Announced:
The new owner of Buffalo Tobacco Traders (952 E. Fulton St., Grand Rapids) is seeking permission from the Grand Rapids Planning Commission to add a bar to the shop, allowing patrons to toke up a fat, juicy cigar while sipping on a craft cocktail.
Opening:
The adventurous Green Door Distilling Company (429 E. North St., Kalamazoo) is now serving up craft spirits and high-end cocktails in its taproom in Kalamazoo. White/honey whiskey and vodka are available now, with bourbon and wheat whiskeys aging away for far future consumption.
Books & Mortar (955 Cherry St. SE, Grand Rapids) recently opened its doors in the East Hills neighborhood of Grand Rapids. The store was two years in the making for Chicago transplants Chris Roe and Jonathan Shotwell, who wanted to fill the gap of independent bookstores in the city.
Women At Risk International just opened the Tea Trade Cafe (2790 44th St. SW, Wyoming) at its headquarters. All proceeds will go to (as the name implies) women at risk around the world.
A handful of breweries have opened in the past month, including New Holland’s Knickerbocker (417 Bridge St. NW, Grand Rapids), Distant Whistle Brewhouse (118 S. Main St., Vicksburg) and Fireside Brewing Co. (430 W. 17th St., Holland).
The infamous Grand Coney has opened a fourth location, this time at 5121 28th St. in Grand Rapids. Is it open 24 hours like the Michigan Street spot? No. Does it have all the same massive breakfast skillets and classic coney dogs? Yes.
ClosED:
Vintage clothing store and sometimes concert venue Flashback (450 Leonard St. NW, Grand Rapids) was sadly forced to close its doors this past month, going out with a bang thanks to a big sale and benefit show.
Other:
Brighton Graye’s (1747 Plainfield Ave. NE, Grand Rapids) has converted entirely to a banquet and events facility, following in the footsteps of The Waldron Public House. Comments on Facebook seem to suggest that the menu may have been too high-end for the area. Meanwhile, the owners have added a dinner menu to Little Lucy’s Cafe next door, which was previously a breakfast and lunch joint.
Similarly, Silverberry (4029 Plainfield Ave. NE, Grand Rapids) closed its doors in order to focus on its catering, which the owners said has become their greatest strength. As time goes on, the maker of European pastries and other desserts plans to expand its online offerings for those who miss the café.
If you have any closings, openings or other business news for REVUE, e-mail
