NEWBURY — Over 2½ years after Plum Island Grille shuttered its doors, the beloved former restaurant is being demolished.
On Thursday, the once-lively establishment featured dumpsters and debris as a construction vehicle tore through the one-story structure bit by bit.
Plum Island Grille, which offered “fine bistro dining” according to its social media page, closed at the end of September 2023.
The reason for the closure was attributed to legal difficulties between the former owner, Francis Broadbery, and his former landlord and business partner, Mark Friery.
“The Grille has become a central place of gathering for the local community and far beyond. A place to share stories, relax, celebrate, share grief but most importantly a place to share laughs and love with good company (and food, I hope),” said a Facebook post by Broadbery in which he announced the restaurant’s closure in 2023.
Friery opened the restaurant on Plum Island Turnpike in 1998, and years later brought in Broadbery, the Grille’s head chef, as a co-owner.
The restaurant was put up for sale in 2016 and eventually taken off the market. Friery then sold his share of the business, and Broadbery was left as the sole owner.
The 0.275-acre property on 2 Plum Island Blvd. is assessed at $778,900 in total, with the building valued at $322,400, the extra features valued at $9,400 and the land valued at $447,100, according to town property data.
The former restaurant is close to a myriad of other local favorites such as Sunset Club, The Cottage Creamery and Riptide Cafe & Bar, and looks out at the nearby marshes.
Bob Connors, a Newbury resident, reflected on all the good times at the restaurant.
“Many memories were made within those walls: first dates, engagement dinners, celebrations after beach days, and quiet evenings with friends,” he said.
Connors said while soon the structure will no longer stand, the memories made there will remain.
“The Grille became part of the fabric of the island community, known as much for its atmosphere and hospitality as for its dining experience. Gone, but never forgotten,” he said.