Gerald R. Ford International Airport, in partnership with HMSHost, is set to open a Bell’s Brewery location on Concourse B this winter.
“Since opening in 1985, Bell’s Brewery has been a beloved staple in our community,” said Gerald R. Ford International Airport Authority President and CEO Tory Richardson. “With an average of 10,000 passengers coming through our terminal daily—some of whom are first-time visitors to West Michigan—we are excited to showcase the vibrant local flavors of our region and hope all our travelers can enjoy the diverse options available to them.”
Restaurateur HMSHost, part of leading global travel experience player Avolta, operates more than 1,000 dining venues across North America, including partnerships with local businesses and brands to elevate travel venues and introduce regional culinary expertise to a global audience. The Bell’s Brewery location will feature classic favorites such as Oberon Ale and Two Hearted IPA, along with seasonal offerings and a menu of small bites and snacks.
“We are proud to partner with Ford International Airport and Bell’s Brewery to expand the concessions program and to bring a taste of place to the concourse through a dining venue inspired by a beloved, locally born brand,” said HMSHost Vice President of Business Development Bryan Loden. “Bell’s Tap and Table will make a traveler’s journey through the airport all the more exciting by offering great beer, delicious food and excellent hospitality.”
“Bell’s is proud of our Michigan-based roots and we’ve loved being able to bring exceptional craft beer to our communities for nearly four decades. Through this partnership, Michiganders on the west side of the state can now experience Bell’s at new occasions,” said Bell’s Executive Vice President Carrie Yunker.
Ford International Airport to open a Bell’s Brewery this winter. (Rendering Courtesy, Ford International Airport)
Ford International Airport and HMSHost continue to offer a variety of restaurants, shops and amenities, including Founders, Firehouse Subs, INK by Hudson, Starbucks and more. For more information about the amenities offered at the Ford International Airport, visit FlyFord.org/amenities.
Valentine’s Day is just around the corner! Find gift ideas, special events, dinners, and get-aways to treat your Valentine to a uniquely West Michigan experience.
Gift Ideas & Valentine’s Day Events
Need help finding a card for your Valentine? Kalamazoo’s Bell’s Brewery has you covered! Choose from 23 Bell’s Brewery inspired Beerentine e-cards to send digitally to someone special.
Join swing dance instructor Becky Biesiada at SE4SONS Gastropub inside the Muskegon Country Club for a series of three dance classes in February. This is a fun opportunity to learn something new! Don’t forget to check out SE4SONS Gastropub after class for great Happy Hour Deals. Call 231-755-3737 for reservations. Classes will be held 6 – 7 p.m. on Feb. 13, and 20. Cost is $85 per couple, $60 for individuals.
Head to Guardian Brewing in Saugatuck on Feb. 13 for Guardian Beer School: Galentine’s Day Beer, Cheese, and Chocolate Pairing.
On Thursday, Feb. 13, from 6 — 8 p.m., celebrate your Valentine and friends with Date Night: Pizza & Puzzles at the Muskegon Museum of Art. Bring your sweetheart or a friend for a relaxed night of pizza and puzzles in the galleries. Tickets include a table for puzzle building with your partner, pizza, and one free drink ticket for the cash bar. Puzzles are provided. The cost is $20 per person.
For special gifts, visit downtown Marshall. You’ll find flowers, wine, specialty shops to write love letters or memory books, and treats for your four-legged Valentine. Strawberries dipped in chocolate are a romantic treat, but what about pickles and chocolate, or chocolate-covered cheesecake jalapeno poppers? These unique treats and more await you in Marshall.
Valentine’s Day Weekend Dinners & Events
Enjoy a special Valentine’s Day menu at The Grove Restaurant at Gordon Beach Inn in Union Pier. Dinner is $80 per couple and includes butternut squash soup, mixed green salad, surf & turf featuring lobster tail and filet, parmesean risotto croquettes, chocolate dipped strawberries, and split of proseco. Reservations are requested, call 269-934-9700 to reserve your table.
