New LGBTQ Bar Coming to Grand Rapids’ Westside
A new LGBTQ bar and restaurant is being proposed for Grand Rapids' West Side.
New LGBTQ Bar and Restaurant Planned For Bridge St.
Alberto Garza and Jeff Steinport plan to open The General Wood Shop at 507 Bridge St. NW. The new bar and restaurant will join the booming food and drink scene in the neighborhood, sharing the block with Butcher's Union, O'Toole's Public House, Morning Belle, Jolly Pumpkin, and more.
Garza tells MLive,
There’s a lot of places in Grand Rapids that are friendly to our community, but we kind of want to make one in reverse where it’s a community space that is welcoming of everybody.
The owners say the new bar, which will host drag shows and other special events, is named for the business that occupied the same space in the 1940s and 50s.
They plan to renovate the building, adding a wood-slat bar and brown leather booths, and to restore the original brick walls, MLive reports.
When Will The General Wood Shop Open in Grand Rapids?
The General Wood Shop has received support from the West Grand Neighborhood Organization board and the proposal will be presented to the Grand Rapids Planning Commission for approval on Thursday, Sept. 22, according to MLive.
The menu is currently in development. We'll keep you posted as we learn more about what kind of food and drinks The General Wood Shop will be serving.
The next step will be getting a liquor license. Garza tells MLive they hope to open The General Wood Shop by early next year.