Robert Repp
Owner - Executive Chef
Meet Chef Bob Repp
Born and raised right here in Holland, MI, I like to say I’m locally sourced too. I’ve spent my adult life in the culinary world, which means I’ve burned a few fingertips, washed more dishes than I care to count, and somehow still get excited every time a great ingredient shows up at the back door.
I joined Hops at 84 East in 2015, became a partner in 2020, and took over as sole owner in 2025. Around here, that means I’ve worn just about every hat possible; chef, menu-tester, problem-solver, occasional lightbulb-changer, and guy who is probably thinking about tomorrow’s special while pretending to relax.
In 2019, I was honored to win the James Beard Blended Burger competition, which was a pretty incredible reminder that great food does not have to be fussy to be memorable. My favorite kind of cooking takes adventurous ingredients and makes them feel approachable, familiar, and fun. A little unexpected? Absolutely. Weird just for the sake of being weird? Not on my watch.
When I’m not in the kitchen, I’m usually with my wife, Tessa, our two daughters, Rory and Margot, and our border collie, Obie, who remains convinced he is in charge of the household. I also love hiking, gardening, painting, live music, and anything that wakes up the senses; good smells, bold colors, loud guitars, fresh herbs, all of it.
At Hops at 84 East, my goal is simple: serve food that feels creative but comfortable, local but lively, and full of the kind of flavor that makes you already start planning what you’ll order next time. Come hungry. We’ll take it from there.