Journeyman Distillery serves up an evening of cask-strength laughs on Valentine’s Day at Comedy on the Rocks, featuring award winning stand-up comedians and craft-cocktails with a view of their working stills at their Three Oaks distillery. Featuring Zako Ryan, headliner Amy Sumpter, and your host for the evening, Maxwell Tidey. Admission is $20 per person.
Cornwell’s Turkeyville will feature a Murder Mystery Dinner on Feb. 14 and 15. (Cornwall’s Turkeyville)
Cornwell’s Turkeyville in Marshall hosts a Murder Mystery Dinner: Get a Clue, Feb. 14 and 15, a fun and entertaining way to spend your Valentines’ weekend!
Spend Valentine’s Day at Vineyard 2121 in Benton Harbor with a candlelight dinner and wine pairing suggestions, live music, and dancing to your favorite romantic songs, Friday, February 14th, 6:00 pm-9:00 pm. Seating is limited and advanced tickets are suggested.
Airway Fun Center in Portage is hosting a Couples Cocktail Class inside their taproom February 14th at 6:00 pm. Guests will enjoy step by step instructions as they create three creative cocktails. Appetizers will be included in the cost of the class. Registration is $30 per person.
This Valentine’s Day, say “I love you” with a romantic dinner date at the historic W.K. Kellogg Manor House in Hickory Corners, overlooking beautiful Gull Lake. Enjoy a four-course dinner that will include grilled mojo sirloin steak or grilled salmon filet, both served with fresh pico de gallo, avocado, tortilla strips and Cotija cheese, coconut rice and fresh vegetables, and a dark chocolate ganache served with fresh fruit and whipped cream for dessert.
Crane’s Winery presents the 2020 Cider-Maker’s Dinner on Feb. 15, 6 – 9 p.m., at their restaurant in Fennville, showcasing West Michigan’s wonderful cider-making expertise with a six-course pairing dinner featuring dishes made from local ingredients in an “Upscale Cider Pub” theme. Courses include wild game and local cheese selections, creamy New England clam chowder, lemony kale caesar salad in a parmesan crisp bowl, spicy elk nachos, smoked chicken & waffles, and a specialty Crane’s dessert. Seating is very limited. Tickets are $65 per person (this includes tax and tip), available at eventbrite.com. Come show some love to the amazing food and drink West Michigan has to offer. Crane’s is a family owned, family run business that has been a treasured travel destination in West Michigan for decades. Nestled in the lush, rolling hills of the family’s fruit farms just minutes from Lake Michigan’s shore, at Crane’s Pie Pantry Restaurant & Winery you will take home with you an experience that is sure to leave a lasting impression. The Crane’s family of businesses can be found throughout the Lakeshore with locations in Fennville (farms, pie pantry and winery), Crane’s Wine and Cider in Saugatuck and Crane’s In The City in Holland.
The Grand Rapids Downtown Market will be hosting an ice sculpturing event Feb. 14 – 16.
Join the Grand Rapids Downtown MarketFeb. 14 — 16 and chill out with over ten ice sculptures under the Downtown Market Shed, part of the Grand Rapids World of Winter events. On Saturday, enjoy an outdoor bar while watching chainsaw masters perform ice sculpting demonstrations throughout the afternoon.
Michigan’s only professional ballet company, Grand Rapids Ballet, presents Eternal Desire, a “mixed-bill” program featuring five different stand-alone pieces, including three never-before-seen world premieres, Feb. 14 and 16 at the ballet’s Peter Martin Wege Theatre.
Enjoy live music, cookie classes, gourmet hand-dipped chocolates and treats, and a special Daddy-Daughter Dance when you visit the Holland Area for Valentine’s celebrations.
