Former Popular Bar for GVSU Students to Become Wedding Venue

UPDATE: A few years ago we told you when a popular bar in Allendale had been purchased and turned into a residence. 

You can take a look at what the former BFE looks like now in the gallery below. 

We do have an update on the property as well. 

In comment on our Facebook post about the one-time bar, the current owner shared they are in the process of creating a seasonal wedding/ events pavilion on the property called the Riverbird. Their goal is to be open for business in early summer 2024. You may also spot them at the upcoming Bridal Show at Devos Place January 12 and 13, 2023. 

So if you partied at BFE back in the day, you'll soon be able to tie the knot there!

Original Story:

I remember my Grand Valley friends ALWAYS talking about a bar called BFE in Allendale... I never made it there before closed, but I know folks who still have fond or crazy (or both) memories from the place.

Well, now it's a house.

According to MLive, BFE opened on what was then a busy stretch of Lake Michigan Drive in 2002. After Lake Michigan Drive was moved to the south, the bar and restaurant popular with GVSU students ended up on a less-traveled cul-de-sac called Riverhill Drive.

The 2008 story from MLive seems to count that as one of the reasons the bar closed, along with liquor license violations. At the time of the article, it appeared BFE had plans to reopen later on that year. I've been digging around, but I can't find any info on whether that was the end of BFE or if the bar got new life after that.

Either way, the building is still standing, but it's not longer a bar.

The listing by The Sandi Gentry Team/ RE/Max Lakeshore described it as a "river retreat on over 2 acres with 439 feet of private Grand River water frontage".

Described as a former bar and restaurant that's been completely remodeled, the home now has "3 spacious bedrooms and 3 full baths, boasting over 3,700 sq. ft... [an] open floor plan with soaring ceilings and a living room with unique four-season room with garage doors, all with stunning views of the river."

Unfortunately, it's not up for sale currently. The property sold back in October of 2019 for $435,000.

I picture a nostalgic GVSU student buying it and telling stories to their children, "Kids, this is where Mommy first met Daddy. He was so handsome with his frosted tips, puka shell necklace, and Old Navy Tech Vest."