News Summary
Arena Social Partners LLC has purchased Duke’s Bar, located at 700 Michigan St. NE in Grand Rapids, along with the adjacent parking lot. Set to reopen as Duke’s Social House after renovations, the venue’s iconic name will remain. With plans for redevelopment and a focus on a more refined atmosphere, the establishment aims to attract an older clientele. Its diverse menu will feature a variety of food options, and operational hours will cater to a wide range of visitors, including late-night options.
Grand Rapids – Arena Social Partners LLC has acquired Duke’s Bar, a beloved establishment situated at 700 Michigan St. NE. The transaction also includes the adjacent parking lot at 701 Michigan St. NE. Company spokesperson Robert Larson confirmed that the acquisition is primarily motivated by the ongoing challenges in securing properties with attached parking spaces in downtown Grand Rapids.
Duke’s Bar is currently undergoing renovations and is expected to reopen next month as Duke’s Social House. Despite the name change, the iconic title “Duke’s” will be retained in recognition of the establishment’s long-standing history and reputation in the area.
The building itself has a rich history, dating back to 1931. While the interior of the venue will undergo some cosmetic updates, key historical features will be largely preserved, allowing the atmosphere to maintain its classic charm.
Long-term plans for the property include redeveloping both the Duke’s Social House and the adjacent parking lot, signaling significant investment in the area. Currently, Arena Social Partners employs approximately 65 to 70 people across its various locations, including Social House Grand Rapids and Social House Saranac.
The new concept for Duke’s Social House is designed to appeal to an older demographic, specifically targeting customers aged 30 and up. Michael Lawrence, the director of operations, noted a deliberate shift away from a party atmosphere towards creating a more refined lounge vibe. This aligns with the owners’ vision of establishing Duke’s as a relaxed gathering space suitable for adults.
The menu at Duke’s Social House will offer a variety of items, including wraps, handhelds, pizzas, dips, quesadillas, burritos, and tacos. This diverse selection aims to cater to a range of tastes, making it an accessible option for a broad audience.
Operational hours for Duke’s Social House are set to be 2 p.m. to midnight from Sunday through Thursday, and 11:30 a.m. to 2 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. This schedule is designed to accommodate both early visitors and those looking for late-night options.
In addition to food and drink, Duke’s Social House plans to host several events from Monday through Thursday, which may include activities such as karaoke and trivia nights. A pool table will also be available in the bar area, providing additional entertainment to patrons.
The property was previously owned by Mark Goslin of Goslin Development LLC, who is also the owner of Mill Creek Tavern in Walker. Duke’s has long been considered a staple in the area, known for its welcoming tavern atmosphere and its proximity to downtown and the Medical Mile.
With the acquisition and impending reopening, Arena Social Partners LLC aims to revitalize Duke’s long-standing legacy while modernizing its offerings to better align with the preferences of today’s adult clientele. Through this transformation, the company hopes to create a venue that remains a cherished part of Grand Rapids’ vibrant social scene.
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HERE Resources
Duke’s Bar Acquired and Set to Transform into Duke’s Social House
Additional Resources
- Crain’s Grand Rapids: Duke’s Gets New Owners
- Wood TV: Duke’s Bought by Social House Owners
- MLive: Grand Rapids Restaurants Poutine Week 2024
- Legacy: Thomas Himebaugh Obituary
- WZZM13: Grand Rapids Poutine Week 2024
- Wikipedia: Grand Rapids, Michigan
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Grand Rapids
- Google Search: Grand Rapids Restaurants
- Google Scholar: Grand Rapids Social Establishments
- Google News: Dukes Bar Grand Rapids
Author: STAFF HERE GRANDRAPIDS WRITER
GRAND RAPIDS STAFF WRITER The GRAND RAPIDS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREGrandRapids.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Grand Rapids, Kent County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as ArtPrize, Festival of the Arts, and World of Winter. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce and Grand Rapids Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in furniture, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Steelcase, Spectrum Health, and Meijer. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREDetroitMI.com, HERENorthville.com, HERENovi.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
