ADA, Michigan — A familiar name is returning to Ada and setting up shop at an even more familiar location next month.
The O'Briens Schoolhouse deli is set to open at the former location of the Ada Village General Store on July 1.
O'Briens Schoolhouse will sell sandwiches, ice cream, shakes, beer, wine, cocktails and penny candy. The new deli is also part of Ada's Social District, which operates from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. everyday.
Owner TJ O'Brien's family is a well-known name in the village, having previously ran O'Briens Market and Deli, which closed in 2017. Now, O'Brien is set to open his new deli in the Little Red Schoolhouse after renovations were done, adding a kitchen, a patio and outdoor seating.
“We’re thrilled to bring the O’Briens name back to Ada,” said restaurant owner TJ O’Brien. “Ada General Store has been a staple on River Street and having the opportunity to expand and grow the customer base as O’Brien’s Schoolhouse is really exciting.”
O'Brien also owns O'Briens Deli and Burgers located at 1200 East Paris Ave SE.
The Little Red Schoolhouse originally served as a single-room schoolhouse in the mid-1800s and was later turned into an ice cream parlor in the 1970s, a flower shop in 2003 and then a general store in 2018.
The historic schoolhouse has experienced a lot over the years, including being moved 300 yards down the road in 2017 to accommodate for local development and the construction of a basement at the site.
Building owner Cheri DeVos bought the building in 2017 and was instrumental in the two rounds of renovations since 2017.
"I’m happy that I was able to help Ada Village retain some of the important quaint character we all know and love about the Little Red Schoolhouse," said building owner Cheri DeVos. “I’m looking forward to seeing the community enjoy the next chapter of the space as O’Briens Schoolhouse.”
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