Downtown Grill Closing

Caroline Jones

February 25, 2011

JOUR 379- Ms. Jackson

Popular Downtown Grill Closing

As of April 9^th The Downtown Grill on the Oxford square will be closing its doors, for the last time. The co-owner of Downtown Grill, Patty Lewis, also owns the popular department store on the square, Neilsons. Lewis, along with her co-owners, Brandt and George Falls, have decided to switch ownership to a local and popular chef, John Currence. Currence is planning to move one of his well-known restaurants, Boure, from its current location to the Downtown Grill space. As many people already know, John Currence is also the owner of City Grocery, Big Bad Breakfast and The Snack Bar.

The Downtown Grill has been a part of the town of Oxford for 22 years.

“I’ve had people tell me that when they think of Oxford, they think of Downtown Grill as among the top restaurants on the square. It is always difficult to get a reservation on any given weekend,” said Downtown Grill employee and Ole Miss student, Christina Bell.

“I have been working at the Grill for a long time and having to search for a new job is the last thing I want to be doing right now. With many Ole Miss student’s as well as locals constantly searching for jobs, it’s going to make finding a new one difficult,” said Downtown Grill employee, Matt Fulcher.

With the closing of the Downtown Grill, it will put approximately 30 people out of jobs, several of whom have been employed at the Grill for over 10 years. As many may know this town is small and jobs are limited. Sad to see it go, many people will be disappointed with their favorite restaurant closes. Some say it is like a piece of the town is now gone for good. Dan Bolen, Ole Miss parent, said he will be sad to see Downtown Grill close, as it was his favorite restaurant and bar to visit while in town.

“ Since my son was a freshman, I have been a frequent customer of Downtown Grill. In my mind, although the square will be the same, will always be a little bit different once the Downtown Grill is gone. Oh well, you can’t dwell forever and have to accept new beginnings,” said Bolen.

Although it is typically thought of as an upscale restaurant, it is also a bar as long as a popular venue for special events. People have had events, wedding reherseals are scheduled there beyond the closing date and now they are suddenly left without a venue.

“The selling of Downtown Grill is causing chaos for people with events scheduled there. They have had these events planned for months and are suddenly forced to reschedule last minute,” said Fulcher.