Following a recent renovation, Kellogg Center guests might notice a more inviting and casual area to relax near the hotel’s lobby.
Last Tuesday, a newly built bar opened in the State Room of Kellogg Center, giving hotel guests and community members the chance to experience a more spacious, casual atmosphere.
“We’re trying to make sure that Kellogg is staying on course in providing guests with what they have come to expect,” said Jon Trasky, State Room general manager.
In addition, the State Room also has experienced cosmetic changes to transform the restaurant from fine dining into an upscale casual restaurant.
“Guests want a place to relax after a hard day of work,” said Trasky. “The feel is casual, yet it still offers the same quality of food and service that we have always provided.”
Trasky said the renovation was necessary to bring in more business.
“It has been great,” he said. “Business is definitely up.”
Trasky could not provide specific numbers on the cost of the new bar.
Kellogg Center currently is in the midst of $2.24 million renovations which was approved by the MSU Board of Trustees at its June meeting, including upgrades to the hotel’s conference rooms, corridors and meeting rooms. The School of Hospitality Business also is unveiling its newly renovated Culinary Business Learning Lab at the center this week.
Prior to the construction of the bar, which began at the end of June, the State Room’s bar, called KC’s Lounge, located across hall, was completely separate from the restaurant.
While KC’s only had room for six people seated around the bar, the updated State Room bar is more than double the size, with seating for 12-14 guests.
“It creates more energy in the front of the State Room,” Trasky said. “The ambiance is great.”
Packaging and food science senior and State Room bartender Keira Bell said the modern renovations have increased the amount of traffic to the bar significantly.
“I have definitely noticed more business,” Bell said. “I think it’s a different experience for customers — it’s one of the more modern bars in East Lansing.”
Westland, Mich., resident Bill Morrison, who is a regular guest at Kellogg Center, said the renovations have created a more inviting atmosphere for guests.
“I love it,” Morrison said. “I think the renovations were very nice — the old bar was very confined.”
The former KC’s Lounge will be converted into a private dining area for business and social gatherings after the fall, Trasky said.
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