Beer lovers, head to Grand Haven’s sixth annual Craft Beer Crawl on Saturday, Feb. 15, 2 — 7 p.m. Enjoy craft beers from over a dozen Michigan Craft Breweries at participating venues on a casual Saturday afternoon in Downtown Grand Haven.
Join Lemon Creek Winery Grand Haven Tasting Room for Wine and Chocolate Pairings celebrating Love, Wine & Chocolate Month in February. Starting weekends in February, visit the Grand Haven Tasting Room Fridays through Sundays for these special pairings featuring chocolates and Lemon Creek Wines. This featured tasting will also be available on February 14th, so bring your special someone. Cost is $14 per person or two for $25. Ice wine tasting, chocolate dessert cups with your favorite wine, and specialty chocolates are also available. Groups of 10 or more should call ahead for reservations. Must be at least 21 years old for wine tastings. Hours are Fridays & Saturdays noon — 7 p.m. and Sundays noon — 5 p.m.
On Friday, Feb.14, from 5:30 –7:30 p.m., come to the Lakeshore Museum Center in Muskegon for a Valentine’s Day Friday Family Fun Night. Take the whole family on a date at the museum. Enjoy collecting Valentines from various museum creatures, create your own Valentine’s Day craft, and learn some love science. You’ll also get a Valentine’s Day treat to take home. The cost is $5. No RSVP is required.
Treat your sweetheart to performances around Muskegon over Valentine’s weekend, including live music from popular West Michigan bands or stand-up comedians. Find details to help plan your weekend at the Muskegon Community Calendar.
Saturday, Feb. 15, the Muskegon Luge & Adventure Sports Park presents “Parkas & Plates.” This is a fun night for couples and friends who want to hit the lighted cross country ski or snowshoe trails, enjoy some amazing food and beverages, and kick back to live acoustic music. It’s the perfect Valentine’s date night or just a fun night out with friends.
Whether you and your sweetheart are keen to cozy, romantic dinners by candlelight or something a bit more adventurous like skiing or sledding, the Mt. Pleasant area offers a variety of Valentine’s Day date spots. Plan your Valentine’s Day date with the Mt. Pleasant date guide. Looking for unique, one-of-a-kind Valentine’s Day gifts for that special someone? Check out the Mt. Pleasant gift guide to find the perfect gift for your sweetheart.
Hotel Frankfort is hosting a Valentine’s Day Five Course Dinner at 6 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 14. Dinner is $50 per person and includes brie en croute, crab cakes, caprese salade, choice of filet minot or shrimp scampi, salted carmel apple crisp, and wine samples especially paired for each course. Reservations are required, call 231-352-8090.
A romantic Valentines Day wine paired dinner awaits you at the Inn at Black Star Farms in Suttons Bay. The Valentine’s-themed menu will be curated with courses to be shared making for a truly amorous, wine-paired culinary experience. Tables are limited, so purchase your tickets today.
Surprise your sweetheart with the gift of adventure in the most pristine, northernmost-tip of the Keweenaw Peninsula, an area of rugged beauty, ancient Lake Superior shorelines, and breathtaking terrain with Keweenaw Adventure Company in Copper Harbor. Cozy up in the Adventure Chalet and get out to explore by mountain bike and sea kayak.
Treat Your Valentine to a Special Getaway
South Haven has a gift for you when you stay at one of the area’s participating lodging properties between February and April 2020, including Lake Bluff Inn & Suites, and Baymont Inn & Suites. Receive two bottles of wine, a red and a white, two wine glasses, and corkscrew in a very nice, four bottle, insulated bag. Plus, coupons for free wine and beer tastings are included compliments of local breweries and Cogdal Vineyards. Don’t miss out on this fantastic Gift Bag Promotion, click here for participating lodging properties. From November 1st to May 15th, stay in one of the participating lodging properties and receive a free $25 Dine on Us card, then relax at one of South Haven’s top-ranked, participating restaurants, such as Taste, and enjoy the local cuisine.
