KALAMAZOO, MI — Alley cats may go quietly about their ways, but they also aren’t shy about letting you know they’re there.

So, it’s only fitting a bar named Alley Cat opened quietly last weekend and is now ready to make some noise.

After a months-long journey, Jon and Heidi Best opened Kalamazoo’s newest downtown establishment Saturday, Nov. 22, at 266 E. Michigan Ave.

The space, formerly home to Ouzo’s European Grill, had been vacant since 2019.

On Saturday, the Bests welcomed in old friends and new to kick off a two-day soft opening celebration. After two days off, they’re now preparing for the busiest bar night of the year on Thanksgiving Eve.

“It was great to see lots of familiar and new faces over the weekend,” said Heidi Best, an industry veteran who’s worked in Kalamazoo rest

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