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After changing its name from “Railbird” to avoid confusion with Railtown Brewing, Alebird Taphouse & Brewery arrived in Byron Center at 2619 84th St. SW. The new restaurant and brewpub is already making a name for itself with bold food, a large tap list and some signature cocktails. You’re never going to open a brewery with 20 beers off the bat, so it’s helpful that Alebird has a healthy selection from other breweries across the nation to supplement. At launch, Alebird kicked off with a pale ale, coffee stout, Brut IPA and classic IPA — we’re sure there’s plenty more where that came from.
If you’re ever up near the idyllic little Beaver Island, take the ferry across to visit a special place with Michigan’s most remote brewery, Whiskey Point Brewing Co. (38230 Michigan Ave., Beaver Island). Owner Patrick McGinnity already has been sharing his homebrews with fellow islanders for years to great acclaim. If you’re not a fan of boats, at least you can expect some limited distribution in the Charlevoix area.
In 2019, it’s easier than ever to watch a movie at home on a pretty nice TV with a decent sound system, which means movie theaters really have to step up their game to make the trip worth it. Sperry’s Moviehouse in Holland is up to the challenge, opening at 84 W. 8th St. with luxury chairs that feature heating and massage options. The 11-screen “boutique” theater has fewer seats per room to create a more relaxed, intimate experience. Soon, you’ll even be able to order beer and wine, as well as food delivered right to your seat. Plus, at $11.75 per ticket, it’s no more expensive than any major theater around.
Yote Lab is more than a coffee shop — it’s a co-working space, meeting place and even an app. It’s all about making connections and working together, even down to the furniture by Steelcase and drinks all from Ferris Coffee. You’ll also find baked goods from Van’s pastries and small plates like ramen. Rent a desk and connect your laptop to the huge monitors or just take a seat at an open table. It’s all at 333 Grandville Ave. SW, Grand Rapids, right next to Founders Brewing.
There’s a modern push toward healthy eating, drinking and living, and War Room Cafe is no exception. The new cafe in Grandville at 3097 30th St. offers all the uber-healthy juices and smoothies you can shake a straw at, like the A.B.C. with apples, beets, carrots, ginger and lime. There’s also coffee from Madcap and plenty to eat, from vegan sandwiches to salads and a variety of avocado toasts.
—Compiled by Josh Veal
If you have any closings, openings or other business news for REVUE, e-mail josh@revuewm.com.
