Plum Island, Massachusetts, Restaurant to Close, Better Times Ahead

A longtime Plum Island gathering spot is closing its current location due to a landlord dispute.

On its website, the Plum Island Grille announced that its final day of business will be on Saturday, but that it will open again. There will be a party on Sunday from 4 p.m. - 8 p.m for one last event.

A "development opportunity" is already hung on a sign outside the restaurant, according to a Newburyport Daily News photo.

"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)," Chef Francis Broadbery wrote.

Broadbery hinted at "big plans in the future" as a new chapter opens in both his life and the restaurant's.

Previous financial issues

According to a 2020 Eagle Tribune report, Broadbery became sole owner when Mark Friery sold his share of the business in 2016. Broadbery fell into debt in 2020 as pandemic restrictions affecting restaurants, including his business.

Owner Rinkoo-Tei Realty took Broadbery to court and lost an effort to evict the restaurant, according to the report.

Contact reporter Dan Alexander at Dan.Alexander@townsquaremedia.com or via X (Twitter) @DanAlexanderNH