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Grilla Bites Still Hanging in There

In June we reported Brian Garcia’s plans to bring Chico-based Grilla Bites to Redding’s downtown Mall, directly across from Village Schoolhouse Toy Store – a business that closed earlier this month.

During Saturday’s ArtHop I passed the Grilla Bites’ space and peered through the windows. Its interior was an empty construction zone, an obvious work in progress that hadn’t changed much since summer. 

However, the restaurant’s exterior had some very cool metal fencing around the restaurant’s proposed patio area.

I recently caught up with Garcia, who shared this update especially for A News Cafe readers.

First, the good news:

“Grilla Bites is still coming,” he said.

Next, why has the project taken so long?:

“We have been delayed due to a financial partner being unable to meet his commitment at this time due to the current financial situation in the country today,” Garcia said. “Currently I am soliciting a new investor to come and partner with me to complete the restaurant. We expect to open this spring. (I am open for anyone who is interested.)”

Hey, stranger things have happened. Remember when we reported the news of a sad Brad Tillson, who’s restaurant deal fell through, only to have another opportunity arise, thanks to alert readers/friends who had the perfect spot for Tillson’s Tapas place: Oregon Street?

Maybe a similar business match-making story will materialize with Garcia’s dream of opening Grilla Bites. Until then, we’ll keep our fingers crossed. 

To reach Brian Garcia email him at briang060257@gmail.com.

Doni Chamberlain

Independent online journalist Doni Chamberlain founded A News Cafe in 2007 with her son, Joe Domke. Chamberlain holds a Bachelor's Degree in journalism from CSU, Chico. She's an award-winning newspaper opinion columnist, feature and food writer recognized by the Associated Press, the California Newspaper Publishers Association and E.W. Scripps. She's been featured and quoted in The Wall Street Journal, The Guardian, The Washington Post, L.A. Times, Slate, Bloomberg News and on CNN, KQED and KPFA. She lives in Redding, California.

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