The B.O.B. Downtown Grand Rapids Closes for Good a Week Early

If you wanted to head to the B.O.B. for one last meal or a goodbye round of drinks, unfortunately you missed your chance.

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Earlier this month we learned that B.O.B would be permanently closing. Both the B.O.B. and GLC Live at 20 Monroe next door have been sold by the Gilmore Collection to as-yet undisclosed buyers. While GLC Live will remain a concert venue, all of the restaurants, bars, and entertainment venues inside the B.O.B. are shutting down.

Built in 1903, The B.O.B. (an acronym for Big Old Building) was once Judson's grocery warehouse. In 1996, the historic building was purchased by the Gilmore Collection and came to be one of the premier spots to hit up downtown Grand Rapids, housing B.O.B's Brewery, H.O.M.E.(House of Music & Entertainment), Gilly's Smokehouse, Judson's Steak House, Bobarino's Pizzeria, Dr. Grins Comedy Club, Eve Nightclub, and an outdoor Beer Garden.

The B.O.B. had initially announced they'd be staying open through January 1, 2022. Anyone thinking of ringing in the new year there will have to make alternate plans.

The downtown GR entertainment venue shared to Facebook,

Out [of] an abundance of caution we have decided to stay closed this week and will not be holding a NYE party. Nothing about these decisions have been easy. We thank you for your understanding and the contributions you have made in making The B.O.B. what it is.

The announcement comes as concern increases about the rapidly spreading omicron variant. Some restaurants around the country have been closing temporarily amid the surge.

While stand up comedy shows with Johnny Beehner had previously been scheduled for Dec. 30 and 31 at Dr. Grins at the B.O.B., the events no longer appear on their main calendar. A few weeks back, 21 local comedians said their goodbyes to the Dr. Grins at an event called "The Last Laugh".

While sale of the B.O.B. is expected to be completed in mid-January, we still don't know what's moving in. One rumor is that a casino could be coming to downtown Grand Rapids.