Grand Rapids Garage Bar & Grill is taking it to the streets

The popular North Monroe Garage Bar & Grill is bringing some serious fun to Grand Rapids this summer as it hosts weekly Wednesday night block parties through August 31. The shindigs will be held in front of the venue, located at 819 Ottawa Ave., from 6-10 pm each week.

Like its 2015 inaugural year, the parties not only bring music and fun to the ascending North Monroe light industrial neighborhood, but also have a charitable component with a portion of the proceeds benefiting the Grand Rapids Home for Veterans.  According to founder Kevin Farhat, they have raised more than $7,300 through the block parties and other charitable events over the last two years. Farhat says the support for veterans is a legacy from the previous owner of Teasers, the previous bar where Garage is now located.

Farhat says the block parties are bigger and better this year. “We have bigger acts, a bigger stage (The Who could play on it), and more people. We are blessed to be able to put these on,” he says.  Farhat adds the parties get a great deal of support from classic car and motorcycle enthusiasts, which adds to the existing  North Monroe vibe that he describes as “free spirited” and “easily accessible.” (Parking is always free.)

The block parties are not the only thing happening at the Garage Bar & Grill. Farhat says they recently received permission to install a parklet in front the bar. “It is something I have seen in other parts of the city. It really improves the curb appeal. It’s very attractive, and it livens things up.  It’s also the first tables to fill up.”  Also with the addition of 20 seats, Farhat says business is up 20 percent this year.

Working with his partners  from Third Coast Development, Farhat says that the Garage Bar & Grill brand has an excellent opportunity to grow, either through opening other locations or franchising.  He says the business currently employs 24 people.

For more information about Garage Bar & Grill,including their block parties, you can visit their website here or Facebook page here.

Writer: John Rumery, Innovation and Jobs News Editor