Northeast Grand Rapids Restaurant and Bar to Close, Shift to Event Venue

It continues to be a difficult year for Grand Rapids bars and restaurants. Another local eatery is ceasing daily operations and switching over to an event venue.

Not too long ago, we shared that The Pubb on GR's West side did the same thing.

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Now, it's River North Public House in northeast Grand Rapids that is shutting down. Like many others, the restaurant had been navigating a challenging post-pandemic landscape.

READ MORE: Grand Rapids Restaurant + Wine Bar Shuts Down

The Creston neighborhood bar and restaurant first opened in 2019, serving burgers, salads, sandwiches, tacos, specialty cocktails and more.

In a Facebook post last month, the team hinted at financial struggles following a slow spring break.

Rally Cry: We’d Love to See You!
Your support (or even just a share) directly helps us recover from a slower spring break week and keeps our doors open longer. Dining in, meeting friends, or ordering takeout online. Thank you!

In another post on Reddit, a message from owner Rachel Lee pointed to continued recovery from the pandemic, compounded by ongoing street construction that made access more difficult.

READ MORE: Popular Grand Rapids Hot Dog Cart Opening New Restaurant 

Now, River North Public House is pivoting. The latest social media post from Lee announces the big change. Starting June 4, it will no longer be open daily and instead will transition to a private event venue:

After nearly six years as a neighborhood restaurant and bar, River North is stepping into a new chapter.
Beginning June 4, we will no longer be open for daily service. Instead, our space will be available for private events, celebrations, workshops, nonprofit night out, and more. A beautiful place to gather with purpose and joy. Sprinkle some River North jazz to your next meeting or event with our curated catering services.

Lee thanks patrons for all their years of support and says for all those special moments like graduations and birthday parties, "We were here. And we're still here. Just shifting to a new way of showing up for you."

👇BELOW: LOCALS SAY THESE ARE THE BEST WATERFRONT RESTAURANTS IN THE GRAND RAPIDS AREA👇

The restaurant is closed Sunday and Monday, so get in during the next few days! Final hours will be May 28 through 31, Wednesday and Thursday 4p.m. to 9p.m., Friday, 4p.m. to 10p.m., and Saturday 12p.m. to 10p.m.

Interested in booking River North Public House for a private event? Find out more here.