The Penny Loafer Wedding Specialists

09/25/2025

So good... if you're not here, you're missing out.

Will Zalokar is so smooth... sigh...
xo

09/07/2025

❤️

Yesterday got off to a great start when saxophonist Will Zalokar walked through our doors and became one of our besties. We are so excited to welcome Will and Zalokar Entertainment to our cafe every other Wednesday evening for "Wednesdays With Will," a smooth and saxy spin on your favorites. You won't want to miss it: no cover charge and the cafe will be featuring a special menu.

We began planning Penny's birthday party and have decided on an Open House Jam Session! All musicians welcome to come in and play on the stage, sit with other musicians, have a cocktail and snacks and dance until you can't dance anymore!

One of our beautiful new Brides-to-Be dropped in with her adorable little girl and bestie and continued making plans for her upcoming wedding while her little acorn colored and had a very special treat. I believe we have mastered the hot cocoa now. What was missing? Sprinkles... xo

Keyboardist Kelley Keys dropped in and tickled the real ivories on our gorgeous piano before taking a tour and had a tough time leaving... we know, Kelley... we know.

As we are getting more and more visitors we are looking for volunteers who are interested in learning the deep history of the building and conducting tours, welcoming people and helping in the cafe, and learning the menu and working on the kitchen line.

And finally we worked on our fall menu, added a new dessert, cleaned the big floor and Patti set up the entire theater as a pre-set for a huge show coming in October.. and she did it all by herself as I pored over licensing and permits.

It was another great day at The Lit
xo

08/23/2025

08/01/2025

Please stop by and say hello, grab a snack, see the building, play the piano, tap dance on the stage, and read the history of this spectacular building. 🎶💕

It was started as a space for community, where women could gather in fellowship, to teach and to learn. It hosted presidents and Susan B. Anthony, it hosted lectures and performances.

08/01/2025

IT'S TIME!

It was started as a space for community, where women could gather in fellowship, to teach and to learn. It hosted presidents and Susan B. Anthony, it hosted lectures and performances.

07/29/2025

From: Penny Hock
To: WOOD Report
Subject: The Ladies Literary Building REOPENING!
Good afternoon,
I have recently taken over operations and am reopening the Ladies Literary Club building, now known as The Lit, by The Penny Loafer. After sitting empty and unused since last year, this historically registered building is being converted back to a space for the community and includes a library and study space, a full service breakfast and lunch cafe, and a theater and event space.

My soft open patrons have said they believe it is newsworthy and after seeing your story on the African American Museum right next store, I thought it would be another great announcement for the use of our historical spaces and contribution to the potential redevelopment of this struggling area of the city.

If you are interested in learning more and would like a private tour, please let me know. I'm so happy to bring this building back to the community as intended and would love to have a way to let them know.

Thanks much,
Penny S. Hock
Owner
The Penny Loafer, LLC
The Lit by The Penny Loafer
The Parlor at the Lit
630-995-0558

From: Madalyn Buursma
Date: 7/28/25 3:37 PM (GMT-05:00)
To: Penny Hock
Subject: RE: The Ladies Literary Building REOPENING!
Hi Penny!!
WOW! We'd love to do a story on this! What does your schedule look like? Would you have time this Wednesday after 3 p.m. or sometime Thursday for the tour/an interview?

Best,
Madalyn Buursma
Reporter
Nexstar Media Inc.
WOOD TV | ABC 4 West Michigan | WXSP | The CW West Michigan

06/24/2025

Coming Soon...

"The Lit by The Penny Loafer"

Step back in time at this magnificent historical venue and be one of the first to hold a private event for up to 300 guests. Take in the vintage feel of a speakeasy in a glamorous ballroom with a stage and red velvet curtain, or relax in The Parlor Room with refreshments and artwork from local curators within the ambiance of acoustic sets from local musicians.

The Parlor at The Lit will be open daily and will feature culinary and crafty creations from local curators. Local musicians may reserve space in The Parlor Room to work on their set, play for tips, or come hang out and support other musicians. There is no cost to reserve a time slot and you keep 100% of your tips.

Getting married? This is one of the most beautiful buildings in Grand Rapids, featuring a bridal suite, a groom's den, The Parlor Room for pre-reception cocktail hour, and all packages include linens and onsite planner. Come check us out and enjoy a complimentary beverage as we discuss your plans. Walkthroughs beginning the week of 6/30.

Grand Opening Saturday August 2, 2025.

For more details or to schedule an appointment, call Penny at 630-995-0558

06/24/2025

We are getting ready to breathe life back into this amazing, historical building. Watch for the grand opening of, "The Lit GR, by The Penny Loafer".. coming August 1, 2025.

Showings starting in July for bookings. Please contact us for available dates and special pricing for our grand opening.

630.995.0558

06/24/2025

There is big news on the horizon... huge!

08/19/2024

RIP PHIL DONAHUE
😞

08/05/2024

Why Not Me!

05/26/2024

One of our very highly recommended vendors. Stephanie is absolutely dynamite to work with, she tops our list of preferred photographers. You'll be glad you called. xo