Big River Grille gone?

[mmackeymouse]

Just read some news that the parent company of Big River Grille (also Old Chicago, Logan's) is going under. I've seen the word "indefinitely" used, but I have also seen that it is expected to be a permanent move.

I never actually went in Big River Grille, but it does seem like a pretty major loss for the BoardWalk, right? Not only are they losing a restaurant, they will have to find another restaurant willing to come in, during uncertain financial times. Not only that, but with the brewery inside, unless they find a similar tenant, it will require a great deal of refurb to change up the restaurant.

On one hand, I think this might be a good opportunity to get a new fresh culinary concept in there. (And make sure everyone who lost their jobs from Big River are re-hired) On the other hand, it seems like a massive undertaking, and I worry that Disney will just gut it and make it a merch shop.

Thoughts? I'd like to see something authentic to the BoardWalk, Jersey turn of the century style in there, but they really have a lot of the cuisines already covered. Perhaps a D-Luxe burger second location? My other thought would be a sandwich shop authentic to the jersey shore, with things like hoagies and cheesesteaks, heartier sandwiches than you would find at the Bakery, maybe better quality than you would find at ESPN.

 

[wdwdis]

I agree, this will be a loss to the Boardwalk. We really enjoyed Big River. Hoping they come back from this. I am not sure what could take it's place but definitely do not want to see a merch shop.

 

[2xcited2sleep]

Have they explicitly said Big River Grill is impacted and closing? I know the parent company of Ample Hills (ironically also on the Boardwalk) has also filed for bankruptcy but they've said they plan to continue to operate existing stores (when able to post-COVID-19). The Boardwalk is definitely prime real estate. It will be interesting to see what they do with that space if they do close … so much potential.

 

[cgattis]

I only dined there once and it was terrible. I’ve been to the one in Chattanooga several times and it’s always been great. Not sure if I just hit an off night of what. But ITA—there needs to be a real restaurant there, not merch.

I’m trying to decide between BWV and BCV for next summer, and all the food being outside of Boardwalk really seems weird.

 

[Erica Ladd]

I’d love a D-Luxe burger there in its place! I wish they had a more substantial QS restaurant on the boardwalk

 

[gharter]

Rarely have eaten at Big River Grill. The food was what you would expect. Enjoyed the beer more.
Hopefully it doesn't close as that would be a big loss for the Boardwalk area.
Agree, if it closes, it needs to be another restaurant.

 

[L&Lfan]

I live at the Jersey shore. Another sub shop/ cheesesteak place, even at Disney’s Boardwalk wouldn’t interest me. That stuff’s overrated anyway.
Maybe another micro brewery would take it over. We’ve been to Big River Grille once and weren’t impressed.

I’d actually like to see a roast beef/ fried seafood place . They’re all over the Boston area where I used to live. Delicious roast beef sandwiches with different sauces and all kinds of fried seafood-clams, shrimp, scallops, oysters, fish and chips, hush puppies and of course, several varieties of chowdah. I think that type of place... if it’s any good... would do well on the Boardwalk. Nothing fancy. Just a typical restaurant you’d find at the beach/seashore.

 

[SL6827]

That is too bad. I have never ate at the Chattanooga location at Hamilton Place, but now I wish I had.

 

[ncc1701]

I live at the Jersey shore. Another sub shop/ cheesesteak place, even at Disney’s Boardwalk wouldn’t interest me. That stuff’s overrated anyway.
Maybe another micro brewery would take it over. We’ve been to Big River Grille once and weren’t impressed.

Another Jersey resident here & I too wouldn't care for a steak/hoagie shop. Perhaps a seafood place but not as upscale as Flying Fish. Or if we want to go "real" Jersey , a Diner type of restaurant.

 

[Erica Ladd]

I like the seafood idea. Just hoping for a QS instead of TS

 

[gatour]

It would be nice for it to return more or less as is. It was nice place to get a decent lunch or take a break drink from either EPCOT Center or Disney Hollywood. the food was okay.

However if it stays a restaurant, please don't make it an Italian restaurant.

Upon a bit of reflection, perhaps Landry's or Patina will pick up the location.

The "holding company" for lack of a better term also owns three brewpub restaurants in the Jacksonville area. They were initially opened by local restaurateurs before brewpubs became trendy. Gordon Bierch bought them years ago. I was actually at the St Augustine location when I was sitting at a table next to a couple of business people. They were discussing the plans of opening the Boardwalk Big River location

 

[hereforthechurros]

Getting an outpost like Cigar City in there would be great. Something local-ish, decent beer they already serve, good looking food menu. I personally find the Boardwalk as meh as it gets for a WDW destination and would love a new offering there.

