The BOB, the iconic West Michigan dining and entertainment complex, will reopen to the public on Thursday, Sept. 8.
The reimagined layout of The Big Old Building is highlighted by expanded brewery operations, a self-service beer wall, an outdoor beer garden, the return of Dr. Grins Comedy Club, three unique venues for live entertainment, and additional space for special events and catering.
With a renewed focus on brewing and craft beer, The BOB is extending the footprint of BOB’s Brewery up into the first floor. With a new dedicated dining area, BOB’s Brewery will now feature a delicious barbecue and smoked meats menu to compliment their established catalog of popular craft beers like Full On IPA, Spaceboy Stout, Oktoberfest, and Peanut Butter Porter. The expanded brewing operations will allow Brewer John Svoboda to keep a majority of the taps on the new self-service beer wall filled with BOB’s Brewery standards and special one-off brews.
The Beer Garden will be open spring through fall. Beer and cocktails will be served from Containment, The BOB’s famous shipping-container-turned-bar. Live acoustic acts and DJs will play atop Containment on Friday and Saturday nights from 9 p.m.-1 a.m.
Entertainment and games will be present throughout the building. HOME (House Of Music & Entertainment) and Bobarino’s Pizzeria will host the midwest’s best party bands (Brena, Jedi Mind Trip, Funkle Jesse, The 1985, etc.) and GR’s hottest DJs (DJ Jay Vee, DJ Kane, DJ Keller Shaw, etc). Billiards, ping pong and other games will be available at Bobarino’s and BOB’s Brewery (lower level).
Dr. Grins Comedy Club will officially open on Sept. 8, featuring Pete Lee (“Last Comic Standing,” “The Tonight Show,” “Comedy Central”). Dr. Grins will host nationally acclaimed stand-up comedians weekly on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights.
In addition to the barbecue menu at BOB’s Brewery, wood-fired pizzas will return at Bobarino’s Pizzeria. Catered affairs and private dining will also be available in more abundance as Eve on the fourth floor becomes a space entirely dedicated to special events. L3vel on the third floor is also available for larger events like weddings, trade shows and corporate gatherings.
Big events are returning to The BOB right away with Art Prize (Sept. 15–Oct. 2) and Halloween (Oct. 29). The Big Old Building is an excellent venue for community events and Grand Rapids can expect The BOB to host a large number of building-wide events on a yearly basis.
It’s a fitting time for the return of The BOB, as 2022 is the 25th anniversary of this Grand Rapids institution. The BOB is thrilled to be back and looks forward to offering the best service, cuisine and entertainment that downtown Grand Rapids has to offer.
Please visit thebob.com for updates on menus, events and entertainment schedules. Contact catering@gilmorecatering.com for information on special events bookings.
