Rock Perks Spotlight: House of Wine
By Mason Nichols
When House of Wine was first conceptualized, co-owners Jim and Emily Lynch envisioned the business would be a small, suburban wine shop. But before that starter plan came to fruition, the father-daughter duo expanded the idea into a much larger business located in downtown Grand Rapids. Jim and Emily teamed up with Rockford Construction and Bedford Development to create a destination spot for lovers of homemade food as well as people looking for a wide-ranging, yet approachable wine experience.
We sat down with Emily to chat more about House of Wine and what it’s like operating a business in the heart of downtown Grand Rapids.
House of Wine began as a suburban, small-format concept, but quickly expanded into a larger business located in the heart of downtown Grand Rapids.
What makes House of Wine different from the competition?
We offer customers an opportunity to taste an extraordinary variety of wines from all over the world for a very reasonable price where the ambiance is a blend of urban sophistication and neighborhood friendly. If wine interests you, ask us questions! Our team loves to talk about wine. We also sell retail wine, so customers get a chance to taste prior to buying a bottle to take home.
What’s your favorite thing about operating a business in Grand Rapids?
Serving our neighbors is the core of our business — and we love that — but every day we meet people staying in a hotel who found us while visiting Grand Rapids. We’re in the Hotel District and we are proud to “represent.”
Grand Rapids also has great pedestrian infrastructure with very clean, wide sidewalks.
The retail section at House of Wine features a wide selection of competitively priced wines for every taste and preference.
What’s the most satisfying part about serving your customers and the community?
House of Wine gets a very high percentage of business from returning customers — this is always so satisfying!
Why did you join the Rock Perks program? What benefits has it brought to your business and your customers?
Rock Perks just makes sense. Residents and employees of Rockford are our neighbors and partners. We are very happy to offer exclusive benefits to our special friends.
House of Wine's menu includes a unique "Build Your Own Charcuterie Platter" item with plenty of options for everyone, including those with dietary restrictions.
What’s on the horizon for House of Wine?
House of Wine is becoming recognized as a lunch spot. We strive to offer fast, friendly service of wholesome and healthy lunch foods. Lunch and catering are the fastest growing parts of our business.
Is there anything else you’d like to add?
House of Wine has a coffee shop-style infrastructure to support people who want to work or study in our space. We encourage the community to stop by and chill out during the midday. We have plenty of seating and places to plug in electronics. We also offer fiber optic Wi-Fi service. Customers are continually surprised by House of Wine because they have a vision in their mind of what a “wine bar” is, and while we are a wine bar, we offer much more than you might expect.
Lunch at House of Wine, which includes salads, sandwiches, small plates and more, is one of the fastest-growing segments of the business.
As a Rockford Property Management resident, member of Blue35 or Rockford Construction team member, you have access to the Rock Perks program, which will get you 25% off lunch Monday-Friday (11 a.m.-3 p.m., excludes alcohol) at House of Wine. Don’t have a Rock Perks card yet? Consider joining us as a resident.
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