
Sometimes, agencies grow faster than they can handle. Growth is exciting, but it can actually lead to chaos. Maybe they’re shuffling people around to balance workloads or accommodate new clients, and that means you’re the one who gets tossed around. This can make it feel like you’re just another project in a long list rather than a valued partner.
At 3 Media Web, we believe in putting clients first and ensuring you have a dedicated team that understands your business and sticks with you through every up and down. We aren’t just about quick wins; we’re in it for the long haul, building relationships that matter. Want to learn more about how we put our clients above all else? Check out our blog, Putting Clients First: How Advocacy Strengthens Our Team and Yours.
3. Misalignment of Skills or Roles
Sometimes, agencies think a change is for the best. They may feel another person is better suited for your project or has a skill set that aligns more with your needs. While that’s not a bad idea, it doesn’t always work out. Constant changes can feel like the foundation you’ve built with someone crumbles every time they’re swapped out.
At 3 Media Web, we work hard to match you with the right team from day one and commit to that relationship. When a change does need to happen, we ensure a smooth transition, and you’re never left feeling like you have to reintroduce your business from scratch.
4. Burnout and Overwhelm Are Real
Deadlines, client demands, and everything in between can create an environment where burnout is a real risk. And when someone feels overworked and burned out, you’re back to square one.
At 3 Media Web, we prioritize our team’s well-being, ensuring they have the support, tools, and balance to bring their very best to every project. A supported team means a consistent team that’s there for you through every project phase, marketing goal, and support ticket.
5. What Can You Do About It?
If you’re tired of always meeting a “new person” at your current web agency, here are a few things you can do:
Ask for Stability: Don’t be afraid to speak up. Ask your agency for more consistency and tell them how important it is for your business.
Document Everything: Work with your agency to create a living document that outlines your project goals, preferences, and details. This will smooth any transitions and ensure continuity.
Evaluate Your Partnership: If this is a recurring issue that doesn’t seem to be improving, it might be time to consider whether this agency is the best fit for you.
Build Relationships Beyond One Person: Get to know more than just your primary point of contact. Building relationships with the broader team can make any changes feel less abrupt.
Communicate Your Frustrations: If you’re feeling stuck, talk about it. A good agency will listen and work to find a solution that works for you.
Why 3 Media Web is Different
At 3 Media Web, we’re committed to building long-term client relationships. Our team is more than just a group of skilled professionals; we’re a dedicated partner in your business success. We don’t play musical chairs with your account managers or project managers. Instead, we ensure consistency, reliability, and an excellent team that cares about helping you achieve your goals.
When you work with us, you’re not just getting an agency—you’re getting a partner, a friend, who will stick by you through it all because you deserve to feel like your agency is truly an extension of your team.
So, if you’re ready for a team that values stability and client success, let’s chat. We’d love to show you how a true partnership feels.
Managing your budget can be a bit of a rollercoaster, especially when you’re so focused on tackling projects and getting things done that keeping an eye on your budget slips through the cracks.
If your budget seems to be disappearing faster than expected, you’re not alone.
Let’s explore why this might be happening and how you can make your dollars go further.
Understanding Retainer vs. Project Budgets
Retainer Budgets
Think of your retainer budget as an annual/monthly/quarterly subscription to your agency services. This budget covers ongoing support and regular maintenance. It’s predictable and ensures you always have our team on hand to tackle whatever you need, from minor updates to strategic planning sessions.
Project Budgets
On the other hand, project budgets are for those one-off, big-ticket items. These budgets are allocated for specific projects with a clear beginning and end. They can vary depending on the complexity and scope and be more flexible—but watch out for scope creep!
Common Budget Drainers
Scope Changes
Mid-project changes are budget busters. Every tweak means re-evaluation, planning, and extra work, all of which add up.
Multiple Revisions
Feedback is crucial, but multiple rounds of revisions can quickly eat into your budget. Aim for clear, consolidated feedback to keep things moving smoothly.
Meeting Time
Meetings are essential but costly, especially involving multiple team members. Efficient meetings are a must.
Tips to Optimize Your Budget
Define Clear Goals and Scope
Set clear goals and a defined scope right from the start. This helps avoid unexpected changes that can blow your budget.
Prepare Thoroughly
Provide all necessary materials and information upfront. This helps agency teams dive into the work without wasting time gathering resources.
Consolidate Feedback
Send comprehensive feedback rather than multiple piecemeal comments. This minimizes back-and-forth communication and keeps the project on track.
Efficient Meetings
Go into meetings with specific questions and objectives. This keeps discussions productive and time-efficient.
Utilize Your Account Manager
Your account manager’s time is on the house. Use them to stay informed about retainer usage and project progress, clarify doubts, and get strategic advice without impacting your budget.
Monitor Progress Regularly
Check your budget and project milestones, either with your account manager or if your agency partner is like 3 Media Web through a client portal. Regular check-ins help you stay on top of things and catch any issues early before they escalate.
Making the Most of Your Budget
Understanding the difference between retainer and project budgets and these efficiency tips can help you make every dollar count. At 3 Media Web, we deliver top-notch results while helping you manage your budget smartly. If you have any questions or need some advice, don’t hesitate to contact your account manager. We’re always here to support your success!
Courtesy of Mia’s Village Eats. Alex and Brad Ashcraft, owners of Mia’s Village Eats.
Photo by Brittany Meyers. Hamburger Mikey restaurant.