Make it a weekend getaway at Maplewood Hotel in Saugatuck! Stay Friday night and get half-off Saturday night stay through Feb. 18. Book directly by calling 1-800-650-9790.
Plan a romantic, winter weekend getaway and experience the true joy of winter in West Michigan. From snowshoeing to ice fishing to indoor hot tubs, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Get the most out of your weekend getaway this winter by staying at one of Ludington’s top hotels. Stay Saturday night at the standard non-discounted rate and get Sunday night free! The Comfort Inn Ludington is the perfect balance of relaxation and fun. Call (231) 845-7004 to book your weekend getaway!
Amway Grand Plazain Grand Rapids is offering a Celebrate Romance package with overnight accommodations, complimentary bottle of sparkling wine or cider, and breakfast for two. Choose a romantic dinner for two at onsite restaurants, or a massage for two at Amway Grand Plaza Spa & Salon, or treat your special someone to the gift of relaxation with a certificate to the spa.
Celebrate a night of romance with overnight accommodations at the JW Marriott Grand Rapids. Elevate your evening with a bottle of wine or chocolate covered strawberries. Enjoy a special menu at Margaux or a massage for two at The Spa at JW.
Is your Valentine a fishing enthusiast? Treat them to a getaway at the Pere Marquette River Lodge in Baldwin, an Orvis-endorsed fly fishing outfitter, February 21st-23rd for Steelhead School. The school teaches the basics of fly fishing for steelhead and includes two nights lodging, breakfasts, lunches, and a half day guide trip for $405/person (based on double occupancy). For more, call the fly shop at 231-745-3972 or book your stay online.
Treat your Valentine to a getaway at Terrace Inn in Petoskey with a two night stay in a cottage room on Valentines weekend (Feb. 14 and 15) for $279. This package includes dinner for two and a Champagne split and a fabulous breakfast is also included each morning. Guests who just want to visit for dinner can enjoy a three course meal for just $39.95 per person and Nathan Towne will be performing in the dining room.
Indulge in sweeping views of Little Traverse Bay, a bottle of champagne, breakfast for two, and an evening in the hot tub or by the fireplace while being minutes away from Petoskey’s most romantic destinations. The Courtyard by Marriott Petoskey’sRomance Package is the perfect way to spend Valentine’s Day in Northern Michigan. Book your Romance Package today.
Love is in the air at Shanty Creek Resort in Bellaire. Surprise someone special with a weekend getaway and enjoy the outdoors. Create a custom package, including spa treatments, lift tickets, or cross-country trail passes, to get away to a Northern Michigan resort that spans 5,000 acres.
Whether you’re planning a surprise trip or celebrating an anniversary, Mackinac Island’s romantic charm can be felt around every corner. Give the gift of Mackinac this Valentine’s Day with Mission Point Resort’s Island Romance package; A picturesque getaway for two in a setting of historic churches, garden gazebos, refreshing lake breezes, and turquoise blue waters. This package features two night’s accommodations, a wine and cheese welcome amenity, half-day bike rentals to explore Mackinac Island, tickets aboard a Sip N’ Sail boat cruise, a romantic dinner for two in Chianti, and much more! Experience the magic of Mackinac with the one you love this summer.
Escape to the Keweenaw Area and find special Valentine’s Day experiences and packages, including luxury lodging with flower bouquets and in-room champagne or a spa experience designed to rejuvenate your body and mind with hot and cold-water exposure. Find more Keweenaw lodging options and specials by visiting the Keweenaw Convention & Visitors Bureau.
“FIRST is more than robots. The robots are a vehicle for students to learn important life skills. Kids often come in not knowing what to expect — of the program nor of themselves. They leave, even after the first season, with a vision, with confident, and with a sense that they can create their own future.”
― Dean Kamen, founder of FIRST Robotics
Top Dawgs: Code Red Robotics the Stray Dogs took home the prestigious Chairman’s Award.
