Metro Jacksonville

Jacksonville by Neighborhood => The Burbs => Southside => Topic started by: thelakelander on January 03, 2012, 10:26:25 PM

Title: The Grape at SJTC closes
Post by: thelakelander on January 03, 2012, 10:26:25 PM
One of the St. Johns Town Center’s original restaurants has closed its doors.

Without notice, The Grape, a wine bar and bistro located near P.F. Chang’s China Bistro, closed this week after nearly seven years in operation.

full article: http://jacksonville.com/opinion/blog/423471/gary-mills/2012-01-03/st-johns-town-center-wine-bar-and-bistro-abruptly-closes
Title: Re: The Grape at SJTC closes
Post by: tufsu1 on January 03, 2012, 10:34:33 PM
I think the one in Tampa (at International Plaza) closed last month
Title: Re: The Grape at SJTC closes
Post by: I-10east on January 03, 2012, 11:39:37 PM
I remember when The Grape was featured on the Actionnews Restaurant report; I forgot the exact details of the inspection, but it wasn't good, so the staff at the Grape tried to brive Actionnews with a bottle of wine to not show the report.
Title: Re: The Grape at SJTC closes
Post by: billy on January 04, 2012, 06:19:53 AM
The one in Inman Park closed a while back (Usher owned it).
Not sure if the one at Phipps Plaza is still open.
Title: Re: The Grape at SJTC closes
Post by: ben says on January 04, 2012, 08:13:41 AM
Anyone know why it closed?
Title: Re: The Grape at SJTC closes
Post by: copperfiend on January 04, 2012, 08:58:20 AM
Quote from: ben says on January 04, 2012, 08:13:41 AM
Anyone know why it closed?

Sounds like the closed most of their locations (maybe all).
Title: Re: The Grape at SJTC closes
Post by: Doctor_K on January 04, 2012, 09:04:45 AM
Sad, sad day.  That was one of the favorite haunts of the Doctor K household. :(

I really hope something of a similar nature opens in that space.
Title: Re: The Grape at SJTC closes
Post by: Mueller on January 04, 2012, 12:40:21 PM
The COJ needs to immediately demolish the building so that more "parking space" is made available.  Then the SJTC can work on a plan to "develop" the space in the future.   :P
Title: Re: The Grape at SJTC closes
Post by: Doctor_K on January 04, 2012, 01:24:08 PM
Quote from: Mueller on January 04, 2012, 12:40:21 PM
The COJ needs to immediately demolish the building so that more "parking space" is made available.  Then the SJTC can work on a plan to "develop" the space in the future.   :P

LOL.  Nice.

Or, to be even MORE like the Core, build that parking deck already!
Title: Re: The Grape at SJTC closes
Post by: krischislett on May 07, 2012, 03:04:32 PM
Quote from: I-10east on January 03, 2012, 11:39:37 PM
I remember when The Grape was featured on the Actionnews Restaurant report; I forgot the exact details of the inspection, but it wasn't good, so the staff at the Grape tried to brive Actionnews with a bottle of wine to not show the report.
Weird. I don't remember that, and I was General Manager of the restaurant for 7 years!
I DO however remember the PR company that was "working" with The Grape at the time (Mike White with Client Focus Media who owns and operates BUZZ Magazine) attempting to bribe the CBS47 journalist with $10,000 and a case or two of wine. He did all of this acting on his own accord. The guy is a sleazebag, what can I say.
Certainly no-one who was working at The Grape ever attempted to bribe anyone.

If you have any other questions, you can ALWAYS reach out for me directly. It certainly beats taking an uneducated guess as to what happened!  :D
Title: Re: The Grape at SJTC closes
Post by: I-10east on May 07, 2012, 03:39:19 PM
^^^Well from the perspective of Actionnews, it was a bribe attempt from The Grape staff. Is it any coincidence that the restaurant is no longer there?
Title: Re: The Grape at SJTC closes
Post by: Coolyfett on May 07, 2012, 09:06:56 PM
Quote from: krischislett on May 07, 2012, 03:04:32 PM
Quote from: I-10east on January 03, 2012, 11:39:37 PM
I remember when The Grape was featured on the Actionnews Restaurant report; I forgot the exact details of the inspection, but it wasn't good, so the staff at the Grape tried to brive Actionnews with a bottle of wine to not show the report.
Weird. I don't remember that, and I was General Manager of the restaurant for 7 years!
I DO however remember the PR company that was "working" with The Grape at the time (Mike White with Client Focus Media who owns and operates BUZZ Magazine) attempting to bribe the CBS47 journalist with $10,000 and a case or two of wine. He did all of this acting on his own accord. The guy is a sleazebag, what can I say.
Certainly no-one who was working at The Grape ever attempted to bribe anyone.

If you have any other questions, you can ALWAYS reach out for me directly. It certainly beats taking an uneducated guess as to what happened!  :D
Rick Ross "Uggh"