The eatery at 7515 Brook Road was most recently Lucille’s. (Photo by Michael Schwartz)
For the fifth time in 12 years, a Northside restaurant property is getting a new tenant.
Brookside Grill & Bar this week leased the 8,000-square-foot building at 7515 Brook Road on Route 1. Owner and restaurant veteran Roger Baugher said he expects the seafood restaurant and market to open in October.
“This is what I’ve been doing my entire life, so I’m really excited for it,” said Baugher, 52.
Baugher was the chef for Richmond seafood staple Skillagalee before it closed in June after 31 years in business. He also owned Ashland eatery Amberjack Landing from 1997 to 2002 before selling the business.
Brookside will seat 250 and serve seafood and comfort food. The business will also have a fish and meat market, a sports bar and live music, Baugher said. He’s looking to hire about 10 people.
The eatery plans to add outdoor seating. The building owner, Migraine Properties, is footing the renovation costs and handling the work, Baugher said.
The location is best known as home of the Celebrity Room, which closed in 1994 after 31 years. Baugher called the restaurant “an institution” and said its history was a draw for him.
After the Celebrity Room closed, the location became a revolving door for restaurateurs. Theresa’s Italian Villa, Amigo’s and Citrine Cuisine all opened and closed between 2001 and 2008. The location most recently housed Lucile’s Southern Cuisine, which closed a year and a half ago.
The property had recently marketed a major price reduction to attract a new occupant.
The eatery at 7515 Brook Road was most recently Lucille’s. (Photo by Michael Schwartz)
For the fifth time in 12 years, a Northside restaurant property is getting a new tenant.
Brookside Grill & Bar this week leased the 8,000-square-foot building at 7515 Brook Road on Route 1. Owner and restaurant veteran Roger Baugher said he expects the seafood restaurant and market to open in October.
“This is what I’ve been doing my entire life, so I’m really excited for it,” said Baugher, 52.
Baugher was the chef for Richmond seafood staple Skillagalee before it closed in June after 31 years in business. He also owned Ashland eatery Amberjack Landing from 1997 to 2002 before selling the business.
Brookside will seat 250 and serve seafood and comfort food. The business will also have a fish and meat market, a sports bar and live music, Baugher said. He’s looking to hire about 10 people.
The eatery plans to add outdoor seating. The building owner, Migraine Properties, is footing the renovation costs and handling the work, Baugher said.
The location is best known as home of the Celebrity Room, which closed in 1994 after 31 years. Baugher called the restaurant “an institution” and said its history was a draw for him.
After the Celebrity Room closed, the location became a revolving door for restaurateurs. Theresa’s Italian Villa, Amigo’s and Citrine Cuisine all opened and closed between 2001 and 2008. The location most recently housed Lucile’s Southern Cuisine, which closed a year and a half ago.
The property had recently marketed a major price reduction to attract a new occupant.
“For the fifth time in 12 years, a Northside restaurant property is getting a new tenant.”
Good luck to the new tenants, but maybe there’s something to that old adage: Location, location, location……..
Could not agree more with Phil H, plus the demographics and the general apperance of retail from Hillard to Villa Park Drive along with this dated building will make me drive past it everytime.
8,000sq ft, 10 employees?
Pro tip: Get some big open windows on that thing. No one wants to eat in a bomb shelter
Obviously, none of you have chosen to visit. The food is wonderful, service is top notch, and I will go back time and time again — as will all the people who continue to enjoy this new establishment. Have you noticed the full parking lot … or are you just choosing to pontificate with nothing to back it up?