Robot Rumble
The FIRST Robotics program is well underway with the first area competition set for this Saturday at Grand Valley State University. Two local teams, South Christian and Godfrey’s Lee High School, will be participating. The next big event will be at East Kentwood, Friday and Saturday, March 29 and 30. WKTV will be covering the East Kentwood event, which will have local teams from the Potter House, Wyoming High School, the community team Code Red, and host team, East Kentwood.
Think Spring
Get into the spring spirit with the Grand Rapids Art Museum’s “Art in Bloom,” which is running through the weekend. The exhibit features the work of 17 floral designers and their interpretation of 17 works from the Museum’s collection on view—ranging from Robert Rauschenberg’s Sterling/Whirl to Hans Arp’s La Sainte de la Lisiere. There are several activities planned around the bi-annual event including a tour, a Drop-in-Studio event, and a classical concert. Click here for more information.
Signs of Summer
Bell’s Brewery announced that Monday, March 25, will be the release date of its popular summer brew, Oberon. For those who wish to partake in all the revelry, Bell’s has a new Oberon Day Excuse Generator, http://bellsbrewery.com/excuses to help you get out of work. So party like its the summer of 2019 (which we hear is coming soon).
Fun fact:
Here is the cheese on cheesecake
In honor of the recent announcement that The Cheesecake Factory is coming to Woodland Mall, we dug up a few cheesecake fun facts: it is believed that cheesecakes were served to Olympian athletes at the 776 B.C. games to give them energy; the largest cheesecake every made weighed 4,703 pounds and was made by the Philadelphia Kraft Foods Mexico on Jan. 25, 2009; and the man credited for the New York-style cheesecake is Arnold Reuben, the man behind the Reuben sandwich. According to the story, Reuben was invited to a dinner party where the hostess served a cheese pie. He was so intrigued by this dish that he experimented with the recipe until he came up with the New York-style cheesecake. (Source)
Whenever you visit a place, you’re never seeing the full story. There’s always something going on behind an “employees only” door or a little secret that only the well-informed know. Luckily for you, some of the best places to visit in West Michigan have tours to show you everything you need to know. Ever want to see how Bell’s brews their beer? Or how Grimaldi’s chocolates turn out so delicious? Look no further than some of these behind the scenes tours!
South Region
Henderson Castle
The historic Henderson Castle was built in 1895 and is one of Kalamazoo’s most treasured landmarks. Today, they welcome visitors to come explore the castle in its entirety with their VIP Legacy Tour package. With this package, you can explore all floors of the castle from their basement kitchen to their rooftop deck and everything in between. Places that guests typically don’t see such as the vineyards and wine cave are also shown. If you want to get the most out of your trip to Henderson Castle, look no further than this extensive tour package!
Journeyman Distillery
Journeyman Distillery offers tours every day! The distillery is located in an 1800s factory building and has retained much of the original and historic architecture. Tours last approximately one hour and include the history of the distillery, a tour of the production facility, and an overview on how their spirits are produced. Of course, the tour concludes with a tasting of some of Journeyman’s finest spirits!
West Michigan Beer Tours
Why just tour one brewery when you can tour three? West Michigan Beer Tours offers variety of public tours with most including stops at three breweries to sample, tour, and meet the owners or brewers. Your tour director is knowledgeable in both the beer industry and the local area so you know that you’re getting a great tour. You’ll travel comfortably from brewery to brewery on their mini-coach bus. West Michigan Beer Tours is one of the best ways to see the behind of the scenes of local breweries!
Bell’s Brewery
Bell’s Brewery was a significantly different kind of brewery 30 years ago. It had one employee, Larry Bell, who worked out of plastic garbage bags and a 15-gallon stock pot. Today, Bell’s employs more the 400 people over 22 states and has their original brewery still in Downtown Kalamazoo. They offer free tours there on Saturdays and Sundays for those looking to see what goes into making their beer. Their Comstock brewery offers self guided tours where the public is welcome to observe the large area at their own leisure.
