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Rockwell Republic's outdoor seating. (MLive file photo)

GRAND RAPIDS, MI -- Grand Rapids restaurateur Jeff Lobdell says he has purchased Rockwell Republic in downtown Grand Rapids's Heartside Neighborhood.

He bought the popular restaurant at 45 S. Division Ave. from his close friends, Dave and Paul Reinert, owners of O'Toole's. The brothers are currently working on a new concept where their former business, Monty's, was located.

"Grand Rapids has so many wonderful locally owned restaurants and Rockwell Republic has always been one of my favorites," Lobdell said in a statement on Wednesday, Oct. 12. "For this reason, no significant changes are intended to be made. I'm very excited to now have this special place as part of the Restaurant Partners Family."

Lobdell added that he likes the gastro pub's "Chicago'esque" feel and "tremendous reputation for culinary innovation." The menu is a blend of American and Asian influenced cuisine.

The eatery, which opened as Rockwell's Kitchen and Tap, is credited with helping revitalize South Division Avenue along with sister restaurant Republic.

"This is a wonderful marriage of a great restaurant company with a great restaurant brand," Lobdell said. "There are so many wonderful things that Rockwell Republic does with their food and beverage programs that I'm confident that many of our 17 other locations will eventually benefit from. Likewise we have a lot of fabulous products, systems and co-branding or co-marketing best practices that Rockwell will surely benefit from as well."

He is president and founder of Restaurant Partners, Inc, a Grand Rapids and Traverse City-based company with 10 brands including Sundance Grille, Beltline Bar and Grand Coney. The 18 locations employ 950 people.

Lobdell, who recently received the Michigan Restaurant Association's Distinguished Service Award, is also currently a director with the National Restaurant Association.