Kelsey Klont
Contributing Writer
(Photo by Kelsey Klont/TCJ – Photo (L to R): Head Chef Ethan Smerdon, General Manager Kyle Ritenburgh, Chef David Joyce.)
Block House owners, Nick Lux and Anthony Collamati, opened their second location in Olivet on Tuesday, April 30th, after having opened their first location in Alma. Kyle Ritenburgh, General Manager for Block House, told me “Our soft opening went extremely well, and we are excited to be a staple restaurant here in Olivet. Being able to serve as a place where both college students and community members can come together for an entertaining night is very special to us.”
As many locals know, the University of Olivet and Alma College are sister schools, during one visit to Alma College, Olivet’s President, Steven M. Corey, Ph.D., had visited Block House, which is the host for Alma College’s Esports team.
That same principle carries over to their second location, as Block House also has a partnership with the University of Olivet to be the host of the university’s Esports team. The Esports possibilities at Block House are not meant for only university students, they are extended to the community as there are three separate gaming console areas that small groups can gather around as they dine. As well as a private rental room for groups celebrating any occasion, PC gaming on the stage, and the golf simulation area that they will have available soon. Block House will be offering leagues this fall for local high school and middle school Esport athletes. Block House is available to help set up teams at all high schools in the area. With their streaming services of competitions and advertising opportunities there is something for gamers and businesses to celebrate around. With all the interactive capabilities, Block House will start doing weekly trivia and gaming events, international wine tasting events, outdoor BBQ and brew events to name a few events they will host. So, join their socials or email newsletters to be the first to sign up for these fun unique events.
The dining menu at Block House carries over the gaming theme onto the menu. As you view their menu it becomes visually clear that the menu is set up into three different columns (American, European, and Asian) mimicking the various online servers.
The impressive dining menu, crafted by Head Chef Ethan Smerdon, has something for everyone ranging from their Linguine Carbonara, a Block House favorite, to smash burgers and their endless pizza options. Chef Smerdon said that “these dishes are traditional regional plates with a Block House spin to them.” Specifically at this location pizza will be their specialty, where you can order top picks such as BBQ Chicken, Veggie, or Fig and Prosciutto off the menu, or you can build your own pizza with their endless options of toppings, proteins, and sauces.
Even the design of the exterior of this bar and restaurant is well suited for the gaming and dining atmosphere of Block House. Across the front face, middle section, and back of the building are iridescent square tiles, though eye-catching, resemble individualized pixels from video games. Inside you can watch your favorite teams, shows, videogame streams or movies on their specialty curved barrel vaults and cinema screen.
To taste test their delicious dishes or enjoy a beverage from their full-service bar, which offers non-alcoholic options as well as cocktails, visit their brand-new location at 714 S Main St. in Olivet. Where their kitchen hours are Tuesday-Thursday 3 p.m.- 9 p.m., Friday-Saturday 3 p.m.-10 p.m., and Sunday 3 p.m.- 8 p.m. Once Block House is fully staffed, they will start serving lunch. If you have a gathering or party, hungry for a great meal, thirsty for a craft cocktail or mocktail, wanting to game with friends or looking for something new, Block House is here for you, so give them a call at 989-944-8962 or email at thehouse@blockhouse.live.
