A Boxing Gym, a Vision, and the Next Chapter

The final chapter (so far) in the story of The 601 Group starts, somewhat unexpectedly, with a boxing gym.

As we began planning for The Local Epicurean East Lansing, we spent months searching for the right location—even before the franchise agreement was signed. We explored new developments, old buildings, strip malls, indoor malls, stand-alone storefronts—you name it, we considered it.

Our realtor kept mentioning one spot, right on the East Lansing / Meridian Township border, that had recently been home to a boxing gym. Honestly, we brushed it off. A boxing gym? For a premium, experience-driven hospitality business built around fresh pasta, curated markets, and hands-on cooking classes? It just didn’t sound like the right fit.

But eventually, we drove by. And instantly, we knew: this was it.

Located just off Grand River Avenue, near the new Trader Joe’s and directly across from Whole Foods, it sat on one of the busiest corridors between Lansing and the eastern suburbs. The ceilings were high. The floor plan was wide open. The visibility was perfect.

We signed the lease and got to work.

This wasn’t just a new location—it was a chance to reimagine the experience. One thing we knew we wanted to incorporate that wasn’t present at the original Grand Rapids location was visible, center-stage pasta production. So we designed the space around that idea:

• A market that wraps around a fully operational pasta-making station,

• A large U-shaped bar at the heart of the store,

• And massive wooden tables on the other side, built to host cooking classes of all sizes.

It was everything we had imagined.

We officially opened the first week of December 2024—and were immediately overwhelmed by the excitement, support, and generosity of the East Lansing and greater Lansing community.

And with that, the foundation of The 601 Group was fully formed: a growing collection of unique, experience-driven hospitality businesses built around food, connection, and shared moments.

This post concludes the origin story of The 601 Group—for now.

But the story is far from over.

In the weeks and months ahead, we’ll be using this space to share more than just history—we’ll share perspectives on leadership, hospitality, business, and life. Lessons we’re learning, moments we’re reflecting on, and ideas we’re exploring as we continue to build something great and enduring.

We hope you’ll join us for the next chapter.

— Gina and Mike