Bugg's Grille -- Under New Management
It's not clear what the arrangement is over at Bugg's Temple, but Bugg's Grille, the casual eatery on the middle floor is definitely under new management. (It has a new decor as well, but that's another story.) Chef Brad Gates is still cooking, it appears, but Chuck Mack is no longer handling operations at the Grill. I'll track down some more solid information this week and report back.
8 comments:
Maybe they shouldn't have named the restaurant "Buggs". Isn't that kind of nasty?
Do you think business would pick up once the weather gets warmer?
This seems to me like a great summer destination.
I've been to Buggs Temple four times, 3 at the Grill and 1 at the Tavern. Twice I went to the Grill for lunch on a weekend and it was nearly empty. Just us and maybe 5 or 6 other tables the whole time we were eating.
Last week, however, we went to lunch on Wednesday and it was nearly full. Pre/post ownership change, I don't know, but it was very heartening. I'm sure things at the Grill will only get better as the weather gets better. I bet they could do a good brunch business on the weekends if they wanted to go that route.
As for the Tavern, I went to dinner for the first time a month or so ago and it was a ghost town. One table was leaving when we went in, one was already seated and one other group came in while we were eating. There were quite possibly more people working there than eating there. The food was very good but the service was still a little spotty.
I'm not sure that the warm weather is going to help the Tavern. Being a fine dining restaurant, people have to purposely set out to go there. Warm weather will help a little but not for the casual canal-goer. No one riding around in one of those crazy 4-person bike things is going to stop off at the Tavern for a bite to eat.
I worry about the Tavern making it long-term unless things turn around very quickly. They've been open almost 6 months now and still have kinks to work out.
I popped in over lunch last week and felt a very different energy (positive) at the grille. From what I understand the grille will have a different rebranded identity at some point in the near future with the new women owners in place. I am a fan of the new funky-ecletic decor. I can't wait to see what is next!
I ate at the Grille on Monday with a friend. It was decent but I kind of expected more people there. My friend went yesterday (Wednesday) and said that it was a lot busier--she thought it was because of the weekday special--pizza. So I'm not sure if those within easy walking distance have figured out which work days are worth going to the Grille.
I heard there are new changes to come to the menu over the next 4-6 weeks. The name did change to Creation Cafe as of Wednesday on the menus. However, the menu is going to be further expanded to meets the needs of the demographics in the area. It will also include several tapas to split with friends or co-workers. I spoke with one of the new owners and they are aware that pizza is very popular and are working to put it on the menu daily, as well as they have other things in the works. I would give them 4-6 more weeks to see all the completed changes, as well as give the new owners time to get everything executed. They have high goals set for this concept and are going to just need a little time to get everything in place. The weather also has not been the greatest this week. I also overheard some conservations that soon they will be expanding their hours of operations for the cafe into the night, as well as the coffee shop will be open in the morning. The outdoor patio is planned to have 120 seats, with cozy outdoor furniture as well. It really sounds like it is going to be neat when the project is completed.
$50 dollar certs for Bugg's Temple are available for $5 on q95.com.
Anon with the long comment, what a brilliant idea these new owners have to open the coffee shop in the morning, huh. It sounds to me like you might be involved somewhat, are you one of the owners or a manager. Nice plug.
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