"I didn’t want to be like any other restaurant. So, I’ve just been playing around with different food," owner Craig Dotson said.

A sampling of what’s on the menus: lobster and shrimp mac ‘n’ cheese from Central City Tap House; roasted pork loin from Epic Bistro; and Norwegian salmon from Webster’s Prime.

From 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Saturday, local businesses will serve up their own chili recipes for the 2012 Downtown Kalamazoo Chili Cook-off.

"We had people comment and say it’s the best brisket in Michigan," owner Steve Brinn said.

It marks Krall’s third appearance at the festival and first since 2000.

Chipotle Mexican Grill, a national fast-food restaurant chain, opened its Kalamazoo location at 5363 W. Main St. on Nov. 8. So far, the community has been receptive to the restaurant, said General Manager Gabe White.

Chipotle Mexican Grill, a national fast-food restaurant chain, opened its Kalamazoo location at 5363 W. Main St. on Nov. 8. So far, the community has been receptive to the restaurant, said General Manager Gabe White.

Earlier this week the Kalamazoo crooner announced the holiday concert would be held Friday, but chose to announce the location via Facebook and Twitter this afternoon.