News Summary
Black Rock Bar & Grill, a cherished steakhouse in Woodland Mall, Kentwood, has closed its doors as of New Year’s Eve. Known for its unique ‘steak on a stone’ dining experience, the restaurant became a favorite among locals since its opening in 2019. Despite its closure, Woodland Mall is expected to introduce new dining options soon, hinting at a vibrant future for the area. Community members are left reminiscing about the warm memories shared at Black Rock, emphasizing the restaurant’s lasting impact.
Kentwood, Michigan: A Cherished Steakhouse Says Goodbye
In a surprising turn of events, Black Rock Bar & Grill, a beloved steakhouse located at Woodland Mall, has officially closed its doors for good as of New Year’s Eve. This cozy little spot opened its doors in the fall of 2019 as part of the mall’s expansion that also introduced the stylish Von Maur wing, much to the delight of shoppers and diners alike.
A Unique Dining Experience
For those not familiar, Black Rock was famous for its innovative dining experience, where customers could cook their own meals right at the table on heated volcanic rocks. The infamous “steak on a stone” dish became a fan favorite, allowing patrons to enjoy their steaks cooked exactly to their preference on a sizzling 755-degree rock. It was a fun, hands-on way to savor a delicious meal and a guaranteed conversation starter among friends and family.
The Black Rock Chain
Originating in Novi, Michigan, the Black Rock chain has garnered a loyal following with multiple locations scattered across the U.S. With seven locations within Michigan, including Hartland, Canton, Utica, Novi, Ann Arbor, Davison, and Portage, its unique concept has been well received. Outside of Michigan, you can also find Black Rock restaurants in states like Ohio, Maryland, and Florida—making it a recognized name in casual dining.
Woodland Mall’s Vibrant Scene
Woodland Mall has been a shopping destination for many in Kentwood, boasting well-known retailers such as Apple, Sephora, and The Cheesecake Factory. The mall has been continually evolving to enhance the shopping experience, and while Black Rock will surely be missed, the mall plans to introduce new dining options to keep things fresh and exciting.
What’s Next?
Following Black Rock’s closure, some buzz is already brewing about plans for a new restaurant that will be an exciting addition to the West Michigan dining scene. While details remain scarce, the announcement of this unfamiliar eatery is anticipated in the coming months. With the recent focus on attracting family entertainment and retail outlets, it seems Woodland Mall is determined to stay ahead of the game.
A Fond Farewell
It was just over four years ago that Black Rock Bar & Grill opened its location at 3195 28th St. SE, amidst great fanfare and high expectations. Although it didn’t quite work out as hoped, the memories created around those dining tables will surely linger on for many of its loyal customers. The combination of a unique cooking experience and a welcoming atmosphere made it a special place to get together with friends and family.
As we bid farewell to Black Rock Bar & Grill, Kentwood residents are left with a sense of nostalgia for the meals shared and the laughter echoed within its walls. But as we always say in the world of dining, when one door closes, another one opens. Stay tuned for what’s next at Woodland Mall!
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Additional Resources
- WZZM 13 News
- Free Press
- WOOD TV 8
- Free Press Image
- MSN – Food News
- Wikipedia: Kentwood, Michigan
- Google Search: Black Rock Bar & Grill
- Google Scholar: Black Rock Bar & Grill
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Kentwood
- Google News: Black Rock Bar & Grill
Author: STAFF HERE NOVI WRITER
The NOVI STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENovi.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Novi, Oakland County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Motor City Comic Con, Michigan State Fair, and Novi Home and Garden Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Novi Chamber of Commerce and Novi Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in automotive, technology, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Gentherm, Stoneridge, and Daifuku North America. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREDetroitMI.com, HEREGrandRapids.com, HERENorthville.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
