Grainbelt Grillhouse closes doors in downtown Gilbert
July 3rd, 2008, 8:17 am · 3 Comments · posted by Jess Harter
Can any restaurant survive at 302 N. Gilbert Road in downtown Gilbert? GrainBelt GrillHouse is the latest to close its doors at the seemingly cursed location.
Nebraska native Michael Savoie’s restaurant saluted America’s heartland with an eclectic menu of regional specialities, such as Indiana hammered pork tenderloins, Cincinnati five-way chili and St. Louis toasted raviolis.
GrainBelt generally had been well-received by critics, but often was empty during my visits. Its semi-upscale decor and mid-range prices never seemed to gain acceptance with Gilbert residents — especially with casual, inexpensive favorites like Oreganos and Joe’s Real BBQ next door and across the street, respectively.
Previous tenants of the stand-alone building since 2003 have included Mahogany Run, Gonzo’s All-American Grill (partly owned by then-Diamondback Luis Gonzales), Heartthrob Music Café and Rock City Bar & Grill.
July 7th, 2008 at 7:38 am
I think they should bulldoze the building down and replicas of the buildings that match the old downtown feel. This building doesn’t make any sense being in downtown Gilbert.. the planing and approval building committee should be ashamed of themselves. This building lacks the charm of downtown Gilbert and is no surprise this place is now defunct as well.
July 9th, 2008 at 1:03 pm
My family and I purposely add supper there on my birthday last year. Being raised in Iowa, I was looking forward to a good steak.
I knew we were in trouble when the waitress stated that all of the meat was grain feed and from Nebraska and Idaho. I tried to correct her Idaho statement and said “Iowa”. She gave me a dumb look.
The food was terrible, my steak had that greasy smell like old milk cow. It was almost rare (cold and bloody) and very tough. I asked to have it cooked some more. It came back again rare as before but a little warmer. I just pushed it to the center of the table. So much for a good birthday supper.
We never went back plus I told all of my friends about the experience. We predicted it would close soon.
July 24th, 2008 at 10:46 am
My wife and I frequented the Grainbelt and always enjoyed the food and the people. The only exception was one Father’s Day when the restaurant was full of noisy and hyper kids, but that wasn’t the Grainbelt’s fault.
Mike and his wife were always very welcoming and nice when we went in to eat, as was the rest of their staff. I enjoyed that Mike would walk around the restaurant to talk with his customers and make sure they were enjoying their meals.
If I’m not mistaken, the Grainbelt was the longest-lasting establishment to inhabit the “cursed” building so far. Their food and friendly atmosphere will be missed.Hopefully Mike will start a new venture in another part of town.