TheLonesomeHobo

*anxiously awaits crane update*

Ralph’s is remodeling, is it me or didn’t this just happen in the last two years...?

I almost daily use the DASH starting between 3 - 5 PM and it’s been packed every day for months now.

Hancock’s opening is being (slightly) delayed. Not because of HPC issues but because Paul Lee didn’t realize how bad of shape Johnny B’z was in prior to acquiring the property. Hancock is slated for a hopefully April opening, on that note Johnny B’z is once again open until 3 AM Thursday - Saturday.

I can only imagine how old those trees are at this point! This caught me off guard, I know some people working in adjacent buildings close to the project who had no idea what was happening when the fencing went up! They thought the lot was getting re-paved

Zellar’s at least enforces a dress code and monitors who goes in and out, the closest store to Lucky’s is definitely the Franklin Big Save. I’ve lived in that neighborhood for awhile, that store is horrible, plus I’m sure you’re all familiar with the string of murders that occurred in the parking lot over the last 5 - 7 years...

I I just took a stroll through those blocks and realized my first statement was in fact incorrect, you’re right about the north side Douglas properties, when you’re wrong you’re wrong ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Dave and Paul (owners of Butchers Union) own the two buildings behind Butchers. (I believe that front in the alley?) They’re planning to develop them into two different concepts in the next 1 - 3 years.

I want to say 10 - 12 years?

The Wealthy Market is getting a liquor license again, but, was given requirements before they could be approved. (Increased outdoor lighting, a fenced in / locked dumpster enclosure, and the removal of the old street side sign). Besides the dumpster enclosure they’ve already completed all of this, and also remodeled the entire shelving behind the counter. They should be selling liquor again by next week.

Paul Lee has purchased Johnny B’z, sounds like they’ve cleaned house as far as management goes. No other word on any major changes going on. With The Hancock opening soon the Lee’s have a solid stranglehold on the Wealthy st restaurant scene.

The owners of The Woods and Tavern on the Square are in initial talks to buy Arcadia Ales, per company source.

The biggest argument I’ve beem encountering is ‘the city is in a desperate grab for cash’. When the reality of it all is, the city doesn’t make a dime off of meter fees, it goes to maitenence and the sustainability of the existing parking system wether it be meters, ramps, etc. I’ve had to explain this argument to numerous people throughout the city. As someone whom used to live on the east coast for six years, I honestly laugh when I hear about people complaining about something like this.

The spot The Commons in occupying is the former office before Oakwood was purchased. I lived there a couple years between 11 - 13, it’ll be interesting to see if this takes off because prior to the current renovations of the front drive of the building it was always a very awkward space to access even as a tenant. Curious if curstomers have open access to the front door (which you’d need a key / access code for) or if you can only access through the west side old office entrance. Edit: as a chef, after reviewing this menu it strikes me as putting an attempted old touch on menu items you can find across Grand Rapids easily these days. Granted, I wasn’t alive in the 70’s but I’ve seen a lot of rehashed versions of these items frequently throughout the west Michigan culinary scene / especially GR. I’m not ever one to insult other establishments, but this honestly feels like a feeble attempt at originality.

748 Leonard NW (old Horse Shoeing building) is going to be a Cricket Wireless. There’s also a new bar / music lounge called Turnstiles opening up at I believe 528(?) Leonard NW. Anyone have any insight as to what’s going on with the fenced off back area of Ralph’s?

https://m.facebook.com/notes/marie-catribs-of-grand-rapids/we-love-you-pass-it-on/10155733736481127/ The owners of Early Bird / Little Bird will be taking it over, it’s worth noting it was sold for 900k, he took the first offer he received.

New York Men's Wear is beginning a facelift, that awful purple / maroon awning was removed this week. Also, Georgina's is about a month away from opening up.

I can confirm this isn't a rumor, HopCat will be opening a second GR location somewhere around Knapps Corner. I'd keep my eyes on the former Fajita Republic building, or a new stand alone across the road.

I was told last week that 59 Commerce is on hold temporarily but will still be happening, possibly with a slightly altered concept.

a couple small tidbits; - The owner of the Electric Cheetah will be opening up a new concept in Alger Heights in May - The Shruken Head is still on schedule to be opening by August of this year

http://www.mlive.com/news/grand-rapids/index.ssf/2015/02/why_grand_rapids_vacated_a_dow.html interesting read with a key piece of information tucked in it; "The building is expected to begin being construction sometime this summer."

I noticed tonight the fence surrounding the demolition that Rockford put up was clad with ArtPrize advertisement / promotion, nothing like some never failing shameless self promotion.

I was really surprised to find out about this opening, even from within the BarFly circle the last few months the rumor had been Mark had bought 59 Commerce in order to expand Stella's vs opening a new restaurant.

those renderings look awesome, things look like they're starting to take off again. Maybe this board will get back to the way it was five / six years ago when I was just an onlooker.

the car wash has been completely razed and the whole lot is now topsoil but I haven't seen any activity to suggest digging is starting and I haven't seen any activity on the lot across the road beyond it being used as storage for equipment