St. Julian Winery
St. Julian Winery’s Paw Paw location offers free year-round tours! Tours run seven days a week and all ages are welcome. After your tour, don’t miss their standard tasting of six samples of your choice and a complimentary logo glass which is yours to take home. Choose from over 40 products including wines that are exclusive to their tasting rooms, their Grey Heron Vodka, and their A&G Brandy. If you want even more, their Enhanced Tasting & Tour is reservation only and more than just your average experience! This is an extended tour and includes your choices of cheese or chocolate pairs. Their wine educators offer an in-depth education on the winemaking process from bud-break to bottling!
Marshall Historical Society
Don’t miss the longest running home tour in the Great Lakes area with Marshall Historical Society‘s Historic Home Tour! Private residences, commercial buildings, museums, and fairground buildings are given the tour treatment. The public is always invited to come see some of these amazing and unique places. Want to learn more about the architecture or the history behind of some of Marshall’s most famous buildings? Then take a day or two to explore and learn from one of the most trusted sources on Marshall’s past. Keep an eye out for 2016 dates!
Central Region
Grand Rapids Symphony
Have you ever wanted to see what goes into producing a symphony? The Grand Rapids Symphony offers both backstage tours as well as musician meet-and-greets to educate the public on their exciting work. With their new program, Backstage and Behind the Music, each session corresponds to one of the symphony’s concerts and gives guests the opportunity to see the entire process. For adults ages 21 to 35, there is the MySymphony360 program which includes discounted tickets, best available sating, exclusive backstage access, and musical meet-and-greets.
Long Road Distillery
Long Road Distillery takes great pride in their signature whiskies, vodkas, and gins. To show how much work goes into these creations, they invite you to tour their distillery. Led by one of their distillers or owners, tours take visitors through the entire distilling process, its principles, and where the ingredients come from. Questions are encouraged so don’t hesitate to ask your knowledgeable tour guide. You might even get to sample a spirit or two when you’re done!
Chocolates by Grimaldi
The factory tour at Chocolates by Grimaldi is the perfect way to learn about the process of making chocolate. See everything from the pod, to the bean, to the chocolate that you can eat! Taste fresh samples right off the line and see the production area for yourself. Check out their 1950s enrober that is just like the one from I Love Lucy. Schedule your tour today to see how Grand Haven gets their unique chocolates!
North Region
Grand Hotel
The Grand Hotel’s new stable is a great way to not only see the horses up close, but to also tour the island. Group carriage tours around Mackinac Island are perfect to learn about the area. These narrated tours start in downtown and stop at many points of interest along the way. The Grand Hotel’s concierge desk will help you personalize your route and even point out places on the island that are unseen by many. With an endless possibility of routes, adventure awaits you on Mackinac Island!
Chateau Grand Traverse
The tasting room at Chateau Grand Traverse invites you to check out their award-winning wines and enjoy their breathtaking views! Complimentary tours of the facilities are offered along with an overview of the history of the Northern Michigan wine industry. Your guide will teach you about the winemaking process from harvest to bottling. Don’t miss the chance to check out Chateau Grand Traverse’s wine making process and the amazing view that brought them there over 40 years ago.
Leelanau Adventures
Leelanau Adventures offers awesome guided tours and overnight stays at various locations. Have you ever wanted to experience Sleeping Bear Dunes or Manitou Island with a tour guide that will show you the best kept secrets? Look no further! You can choose between guided backpacking day trips or overnight stays with everything you need provided to you. Learn what it takes to survive in one of West Michigan’s most treasured locales. Trips run from June to September so check back next year to book your adventure!
Point Betsie Lighthouse
Marking the southern entrance to the Manitou Passage, Point Betsie Lighthouse stands as one of Benzie County’s most famous landmarks. The lighthouse was built in 1857 and had significant restoration work done in 2006. Their tours give the public the chance to see the lighthouse up close and personal. You can even climb the tower! Tours run from May until October so make sure to check it out when they reopen it next year.
