Those diners who have enjoyed the chicken fried oysters and the posh ambience at Branch Water Tavern had better get their fill while they can — David Grossman, the restaurant's chef/owner, has agreed to let another local restaurateur take over the building's lease.
After "two or three months" of negotiations, Grossman has worked out an agreement with Matt Brice, owner of Bistro des Amis and partner at Mo's, to continue operating for the next two months as executive chef and while the front of the house transitions into a new restaurant.
Grossman couldn't say much about Brice's vision for the Shepherd Drive eatery, but he did note that Branch Water — and its modern American concept — is leaving with him.
"Once I finish my contract with them, my intention is to [reopen] Branch Water Tavern . . . at a lower price point with the same great concept and ingredients," Grossman told CultureMap on Monday.
He has an eye on several spots in which to open the re-imagined restaurant — but not until he and Julia Sharaby, his fiancée and business partner, open a brick and mortar location for her popular Fusion Taco food truck.
There, said Grossman, they'll be better prepared to serve more of their signature Asian-fusion menu items.
"We are moving as quickly as possible," said Grossman, who estimates that Fusion Taco will have a stationary home by the summer. A more accessible Branch Water Tavern, he said, won't be far behind.
This isn't the end for Branch Water Tavern, but it'll soon move out of its current building. The lease will soon be taken over by Matt Brice, owner of Mo's and Bistro des Amis.
