The West Side of Grand Rapids might soon be toasting to new beginnings as the shuttered Kale’s Korner could get a new lease on life. WOODTV reports that Ramon1088, LLC, has set sights on the vacant venue at 511 Bridge St. NW for a "bar and restaurant concept." The site, which has remained unoccupied since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, became available when the bar known for its neighborhood charm closed and failed to reopen after the pandemic under the ownership of the late Robert Kale.

According to a memorandum included in the recent Downtown Development Authority meeting agenda, intricacies of a "significant investment" were unveiled. The upgrades, as per the memo from Downtown Grand Rapids Inc. Director of Operations Melvin Eledge illustrates, will see "full renovation of the kitchen, bar equipment, bathrooms," and not just that but also enhanced "lighting, floors, exterior windows and adding a garage door." The same meeting saw the DDA board throw their support behind a resolution recommending a liquor license for the establishment, as per WOODTV.

This resolution is now set to make its way before the Grand Rapids City Commission for consideration of the liquor license request. If granted, the transition could bring a fresh dining and nightlife option to the city’s urban fabric. Kale’s Korner, whose legacy continues to echo through 511 Bridge St., has been etched in the area’s history since its construction in 1920. While it may no longer serve patrons under that name, the essence of the community gathering it represented may soon find a resurgence.

In the wonderful wake of the news, Downtown Grand Rapids Inc. teased on social media about the upcoming changes at the corner of Bridge Street and Alabama Avenue NW. They urged followers to "stay tuned for what’s next," signaling an eagerness to fill the void left by Kale’s Korner with a venue that could once again draw locals and visitors to converge and revel in Grand Rapids’ renowned community spirit.