The Scoop On Shake Party: Broad Leaf Brewery Westside’s New Milkshake Bar

A milkshake, a cocktail, and a chef walk into a bar. Usually, that's the setup for a joke. But in this case, the establishment they're walking into is Broad Leaf Brewery + Spirits - Westside, which is reopening after closing down in January.

But it isn't just reopening with the beers, spirits, arcade games, and pinball that people have come to expect from Broad Leaf Westside- it's also opening a brand new milkshake bar in the lower bar of Broad Leaf called Shake Party and will begin hosting a rotating cast of local food vendors.

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Introducing Shake Party

Jason Spaulding, CEO & Owner of Broad Leaf Brewery + Spirits, and also Brewery Vivant, another Grand Rapids staple brewery, noticed that there wasn't an ice cream shop available in the neighborhood. So he is introducing it himself, in a very creative way.

Shake Party is "a new indulgent milkshake concept" that will feature indulgent milkshakes, sundaes, old-school shakes, and malts. Plus, if you're 21+, it only makes sense that a cocktail bar would offer boozy milkshakes to shake up your milkshake. Shake Party will be located at the lower inside bar of Broad Leaf.

3 Businesses in 1

On top of Broad Leaf and Shake Party, Spaulding is also introducing a rotating concept of food vendors, local chefs, and food artisans. All three of these businesses will have access to the dog-friendly patio connected to the building. When asked what he hopes to gain from the relaunch, Spaulding said

"We want this location to become a whole entertainment district in itself, a place people can bring the whole family including the dog if they want and there will be something for everyone."

READ MORE: Yappy Hour: Grand Rapids' Top Dog-Friendly Restaurants |

When Broad Leaf closed its Westside beer garden at the beginning of the year, it seemed like that was the end of the story for Broad Leaf's stint in Downtown Grand Rapids. However, it seems it was just the end of a chapter.

Broad Leaf's signature drinks will return with the soft launch on Thursday the 27th, while you can try Shake Party's milkshakes for the first time on July 11th at the Westside Grand Opening at 443 Bridge St. Shake Party is also hiring for the summer starting at $17/hr. You can apply here.