Chili’s removed the signage from its former West Broad Street location. Photo by Michael Thompson.
The competitive Short Pump restaurant market has claimed a casualty.
The Chili’s at 11720 W. Broad St. closed Aug. 13. The franchise had been open for more than 10 years and was owned by the Northern Virginia-based restaurant group Chesapeake Bay Seafood House.
“We ended our lease and just made a business decision not to be there,” said Michael Hoffman, a director of operations at Chesapeake Bay Seafood House.
The restaurant opened in 2003. The property is under the same ownership as Short Pump Town Center mall. That group consists of QIC, Forest City Enterprises, and local developers Pruitt Associates. None of the firms could be reached for comment by phone.
“We wish them well with their future plans,” Pam Howland, spokesperson for Short Pump Town Center, said in an email. “Our project is well leased and we will be able to replace Chili’s with an appropriate use very soon.”
The Short Pump area has no shortage of restaurants, particularly national brands. It has seen new arrivals in recent years, including chains like Carrabba’s Italian Grill, Bonefish Grill and Chuy’s that sought space at West Broad Village.
Chesapeake Bay Seafood House owns 29 other Chili’s in Virginia and Maryland, according to its website. Its stores include Chili’s locations at Chesterfield Crossing, Chester, Charlottesville, and Virginia Center. The company also owns two On the Border Mexican restaurant locations in Virginia and Maryland.
Chili’s removed the signage from its former West Broad Street location. Photo by Michael Thompson.
The competitive Short Pump restaurant market has claimed a casualty.
The Chili’s at 11720 W. Broad St. closed Aug. 13. The franchise had been open for more than 10 years and was owned by the Northern Virginia-based restaurant group Chesapeake Bay Seafood House.
“We ended our lease and just made a business decision not to be there,” said Michael Hoffman, a director of operations at Chesapeake Bay Seafood House.
The restaurant opened in 2003. The property is under the same ownership as Short Pump Town Center mall. That group consists of QIC, Forest City Enterprises, and local developers Pruitt Associates. None of the firms could be reached for comment by phone.
“We wish them well with their future plans,” Pam Howland, spokesperson for Short Pump Town Center, said in an email. “Our project is well leased and we will be able to replace Chili’s with an appropriate use very soon.”
The Short Pump area has no shortage of restaurants, particularly national brands. It has seen new arrivals in recent years, including chains like Carrabba’s Italian Grill, Bonefish Grill and Chuy’s that sought space at West Broad Village.
Chesapeake Bay Seafood House owns 29 other Chili’s in Virginia and Maryland, according to its website. Its stores include Chili’s locations at Chesterfield Crossing, Chester, Charlottesville, and Virginia Center. The company also owns two On the Border Mexican restaurant locations in Virginia and Maryland.
Sorry to see any restaurant make a decision to close. Crossing fingers that a locally owned restaurant might locate in this area – too many chains with sub-par food offerings.
This is a perfect example of restaurant row over-saturation. I would believe that the national chains in Short Pump have to be on the under performing list of their brands. How many Mexican, Italian, hoagie, yogurt and niche restaurants can the market support?. The answer is not much more. With the new developments breaking ground I am confident that you will see a changing retail climate in Short Pump in the next 2+ years in all retail segments. Respectfully; Steven Cohen
I bet it turns into an Outback Steakhouse!