By Greg Ellison, Staff Writer

(Nov. 30, 2017) Dining options in Pocomoke expand on Tuesday when Mallards on the River begins serving lunch and dinner in the recently shuttered Riverside Grill location at 2 River Street.

In October the Mayor and Council selected John “Johnny Mo” Morrison, who operates Mallards at the Wharf in Onancock, Virginia, to revive operations at the 3,000 square-foot restaurant.

In September, Riverside Grill owner Mark Reeves announced his intention to close after five years.

City Manager Bobby Cowger said Morrison took barely one month to put a new imprint on the food establishment.

“They were trying for Dec. 1, but a few things slowed him up just a little bit,” he said.

Following the Pocomoke Christmas Parade on Monday, Cowger said town officials were among a few dozen people invited for a cocktail party to sample fare and preview the new dining concept

“The Mayor and Council were excited with what they saw last night,” he said.

In addition to new signage and fresh paint, Cowger said Morrison installed original artwork to revitalize the décor.

“He’s got it really nice inside,” Cowger said.

Morrison said Mallards on the River would open for lunch at 11 a.m. on Tuesday. The restaurant will be open six days a week, from Tuesday until Sunday, with operations expanding to include Monday in the spring.

“We’re taking private parties now and will have catering available in the near future,” he said.

Although Mallards will open next week, Morrison said because of the minimal changeover time the new location would continue to improve operations. An official grand opening celebration has yet to be scheduled.

For more information, visit www.mallardsllc.com