After almost 18 years as an anchor of the downtown dining scene, the parent company of
Big River Grillehas decided it's time for a change. Back in 2010, Centerbridge Capital purchased
Rock Bottom Restaurants, which was the operating company behind Big RIver and
Old Chicago. They also bought
Gordon Bierschat the same time, giving them a pretty respectable market share of the chain brewpub sector under the name
Craftworks Restaurants.
More importantly, their restaurants have a reputation for brewing some award-winning beers, particularly under the Rock Bottom brands. While I always enjoyed Big River as a nice place to grab a bite and a brew before a Predators game, I never particularly recommended that folks go out of their way to try one of Big River's craft beers when there are so many great local options out there.
So it should be good news that Big RIver is being transformed into a Rock Bottom Restaurant and Brewery. Not only will they offer a new slate of beers and dining menu items, but they plan to add 50 percent to the size and seating of the restaurant by opening a new rooftop bar. They'll also add 45 new jobs to the current staff of 75, so that's something I can get behind.
The new rooftop bar will offer panoramic views of Broadway, Second Avenue, the Cumberland River and LP Field, as well as lounge seating and a fire pit. Group event space will be available on the rooftop facility for those seeking an outdoor spot to party downtown.
