Fans of Lansing’s old 505 bar, which closed several months ago, are celebrating the recent opening of the 3,000 square foot Chrome Cat.
The new bar replaces the Rendezvous on the Grand bar, which closed at the end of 2008. Lisa Whitehead and Michelle Taylor own the new Chrome Cat, which is 
now a nonsmoking bar.
“We polled the 505 crowd and they said their No. 1 wish was for a nonsmoking bar and a well-lit parking lot,” Taylor says. “Some people were a little put off by the nonsmoking, but 98 percent love it.”
Taylor says they’re going to make some minor renovations to the bar, including repainting the walls and replacing the light fixtures. Taylor’s already made several managerial changes, hiring all new staff, including Executive Chef Simone Latuszek. Taylor’s also encouraging local musicians and artists who fly under the radar to take advantage of her stage and wall space.
“We want to get people here that you don’t normally hear of,” Taylor says.
Traditionally a lesbian bar, 505 closed in July 2008. It was renovated and reopened several months later under new ownership. It’s now the Corner Bar & Grill.
The Chrome Cat is located at 226 E. Grand River Ave.
Source: Michelle Taylor, Chrome Cat
Ivy Hughes, development news editor, can be reached here.
All Photographs © Dave Trumpie
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