July 21, 2010 - Grand Rapids, Mich. – The Windquest Group has partnered with Kameel Chamelly, owner of Martha’s Vineyard, to open an upscale wine bar in downtown Grand Rapids. Reserve will celebrate its grand opening this fall in the recently renovated Windquest Building at 201 Monroe Ave NW.
“As we considered various options for the retail level of the Windquest Building, opening a wine bar had great appeal to us. We felt there was a need for such an establishment downtown and that this idea would add to the vibrancy of the heart of the city and was one with which we could have fun,” said Windquest Group Chairman Betsy DeVos. “As we explored the concept and began looking for a partner, we could find no one better than Kameel Chamelly to work with on this project. Kameel’s in-depth knowledge of wine, strong relationships within the community and wonderful rapport with customers made him an ideal choice.”
As the newest premier wine destination in the Midwest, Reserve will offer a selection of over 250 bottles of fine wine and will feature one of the largest cruvinet wine dispensing systems in the area. The temperature controlled system is designed to preserve and dispense over 100 different wines by the glass. It also allows for sparkling wine to be ordered by the glass or flight. Reserve will offer various wine flights of three, two-ounce pours from an extensive world wine list.
“The choices will be unprecedented, featuring a range from first growth Bordeauxs to boutique California Cabernet Sauvignons. The flights will be educational and fun, introducing varietals not normally marketed in our area,” said Reserve partner Kameel Chamelly.
Reserve will also feature a seasonal shared plates menu set to complement its wine options. The menu will rotate monthly, highlighting seasonal and locally grown ingredients, including cured meats and artisan cheeses. A highly educated wine staff will provide patrons with tableside recommendations on wine selections and food pairings. In early 2011, Reserve will offer wine education classes, tasting events and wine dinners featuring prominent wine makers.
Inspired by the building’s historic roots and unique space, Reserve’s sophisticated design combines the classic exterior of the former Commercial Savings Bank with a completely updated, contemporary interior. The bar and restaurant will incorporate many of the building’s original architectural features into its modern design, including the two-story window openings, plaster detailed ceiling, carved moldings and marbled wainscoting.
With seating for up to 170, the multi-tiered space will include a charcuterie on the main floor and a private dining area, lounge and outdoor terrace on the mezzanine.
Reserve will also highlight design elements influenced by its primary focus on wine. The vestibule will house a bi-level refrigerated wine tower and a private tasting room in Reserve’s cellar will feature the bank’s original vault door as the entry to a large wine vault. The custom-made cruvinet will serve as the establishment’s dominant focal point.
Reserve is currently in the hiring process and will bring more than 30 new jobs to downtown.
Chris Pawlisz, a Chicago native, has been appointed general manager. Pawlisz joins Reserve with nearly a decade of industry experience. Following several years in various management roles for a Chicago-based restaurant group, he managed Bistro 110 in downtown Chicago for three years. During his tenure, the French bistro received three stars from the Chicago Tribune.
“We’re extremely pleased to have someone of Chris’ caliber on board at Reserve,” said Chamelly. “He is widely respected among his peers for his wealth of knowledge and true passion for wine.”
The Windquest Building, formerly known as the River City Building, will add Reserve to its growing list of tenants, including The Windquest Group, Pomegranate Studios, ORG West Michigan and ArtPrize. As a gateway to the Grand River, the eight-story structure has been entirely renovated to reflect its historic nature and complement the architecture of its neighboring facility, DeVos Place.
Beginning this fall, Reserve will be open Monday-Thursday, 4 p.m.-12 a.m. and Friday-Saturday, 4 p.m.-1 a.m. For more information about Reserve, visit www.reservegr.com.