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Grand Rapids Sees Drop in Liquor Spending for 2024

The vibrant nightlife of Grand Rapids as bars and restaurants adapt to changing consumer habits.

News Summary

Grand Rapids bars and restaurants reported a decline in liquor spending, totaling $2.76 million in 2024, down from $2.99 million in 2023. The B.O.B. led purchases with $519,494, while Butcher’s Union and Donkey Taqueria followed. Michigan’s total liquor sales neared $2 billion, indicating shifting consumer behaviors and economic factors impacting local nightlife.

Grand Rapids bars and restaurants reported a significant decrease in liquor spending for the year 2024, totaling $2.76 million. This figure marks a decline from the $2.99 million spent by the top ten bars in 2023. The data reflects liquor purchases reported to the Michigan Liquor Control Commission (MLCC) and does not account for revenue generated from sales to customers. Additionally, purchases of beer and wine were not included in this report.

The B.O.B. (Big Old Building) led the rankings with the highest liquor purchases, totaling $519,494 in 2024. This figure represents a decrease from the previous year’s purchases, which were recorded at $652,208. The B.O.B., located at 20 Monroe Ave. NW, serves as a hub for multiple bars and restaurants within its premises.

Following the B.O.B. in liquor purchases, Butcher’s Union ranked second with $317,762 spent on liquor in 2024, showing a slight increase from $308,795 in 2023. Donkey Taqueria secured the third position, purchasing $286,297 worth of liquor, while Z’s Restaurant and Bar claimed fourth with $272,731 in purchases.

This year’s financial report, released by the Michigan Liquor Control Commission, highlights a broader trend regarding liquor spending across the state. Total liquor sales in Michigan reached nearly $2 billion for the year, representing business transactions from over 12,000 establishments. Among these, Wayne County emerged as the highest spending county, with over $440 million allocated for liquor purchases.

In terms of individual businesses, Total Wine in Novi stood out as the largest liquor purchaser in Michigan, with an impressive $12,446,447 in purchases. The report indicates that off-premises locations, such as liquor stores, typically purchased more liquor than on-premises locations like bars and restaurants. However, Little Caesars Arena, home to the Detroit Red Wings and Pistons, was the top on-premises liquor seller, reporting $1.03 million in sales for the year.

Further analysis of the sales data reveals interesting trends regarding alcohol consumption across different counties in Michigan. Sales per resident aged 21 and older were notably highest in Mackinac and Emmet counties, averaging more than $400 per individual for the year.

The decrease in liquor purchases in Grand Rapids may reflect various factors, including economic conditions and changing consumer preferences. As bars and restaurants navigate the complexities of a post-pandemic landscape, shifts in spending habits may prompt further investigations into the reasons behind the change in financial dynamics within the local nightlife and dining sectors.

Overall, the findings from the Michigan Liquor Control Commission provide valuable insights into the spending behaviors of Grand Rapids establishments compared to statewide trends, highlighting the evolving landscape of liquor consumption in Michigan.