The demand to breathe life back into the long-standing train station, most formally known as Clara’s restaurant will soon be complete– with a Starbucks Community store opening soon, and a second tenant now being announced.
Gillespie Group released on Tuesday that they have signed a lease for the remaining space at 637 E Michigan Ave – a restaurant called Bobcat Bonnie’s. Familiar with bringing energy to a building, Bobcat’s mission is to provide fresh, value-oriented food along with high-quality, inviting service, in a fun and unique atmosphere. The location at the former train station, will be Bobcat Bonnie’s eighth restaurant with locations across Michigan in Detroit, Ferndale, Grand Rapids, Partridge Creek, Wyandotte, Ypsilanti, and one under construction in Toledo, Ohio.
“Our goal was to bring in a business that would complement Starbucks early morning to evening energy, with a midday to late evening experience, and Bobcat Bonnies will do just that. “said Pat Gillespie President and CEO of Gillespie Group. “We are excited for the energy and creativity Bobcat Bonnie’s will bring to the Stadium District with their food and drink.”
Originally known for their unique spins on food, big portions, and great prices, they have built a great reputation as a fun spot for lunch, dinner and their award-winning brunches, Bobcat Bonnie’s has successfully opened 6 locations since their first restaurant opening in 2015 in the Historic Corktown Neighborhood of Detroit. Their menu offers a variety of options from Vegan to Gluten Free to unique fun dishes for their guests. Not only do they offer great food, but also a commitment to each community they are a part of – from locally sourcing ingredients for their dishes, to pridefully creating a space where all are welcomed and celebrated.
“We are very excited to be joining all the excitement that is happening in the Stadium District of Downtown Lansing!” said Bobcat Bonnie’s owner Matt Buskard, “Clara’s was a spot that held a lot of memories for folks, so we want to keep a lot of the interior the same, use some of the old trinkets and pictures, and update in a way that pays respect to what came before. We’ve been looking in the Lansing area for a bit and cannot wait to be a part of all the excitement and development downtown! We promise not to let you all down and to be a great part of your community!”
Bobcat Bonnie’s is in the process of finalizing interior plans which include the use of the iconic train car while also incorporating and revitalizing some of the well-known interior historic features. The restaurant is hoping to open to the community in Spring of 2023
