GRAND RAPIDS, MI — A new downtown live music and cocktail lounge wants to be known as a place where people “from different parts of the globe” feel welcome.
Ambiance GR Kitchen & Lounge is a Black-owned venue that opened in the heart of downtown on Dec. 31 at 106 Pearl St. NW.
Related: Ambiance GR Kitchen & Lounge seeks to be ‘inclusive’ and ‘disruptive’ force in Grand Rapids
“What we’re looking to bring is this very welcoming inclusivity representative of all cultures,” said Jamiel Robinson, one of six investors in the business.
“From our cuisine, which is going to be American with a creole, Cajun slant, to the type of performances and type of live acts that we’re going to have here, it is going to be very representational of us as a global community.”
Robinson said “Ambiance After Dark’’ will feature live performances from all music genres, including Latin bands, country, jazz and blues. He plugged an upcoming Motown night.
In addition to Robinson, the other owners of Ambiance are Jonathan Jelks, Lacy Jones, Willie “The Kid” Jackson, Jamal Chilton and Alvin Hills IV.
“We still have a long-way to go when it comes to overall access to opportunity for all people in our community,” Robinson said.
Co-owner Jamiel Robinson poses for a picture inside his business Ambiance GR Kitchen & Lounge in downtown Grand Rapids on Tuesday, Feb. 8, 2022. The cocktail lounge, located at 106 Pearl St. NW, opened on New Year’s Eve, Dec. 31, 2021. (Cory Morse | MLive.com)
Inside Ambiance GR Kitchen & Lounge in downtown Grand Rapids on Tuesday, Feb. 8, 2022. (Cory Morse | MLive.com)
Bar inside Ambiance GR Kitchen & Lounge in downtown Grand Rapids on Tuesday, Feb. 8, 2022. (Cory Morse | MLive.com)
Bar inside Ambiance GR Kitchen & Lounge in downtown Grand Rapids on Tuesday, Feb. 8, 2022. (Cory Morse | MLive.com)
Entrance to Ambiance GR Kitchen & Lounge in downtown Grand Rapids on Tuesday, Feb. 8, 2022. (Cory Morse | MLive.com)
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