As fans celebrate the release of Bell’s summer seasonal, Bell’s Brewery, Inc. is proud to announce that a new way to enjoy the taste of summer will be heading their way soon. Twelve-ounce cans of Oberon, packaged in 12-packs, will be released later this summer. They will feature the same look of Bell’s 16 oz. Oberon cans.
“Cans can go more places than glass and it’s a much more convenient packaging option – we believe our fans will really enjoy this new option,” said Laura Bell, Bell’s Vice President.
Bell’s Oberon Ale is currently available on draught, in bottles (6-packs and 12-packs) and in 4-packs (16 oz. cans). Mini-kegs will also return this summer and will feature a paisley design.
The new 12-ounce cans will be available across all areas Bell’s currently distributes to. Oberon is available year round in Florida, Arizona, southern California, southern Alabama and Puerto Rico.
Two Hearted Ale and the rest of Bell’s seasonal portfolio are also available in cans (according to their seasonal release). The Bell’s Beer Finder (bellsbeer.com) can be used to find Bell’s beer nearby.
ABOUT BELL’S BREWERY, INC.
Bell’s Brewery, Inc. began in 1985 with a quest for better beer and a 15 gallon soup kettle. Since then, we’ve grown into a regional craft brewery that employs more than 330 people over a 20 state area, in addition to Puerto Rico and Washington DC. The dedication to brewing flavorful, unfiltered, quality craft beers that started in 1985 is still with us today. We currently brew over 20 beers for distribution as well as many other small batch beers that are served at our pub in Kalamazoo, the Eccentric Cafe. Our ongoing goal is to brew thoughtfully, creatively and artistically. We strive to bring an authentic and pleasant experience to all of our customers through our unique ales and beers. For more information, please visit bellsbeer.com.
Construction has recently begun on a brand new full service kitchen and dining room at Bell’s Eccentric Cafe, 355 E. Kalamazoo Ave., in downtown Kalamazoo, adding about 130 seats.
The gastro pub style space will occupy more than 6,600 square feet of space that most recently served as storage and warehouse space to the east of the original Café.
This space was also part of Bell’s original brewery and well before that, a full service gas station.
“Our goal is to match and even enhance the high quality beer that is already being served with high quality food and service,” said Jason Reicherts, Director of Retail at Bell’s.
“We will be focusing on both the front and back house experience and with our Inspired Hospitality program, service will be a huge focus,” he said. “Our staff training program will feature an ever evolving and ongoing course of modules covering everything from the latest news in the craft beer industry to food and beer pairings,” Reicherts said.
The new menu will be a collaboration between kitchen management and the eccentric mind of Bell’s President and Founder, Larry Bell.
While still being developed, the new menu will feature fish and chips, fresh ground burgers (more than beef), fresh and unique salads, smoked meats, steamed mussels and eggs prepared in a variety of ways.
“We will try to source our ingredients locally whenever we can, but our focus will also be non-GMO and organic foods. Quality is the top priority, no matter where it comes from,” Reicherts said.
The new dining space will feature a gas fireplace along with an intricate mosaic tiled floor. The bar inside the original Café will also be expanded into space where the current 150 sq. ft. kitchen now resides, adding even more seating.
An employee area for the approximately 120 employees that work at the Café will also be part of this expansion. Adding additional parking options are also planned.
Local architect Nelson Nave, structural engineer Nehil-Sivak and construction company Maxwell & Associates are all working on the project.
Because of construction, brewery tours of Bell’s original brewery will not be offered on the weekends for the time being. Brewery tours in Comstock will be expanded however to Sundays at 1 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. A third Saturday tour option has also been added (2 p.m.) in Comstock.
“There may be some minor inconveniences in the interim, but the end result will be more than worth it. We hope our customers will be patient with us as we work to bring them an even better experience here at the Eccentric Café,” Reicherts said.
