GOODBYE BRONX GRILL, HELLO GOLDEN CORRAL

Bronxites around the borough where saddened by the unexpected closing of the popular Bronx Grill at 2375 East Tremont Avenue, in the Parkchester section, which shut its doors on Sunday, October 2.

For at least the past decade, customers could enjoy a great steak and seafood menu as well as the popular all-you-can-eat buffet.

A day after the closing, Bronx Grill owners Niroopa Harpaul and Chandra Harpaul and Golden Corral issued a joint statement stating that after completed renovations, the location will be the first Golden Corral restaurant in the New York City area, boasting, “The Best Buffet in the USA.”

According to the announcement, the restaurant will open in the Spring of 2017 and will be Golden Corral’s “first location in an urban market and the first within New York City.”

The new business will bring 120 jobs to the community as well as, “retain all employees of the location’s previous restaurant.”

The new Golden Corral will not just feature a hot buffet featuring pot roast, fried chicken and meatloaf, but a market-fresh salad bar as well as a “bakery buffet” that will feature fresh pies, cakes and homemade breads.

In the prepared statement, co-owner Niroopa Harpaul said, “My team and I are thrilled to bring the Golden Corral concept to New York City,” and added, “We’re overwhelmed by the support we’ve received from the Bronx community.”

News of the change was received with mixed reviews on social media. Amar Prashad posted on Facebook, “I’ll miss the Bronx Grill brunch, but am looking forward to what’s to come.”

Shirley Diaz also posted on Facebook, “Do you know what type of joy this is, I had to go to New Jersey or Indiana for this… can’t wait.”

Based in Raleigh, North Carolina, Golden Corral is a privately held company that was founded in 1973 and currently has 480 restaurants in 40 states.