TL/DR –
House Rules Board Game Lounge in Grand Rapids, Michigan, is expanding to offer more seating and add a full kitchen. The lounge, which opened around three years ago, provides a space for customers to play board games and has seen an increase in popularity during the pandemic. The expansion will allow for about 50 more seating spots, and the new kitchen will serve items that won’t interfere with gameplay.
GRAND RAPIDS BOARD GAME BAR EXPANDS
House Rules Board Game Lounge, a popular spot in Grand Rapids, Michigan, is expanding. Located at 404 Ionia Ave. near Wealthy Street, the board game bar is growing into the space behind it, adding more seating and a full kitchen.
House Rules Lounge was established about three years ago by Brian Beaucher, turning the former Craft Beer Cellar into a new concept. The lounge offers a library of board games for use and purchase by customers.
The popularity of board games increased during the pandemic, and as restricitons eased, many customers sought a space to play games while enjoying a drink out, according to Beaucher. He noted that customers enjoy the relaxed atmosphere where they aren’t rushed to leave after finishing a meal.
Despite its popularity, the team was limited by their current space. For the past two years, House Rules has consistently seen its reservation list filled. Beaucher mentioned that they often had to turn walk-ins away due to lack of space.
The expansion will provide seating for approximately 50 more guests and a semi-private room for group events. There was initially some indecision about adding a kitchen, however Beaucher believes it will meet customers’ needs by offering easy access to food. The new menu will feature fries with various toppings, sliders, and small plates that won’t obstruct board games.
The construction is on schedule and the team hopes to start serving food by mid to late May.
“People are super excited,” Beaucher said. “We are often fully booked on Saturdays. The expansion will allow us to accommodate more customers.”
While some future expansion ideas are under consideration, such as opening an adult arcade spot next door or launching another House Rules location, Beaucher’s current focus is on their existing location.
“We just want to ensure that we have solidified our concept here before we undertake any major expansions,” he explained.
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