GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — A Grand Rapids bar is celebrating after it was able to stay afloat during a nearly five-month-long, expansive road closure.
Pursuit of Happiness Co. is a champagne bar located in the Kingsley Building in Eastown.
The bar specializes in champagne by the bottle, the glass and in cocktails. However, they have a full liquor license and offer beer, wine, cocktails and non-alcoholic cocktails. They also offer small plates.
"We're a great place to stop on your way going somewhere else, on your way to dinner, on your way to a party," said Owner Wendy Wassink. "That's what we're known for."
Tucked away while Robinson Road SE was undergoing a construction project, Wassink said they're overjoyed the road is back open and business is picking up once more.
"At times, honestly, we were not sure we were going to make it, but we did, and we feel like survivors," Wassink said.
On Thursday, the bar celebrated with a champagne toast joined by people from the community, city, Uptown businesses and even some people from state government offices.
Wassink said they're glad the bar can go back to serving the community in its own special way.
"A niche that we feel like we fill here in town is just kind of like sunny, casual vibes," Wassink said. "So we always encourage people, just pop in. If you're in your jeans or your yoga pants or dressed up to go somewhere. We offer a really eclectic experience here, and you will see all kinds of different people heading different directions, and you really don't need to make a big plan to come here."
The bar's top sellers are their spritz cocktails—the French 75, the Kir Royale and the Paloma Spritz—followed closely by their espresso martini.
