'He's a Chicago guy I used to know when I lived down there. 'The bar is handmade by Aaron Heineman of Heineman Bar Company, who made the bar for HopCat and is making the one for Viceroy,' Mark Sellers says. Sellers and his wife, Michele, came up with the idea for the bar following a successful run with nearby HopCat, their first foray into the Grand Rapids bar business after living in Chicago and returning to Mark's hometown. SW, has what owner Mark Sellers calls an 'old school, 70s vibe' and shares an address, a kitchen and restrooms with its sister bar next door, Viceroy, which is still under construction. “All windows and doors will have to be closed whenever there is live music or a DJ,” Spencer said in his report.Beginning May 1, Stella's Lounge will light up the Grand Rapids night with punk and alternative music selections compiled by Herm Baker of Vertigo Music, a vegetarian menu, vintage video games from the 70s and 80s, and whiskey – more than 200 different kinds. Though the restaurant is seeking to have occasional live bands and DJs, they will first have to be approved by the police chief. Hopcat is also requesting an entertainment permit for events such as trivia nights and contests. One of the bars will be open to the outside sidewalk cafe areas, but patrons will not be allowed direct access to the outdoor service area from the sidewalk. There will be two bars and Hopcat plans to have two outdoor seating areas.

Space inside the new location is somewhat smaller than the first HopCat in Royal Oak and covers 11,208 square feet with indoor seating for 265 patrons. “The interior will be completely remodeled, including new restrooms and new interior finishes.” HopCat “will also add new signage, relocate the front door, and upgrade the HVAC, electrical, plumbing and exhaust systems,” Spencer said in his report. Owners are spending about $3.3 million on renovations, fixtures, furniture and inventory for the new HopCat location. The new HopCat will be located in space that formerly included Noodles & Company on Main Street. Main Street, and taking over that space, as well as the former storefront spaces of Game Stop and Noodles & Co.

HopCat is using a Class C liquor license from the former Mongolian BBQ at 450 S. In his report, Spencer wrote that the new HopCat meets all city requirements and isn’t expected to cause any additional strain on police resources.

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