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The Rec Room: Taking a Trip Down Memory Lane with Classic Dishes from Grand Rapids’ Closed Eateries

The Rec Room: Taking a Trip Down Memory Lane with Classic Dishes from Grand Rapids’ Closed Eateries

by | Nov 29, 2023

There’s an exciting new addition to the Grand Rapids culinary scene, and it promises to be a trip down memory lane. If you’re over 40, you’re likely to have fond memories of some of the classic dishes from closed restaurants. But what if we told you you could again enjoy those dishes and some American comfort food in a fun, lively setting? That’s precisely what The Rec Room promises to offer. This article will explore everything you need to know about this exciting new restaurant.

The Rec Room is the brainchild of Mark Secchia, whose late father was a prominent businessman in Grand Rapids. Mark has purchased the former Riverfront Fitness Center and plans to convert it into a sprawling space that will include a bar, restaurant, five bocce ball courts, event space, and a parking deck. But the highlight of The Rec Room will undoubtedly be its throwback items from local eateries that are no longer in business. Diners can look forward to indulging in classic dishes like Charley’s Crab Cheese Bread and Mr. Fables’ Mr. Fabulous Burger. Mark Secchia has promised that there will be at least five to seven such dishes, so people have a few more old favorites to look forward to.

The Rec Room’s menu will also feature American comfort food, so if you’re in the mood for some mac and cheese, meatloaf, or chicken pot pie, you’re in the right place. But what sets The Rec Room apart from many other restaurants is that it aims to be a fun, lively spot where people can relax, unwind, and soak up the atmosphere. With five bocce ball courts, you can enjoy a game while you’re waiting for your food to arrive. And speaking of food, The Rec Room plans to use fresh, locally sourced ingredients as much as possible so diners can enjoy a great meal while supporting the local community.

Mark Secchia has also promised that live entertainment will be in The Rec Room so that you can enjoy some music or other performances there. With so much going on, The Rec Room is a great spot for date nights, family gatherings, or just a night out with friends. And if you’re feeling nostalgic, you can always order one of the classic dishes that will take you back in time.

The Rec Room will open in 2024 after construction begins in December. But the buzz around this upcoming restaurant is already palpable, with many people eagerly anticipating the chance to try out the classic dishes they remember from their younger days. With a lively, fun atmosphere, great food, and live entertainment, The Rec Room is set to become one of the most exciting additions to Grand Rapids’ vibrant culinary scene.

The Rec Room is a testament to the enduring popularity of classic dishes from eateries that have long since closed their doors. It’s also a testament to the power of nostalgia, which is sure to draw in crowds of diners eager to relive some of their most cherished food memories. But above all, The Rec Room promises to be a fun, exciting spot that offers great food, great entertainment, and a great atmosphere. With its opening still a few years away, we can’t wait to see what Mark Secchia and his team have in store for diners in Grand Rapids.

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