Owner-Chef Matthew Curtis will leave the Union City Grille in Wilmington. Reports of a sale had been making the rounds in recent weeks.
“It is with great sorrow and a tear in my eye that I have to say one last thank you and good bye. As of next month I will be turning over Union City Grille and will no longer be involved in operations,” he stated in a Facebook post. Curtis did not identify an owner, although reports have indicated that a local multi-restaurant owner group is acquiring the dining spot.
The restaurant earned generally good reviews over the years, but faced the challenges of operating in a changing Little Italy neighborhood in Wilmington. Long-time dining spot Madeline’s closed on nearby DuPont Street after more than five decades.
Curtis was active in the community and helped organize the Delaware Burger Battle, which raised money for the Ministry of Caring.
He acknowledged in the post that a tough economy made life tougher for the restaurant.
“Two days after I signed for Union City Grille, Lehman Brothers filed for bankruptcy and the start of our country’s biggest recession began. Resources tightened and my goals to make changes were put on hold. I have always given my best and it saddens me that I was not able to take UCG to another level,”
“In the mean time I will be putting a resume together and digging in for the next challenge whichever that may be. I truly thank you for your support and I will miss everyone.,” Curtis wrote.
