Does anyone know what happened to the Chophouse on Washington Square? (Huntsville: buyer, restaurants)

[HuntsvilleJT]

A few weeks back while walking around downtown, I noticed that the Chophouse was closed. A week or two later I noticed a sign that said it was being renovated. Last week I saw a sign on the door that said that Jame's Steakhouse would be coming soon. Just curious as I thought the Chophouse always had a full crowd on the weekends. The Washington Square website only mentions Humphrey's and Mason's now. Did the group decide to sell off the Chophouse to another buyer?

[deesonic]

James Boyce (Cotton Row, Commerce Kitchen, Pan e Vino) has taken over most, if not all, of Washington Square Group's properties. Chophouse is being remodeled and rechristened James' Steakhouse as I understand to reflect the new ownership.

[Reactionary]

As I understand it, Washington Square sold all three restaurants (Chophouse, Humphreys, Masons) to Chef James Boyce of Cotton Row (and Commerce Cafe) downtown. The restaurants will each undergo renovations and reopen, schedule TBD. Washington Square still owns the properties.

Rumor has it that James' Steakhouse was going to be called "Jimmy's" until someone told the newcomers about a longtime establishment of the same name...

[Reactionary]

deesonic - I didn't know Boyce runs Pan e Vino - with 6 restaurants that guy has a lot invested in downtown...

[Maya Blue]

Originally Posted by Reactionary

Rumor has it that James' Steakhouse was going to be called "Jimmy's" until someone told the newcomers about a longtime establishment of the same name...

Yeah, that would have been a bit uncomfortable.

[AuburnAL]

What's Jimmy's? Never heard of it.

[Maya Blue]

Originally Posted by AuburnAL

What's Jimmy's? Never heard of it.

Strip club on 72 near County Line Rd.

[dijkstra]

I have heard that they are going to do some remodeling on Humphrey's when they are finished with the old Chophouse but I'm not sure if that is true or not.
It appeared to me that The Chophouse, was only having a decent crowd during the dinner rush crowd hours and not exactly packed at that time. I doubt they were turning much of a profit. I looked at the menu several times and just thought mehhh....I can get that at several other pretty good restaurants in town at a better price; plus they have free parking right there instead of having to park in a garage or around the corner and walking 3 blocks.
Mason's used to have a pretty good menu and good food but in the last year or so the menu has went to typical bar food and is just mediocre. This is a sign they aren't making much of a profit either. Mason's is a bit of a confusing place and they need to pick a direction. Are they a restaurant and if so what type? Are they a bar? If so, stop trying to be a sit down restaurant. The menu isn't what it needs to be for it to be a sit down restaurant. They don't have a dance floor so they don't get that crowd and the times I have been in there, they turn the local radio rock station on around 10 pm or so, which a lot of people really don't care for.

[HsvCity!]

Originally Posted by dijkstra

I have heard that they are going to do some remodeling on Humphrey's when they are finished with the old Chophouse but I'm not sure if that is true or not.
It appeared to me that The Chophouse, was only having a decent crowd during the dinner rush crowd hours and not exactly packed at that time. I doubt they were turning much of a profit. I looked at the menu several times and just thought mehhh....I can get that at several other pretty good restaurants in town at a better price; plus they have free parking right there instead of having to park in a garage or around the corner and walking 3 blocks.
Mason's used to have a pretty good menu and good food but in the last year or so the menu has went to typical bar food and is just mediocre. This is a sign they aren't making much of a profit either. Mason's is a bit of a confusing place and they need to pick a direction. Are they a restaurant and if so what type? Are they a bar? If so, stop trying to be a sit down restaurant. The menu isn't what it needs to be for it to be a sit down restaurant. They don't have a dance floor so they don't get that crowd and the times I have been in there, they turn the local radio rock station on around 10 pm or so, which a lot of people really don't care for.

The city blocks of Huntsville are very small so walking two blocks is a short walk. Now if you have some type of physical disability which would make that a difficult walk for you, then I totally understand and maybe the restaurant could accomodate you. I used to be guilty of wanting to park 5 steps from the front door of my destination. Now, I just park and walk--I hear it's supposed to be healthier. I hope the renovations are successful, and hope the crowds start pouring in.

[bmrisko]

Originally Posted by HsvCity!

The city blocks of Huntsville are very small so walking two blocks is a short walk. Now if you have some type of physical disability which would make that a difficult walk for you, then I totally understand and maybe the restaurant could accomodate you. I used to be guilty of wanting to park 5 steps from the front door of my destination. Now, I just park and walk--I hear it's supposed to be healthier. I hope the renovations are successful, and hope the crowds start pouring in.

Aren't the street meters around Washington St. free after 6pm anyways? Not to mention, I hardly ever see all the street parking taken. Last time I parked in that garage it was $2, which is more than reasonable compared to some place like Nashville.

The argument about people having to park and walk a block or 2 is about as ridiculous as people complaining about the three parking areas at Bridge Street and having to walk to a store. Where do people park at normal shopping malls?