“As an employee, I love the atmosphere of the J’Ville Grille,” said senior and hostess at the Grille, Sabrina Ukura. Not only have customers praised the new restaurant, staff members of the Grille have given positive reviews about their experiences. “I think he really took the time and thought about what has worked in the past at the other restaurant,” expressed Santoro. Santoro said Cichowicz has pulled some items off a “chef’s special” menu from Gunpowder Lodge and implemented them into the J’Ville Grille’s menu.
THE VILLE GRILLE FULL
However, the carryout menu doesn’t include the full menu.
The menu has all the favorites that diners may be craving, from seafood styles to appetizing American burgers with a unique twist or classic. This new original all American (traditional) restaurant has classic food, including a sit-down dining, along with an American themed sports bar. Mike Cichowicz, the chef at the J’Ville Grille and previously Gunpowder Lodge, is credited to creating the menu in collaboration with other workers. Ukura described the environment of the Grille as, “…a modern sports bar and a neighborhood feel restaurant.” With a modern décor and a “woody” theme, the new restaurant serves a broad variety of foods.Santoro purposely styled the J’Ville Grille in a similar manner to Gunpowder Lodge. Santoro said, “that’s been the most challenging part of opening J’Ville.” Santoro added, “we’re not in a big area with fifteen or twenty restaurants within two miles.” Jarrettsville’s lack of other restaurants acts as an advantage and disadvantage to the J’Ville Grille: little competition for business and a shortage of available staff. One unanticipated obstacle that came with opening the new restaurant was finding enough employees. “It’s a great location, great community, great people, so we thought we could put a good product in here to help the surrounding area,” Santoro revealed.Īccording to Santoro, starting a restaurant is no easy task, “it definitely tests your patience, your stress levels.” The bountiful help of friends and workers from Gunpowder Lodge made opening the J’Ville Grille possible. When Santoro’s family was looking to move, they were interested in the Jarrettsville area to live and open a restaurant.
“A friend of mine asked me if I had any interest in investing in a restaurant, and that sort of started it,” Santoro explained.ĭespite not having any restaurant background before that, Santoro’s first restaurant was a success. After spending time playing as a midfielder for the Baltimore Blast’s soccer team and working in the mortgage industry, a new career opportunity came to him. The official opening to the public was on Friday, April 5.ĭaniel Santoro, the owner of both Gunpowder Lodge and the J’Ville Grille, did not originally aspire to own any restaurants. This family friendly establishment premiered with a soft opening for family and friends of the staff on April 3 and 4. According to the overwhelmingly positive reviews on the J’Ville Grille, this one is here to stay. ABBEY KROENER KIERSTYN MCMANUS JAMIE KAVANAGH, Reportersįrom My three Sons, to the Jarrettsville Pit, to the J’Ville Grille, Jarrettsville has seen its fair share of restaurants come and go.