After The Middle East (now "The Middle East - Upstairs") began hosting rock concerts in 1987, the venue expanded to include a former bowling alley in the basement and a nearby bakery. The bowling alley became The Middle East - Downstairs, a concert venue capable of hosting more than three times the number of attendees in the Upstairs venue. The bakery became The Middle East - Corner & Bakery, which acts as both a standalone restaurant, bar, and venue as well as the entrance to the much larger The Middle East - Downstairs.