(Sept. 7, 2017) Pocomoke officials are searching for a new tenant to take over operations at the Riverside Grill, after being informed that current proprietor Mark Reeves would depart next month.
City Manager Bobby Cowger said Reeves, who took over operations there five years ago, also runs the Back Street Grill in Salisbury and earlier this year launched Southgate Grill in Ocean Pines.
“Their lease is up for renewal in January, but Oct. 30 will be their last day,” he said. “We put a proposal package together and we’re advertising it.”
The town owns the 3,000-square-foot, 120-seat dining establishment, which Cowger said would most likely be reopened within a month of Reeves closing up shop.
“We’ve already gotten five interested parties and [several] more have inquired,” he said. “We’ll be taking proposals until Sept. 30.”
Once proposals are in, Cowger said the town would take a few weeks to choose a new operator.
“We’ll contact the ones we’re interested to meet,” he said. “By end of October, we’ll have a selection made … and have them [moving] in by end of November.”
Although the new restaurant owners may undertake minor renovations or equipment changes, Cowger said for the most part the city-owned structure should be a virtually turnkey operation.
“We’re excited about getting a new tenant,” he said. “We’re well on top of this one. We’re looking not to be down more than 30 days.”
City Manager Bobby Cowger said Reeves, who took over operations there five years ago, also runs the Back Street Grill in Salisbury and earlier this year launched Southgate Grill in Ocean Pines.
“Their lease is up for renewal in January, but Oct. 30 will be their last day,” he said. “We put a proposal package together and we’re advertising it.”
The town owns the 3,000-square-foot, 120-seat dining establishment, which Cowger said would most likely be reopened within a month of Reeves closing up shop.
“We’ve already gotten five interested parties and [several] more have inquired,” he said. “We’ll be taking proposals until Sept. 30.”
Once proposals are in, Cowger said the town would take a few weeks to choose a new operator.
“We’ll contact the ones we’re interested to meet,” he said. “By end of October, we’ll have a selection made … and have them [moving] in by end of November.”
Although the new restaurant owners may undertake minor renovations or equipment changes, Cowger said for the most part the city-owned structure should be a virtually turnkey operation.
“We’re excited about getting a new tenant,” he said. “We’re well on top of this one. We’re looking not to be down more than 30 days.”