 

[KristinU]

Add me to the list of "been there once, wasn't impressed, never returned." I'd love to see something new there, or even a more inventive brew pub. Of course, who knows in the climate we're in and whatever the business and travel climate that lies ahead is.

 

[cgattis]

That is too bad. I have never ate at the Chattanooga location at Hamilton Place, but now I wish I had.

I’ve only eaten at the downtown one; maybe it’ll be back!

 

[SL6827]

I’ve only eaten at the downtown one; maybe it’ll be back!

Didn't even think about the downtown location. I frequent Hamilton Place far more than downtown.

 

[bumbershoot]

I only dined there once and it was terrible.

Add me to the list of "been there once, wasn't impressed, never returned."

Same.
I vaguely recall that the food was OK.
But we were two families together. 8 people, all very reasonable people who were being kind and polite. And the server treated 7 of us just fine, but she was nearly evil to my cousin. From service to attitude it was like she thought my cousin had killed her puppies or something. We spoke with management at least once during the meal and it didn’t change. Cousin had TIW (plus the big party caused the auto tip), but she went the distance and got the tip for her immediate family taken off, it was just that bad for her.

I won’t miss it if it goes.

 

[Erica Ladd]

Oh! Or maybe another Polite Pig! We love the drink selection and the good food.

 

[GPC0321]

In my opinion, Boardwalk needs a legit resort QS restaurant with adequate indoor seating, mug refill, and actual hot meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
We're staying there for the first time in December (hopefully!) and I'm very excited because I've always wanted to stay at the resort, but I was a little bummed about the lack of a "normal" QS restaurant.

 

[DizDaD7]

Just read some news that the parent company of Big River Grille (also Old Chicago, Logan's) is going under. I've seen the word "indefinitely" used, but I have also seen that it is expected to be a permanent move.

I never actually went in Big River Grille, but it does seem like a pretty major loss for the BoardWalk, right? Not only are they losing a restaurant, they will have to find another restaurant willing to come in, during uncertain financial times. Not only that, but with the brewery inside, unless they find a similar tenant, it will require a great deal of refurb to change up the restaurant.

On one hand, I think this might be a good opportunity to get a new fresh culinary concept in there. (And make sure everyone who lost their jobs from Big River are re-hired) On the other hand, it seems like a massive undertaking, and I worry that Disney will just gut it and make it a merch shop.

Thoughts? I'd like to see something authentic to the BoardWalk, Jersey turn of the century style in there, but they really have a lot of the cuisines already covered. Perhaps a D-Luxe burger second location? My other thought would be a sandwich shop authentic to the jersey shore, with things like hoagies and cheesesteaks, heartier sandwiches than you would find at the Bakery, maybe better quality than you would find at ESPN.

You can definitely count on something taking its place, that is if it is indeed not returning... An upscale sub shop might actually work. & wash it down with refreshing Craft beer...

I agree, this will be a loss to the Boardwalk. We really enjoyed Big River. Hoping they come back from this. I am not sure what could take it's place but definitely do not want to see a merch shop.

I doubt that they'll make another merch store, with thimbles and threads right next door.

Have they explicitly said Big River Grill is impacted and closing? I know the parent company of Ample Hills (ironically also on the Boardwalk) has also filed for bankruptcy but they've said they plan to continue to operate existing stores (when able to post-COVID-19). The Boardwalk is definitely prime real estate. It will be interesting to see what they do with that space if they do close … so much potential.

^^^ This^^^

I’d love a D-Luxe burger there in its place! I wish they had a more substantial QS restaurant on the boardwalk

D-Luxe burger is a good idea..We did enjoy the one @DS.

I live at the Jersey shore. Another sub shop/ cheesesteak place, even at Disney’s Boardwalk wouldn’t interest me. That stuff’s overrated anyway.
Maybe another micro brewery would take it over. We’ve been to Big River Grille once and weren’t impressed.

I’d actually like to see a roast beef/ fried seafood place . They’re all over the Boston area where I used to live. Delicious roast beef sandwiches with different sauces and all kinds of fried seafood-clams, shrimp, scallops, oysters, fish and chips, hush puppies and of course, several varieties of chowdah. I think that type of place... if it’s any good... would do well on the Boardwalk. Nothing fancy. Just a typical restaurant you’d find at the beach/seashore.

Sounds like a typical Jersey joint down the shore.. Interesting..

In my opinion, Boardwalk needs a legit resort QS restaurant with adequate indoor seating, mug refill, and actual hot meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
We're staying there for the first time in December (hopefully!) and I'm very excited because I've always wanted to stay at the resort, but I was a little bummed about the lack of a "normal" QS restaurant.

Above^^^^

 

[DizDaD7]

However if it stays a restaurant, please don't make it an Italian restaurant.

I'm not so sure with this place close by...
https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/boardwalk/trattoria-al-forno/