Every so often, I dedicate a column to restaurants and bars taking their final curtain call. Business owners and managers frequently cite economic stressors such as rent and rising food costs as deciding factors for closing, and that subject was in full force again this month.
While the first four years are usually what make or break a business, one of this week’s spots served Fort Worth customers for over a decade before saying adieu.
Jon’s Grille says goodbye after four years in business
Chef and restaurateur Jon Bonnell announced his intention to close his Berry Street eatery, Jon’s Grille, July 11 on his Facebook page, attributing the decision to both a difficult economy and fatigue from his recent battle with cancer.
He said “all employees have been given the opportunity to work at other Bonnell’s Restaurant Group locations” and that gift certificates, coupons and charitable donations will still be honored at any of his other dining spots.
A fast casual burger and brisket joint, Jon’s Grille boasted locally sourced ingredients and drinks, according to its website. The menu included everything from wings, chili and fried pickles to salads, shakes and classic cocktails.
Bonnell revived the business in 2022 in honor of his friend and the eatery’s former owner, Jon Meyerson, who died in 2001.
The Basement Lounge closing July 31
The Basement Lounge on Camp Bowie Boulevard is closing after serving cocktails for more than 10 years, according to a post last week on the spot’s Facebook page. Co-owners Jesse Meraz and Christopher Neu said in the statement that they had exhausted “every available option” to stay afloat, but that “substantial” increases in rent and operating expenses, including insurance, made the business no longer sustainable.
“While we are heartbroken to have to close this chapter,” the post said. “We have faith that when one door closes another will open.”
Visitors have about a week left to order a final drink before the Lounge closes July 31. Among the latest drinks they shared on their socials are the tropical Coconut No. 5 alongside mocktails and classics like martinis and old-fashioneds.
Tex-Mex restaurant shutters Hurst location
July 16 saw the closing of Pulido’s Kitchen & Cantina’s Hurst location, which opened in Nov. 2024. Their other sites in Fort Worth and Eastland will remain in business.
Staff thanked customers for their support.
“Serving the Hurst community has been an honor, and we are incredibly grateful for every family, friend, neighbor, student, teacher, and longtime guest who has made this location feel like home,” staff said in an official statement on Facebook.
Zack Marshall, manager for the Fort Worth location, said it was unfortunate to see the Hurst location close and that the closure was due to economic challenges.
He said their three other locations “are doing fantastic,” and that they just added two new chicken entrees to the menu, including a marinated grilled chicken breast with Monterey Jack, pico de gallo, grilled veggies and cilantro lime rice.
Happy hour is every day 4-6 p.m.
2900 Pulido St., Fort Worth; 817-862-9099
We’d love to hear from you! Send your restaurant tips and hot takes to erin.ratigan@fortworthreport.org.
Erin Ratigan is a freelance journalist and writer specializing in narrative news features. You can find her on X @erinratigan.
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