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.\u00a0<\/p>\n
While the first four years are usually what make or break a business, one of this week\u2019s spots served Fort Worth customers for over a decade before saying adieu.<\/p>\n
Jon\u2019s Grille says goodbye after four years in business<\/strong><\/p>\n Chef and restaurateur Jon Bonnell<\/a> announced his intention to close his Berry Street eatery, Jon\u2019s Grille, July 11 on his Facebook page<\/a>, attributing the decision to both a difficult economy and fatigue<\/a> from his recent battle with cancer.\u00a0<\/p>\n He said \u201call employees have been given the opportunity to work at other Bonnell\u2019s Restaurant Group locations\u201d and that gift certificates, coupons and charitable donations will still be honored at any of his other dining spots.\u00a0<\/p>\n A fast casual burger and brisket joint, Jon\u2019s 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.\u00a0<\/p>\n Bonnell revived the business in 2022 in honor of his friend and the eatery\u2019s former owner, Jon Meyerson, who died in 2001.<\/p>\n The Basement Lounge closing July 31<\/strong><\/p>\n The Basement Lounge on Camp Bowie Boulevard is closing after serving cocktails for more than 10 years, according to a post<\/a> last week on the spot\u2019s Facebook page. Co-owners Jesse Meraz and Christopher Neu said in the statement that they had exhausted \u201cevery available option\u201d to stay afloat, but that \u201csubstantial\u201d increases in rent and operating expenses, including insurance, made the business no longer sustainable.<\/p>\n \u201cWhile we are heartbroken to have to close this chapter,\u201d the post said. \u201cWe have faith that when one door closes another will open.\u201d<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n