GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — The closure of Grand Rapids' popular burger joint Wahlburgers was a shock to the area back in August. Now it'll be the setting of a new concept that brings a bit of the Motor City to Michigan's westside.
The Foolery, coined a "fine-dive bar," will soon open at 10 Ionia Avenue NW. It's launched by the same owner as its next-door neighbor, a restaurant famous for its unique waffle dishes, Social Misfits.
The restaurant, just steps from Van Andel Arena, will feature Detroit-style pizza, inventive cocktails and cold beer.
The décor will be centered around all things retro: think your Grandma's basement, Farrah Fawcett and iconic beer posters of the 90s, staff say.
“The Foolery harbors a beautiful tension between fine and dive bar. The upscale upholstered furniture, spacious seating, and luxury comfort add a layer of class to this restaurant," said owner Spencer Raymond.
The Foolery is the third concept created by Raymond. His other location is the Misfit Society Coffee Club in Ann Arbor.
"[The space] oozes nostalgia and screams randomness and oddities that resemble a treasure trove of things from the past that evoke emotion. This degeneracy-filled play-place will undoubtedly put a smile on your face," he said.
The food and drink menus were crafted by the same team behind Social Misfits' selections, which includes a star-studded member.
Winner of Netflix's Drink Masters, Lauren Paylor O'Brien, was behind one menu item for the new space. She lent the Misfits her own specialty cocktail recipe, a riff of an Aperol Spritz.
“The Foolery is an equal part pizza joint and cocktail bar. That is why both have been meticulously focused on, and we don’t want one to take precedence over the other," said Raymond.
The dough for every pizza is made fresh daily, and will be used for many menu items. As one would expect, the pizzas will include quirky topping combinations alongside scratch-made sauces and fresh local ingredients.
There are 16 total taps at The Foolery, most being local draft options and others being beers "too cool" to pass up, Raymond says.
"Either way you slice it, this is a place where you come for a delicious pizza and stay for a cocktail OR you come for a cocktail and stay for a pizza... The choice is yours.”
Their official start date will be announced in the coming weeks on their Facebook page. Check out a review of Social Misfits here.
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