East Lansing residents have eagerly awaited a new upscale spirits bar called Mash Bar to join the downtown scene. The group originally hoped to open Mash Bar by Fall 2023, but things took a bit longer than anticipated. Now, Mash Bar East Lansing has confirmed it will open by the end of January 2024.
Mash is a sister concept powered and operated by the same group behind Jolly Pumpkin Cafe & Brewery. The brand currently has a location in Ann Arbor and another in Ypsilanti. The East Lansing Mash bar is planned for the 4,755-square-foot space adjacent to Jolly Pumpkin at 212 Albert Ave. The new bar will seat up to 150 people, and plans were approved in July 2023.
Mash will offer various spirits, beer, wine, and food items. Jon Carlson, a BL Mash East Lansing LLC partner and 3 Mission Partners behind Jolly Pumpkin, shared that the new Mash bar will be connected to Jolly Pumpkin via open hallways on the ground and mezzanine levels. Unlike Jolly Pumpkin, Mash will cater to young entrepreneurs and business professionals with a more upscale atmosphere.
“There weren’t any major issues — things just took longer. The City of East Lansing and our landlord have all been amazing to work with, and we can’t wait to open,” Carlson told What Now Detroit in an email.
