What’s next for Big River Grille?

[Cfabar1]

Any news on what is coming into the space? Seems to me there’s a need for another restaurant on the boardwalk….

 

[CarolynFH]

I don’t think Disney expected the parent company to close BRG, so they weren’t prepared. I hope they’re figuring out how to put a relaxed burger place there, like ESPN Club was (sigh).

 

[TimmyP]

There's a real easy plug & play option from DL:

https://disneyland.disney.go.com/dining/downtown-disney-district/ballast-point-brewing-company/

I don't understand how they haven't gotten this done.....

 

[SteveH]

@Cfabar1 I think it's going to set empty for a while. Could be they are still having to pay the lease on the property. I think the bigger issue is lack of parking for non-resort guests. With the way they cracked down on requiring ADRs anyone entering YC/BC/BW I think that would limit traffic to the onsite guests of those plus Swan/Dolphin a few that might venture out of Epcot.

With the fact the several places have shut down, Disney would really need to make it a sweat deal if you ask me.

@TimmyP my guess is they would probably decline, their base of operations is San Diego and all of their tasting rooms are in CA. Bit far of a jump to Orlando if you ask me. Something like Funky Buddha might be a better, local, bet.

 

[JCornell]

I don’t think Disney expected the parent company to close BRG, so they weren’t prepared. I hope they’re figuring out how to put a relaxed burger place there, like ESPN Club was (sigh).

Yeah, count me as somebody else that actually liked ESPN Club.
It was also fun to be able to grab a beer at Big River and chill out on the Boardwalk so that is also missed.

 

[matt and beth]

Oh really hoping for another brewery with burgers and salads

 

[buzzgirls&dad]

A burger place would be the ideal fit for the boardwalk, however without a way to make french fries or any deep fried food it will be a little more difficult to find the right fit.

 

[OKW Lover]

however without a way to make french fries or any deep fried food it will be a little more difficult to find the right fit.

It has been many, many years since I visited BRG. Did they not have fried food? I can't recall.

 

[lovin'fl]

It has been many, many years since I visited BRG. Did they not have fried food? I can't recall.

No. No frier there. But I heard they took all the brewery equipment out so there will be plenty of space to modify the kitchen. They need a frier.

 

[CarolynFH]

I think the bigger issue is lack of parking for non-resort guests.

I hadn’t thought of that, but it certainly could be a contributing factor. The BW parking lot, especially after the Skyliner turning point took up space, has difficulty handling resort, convention, and restaurant (Flying Fish, Trattoria al Forno) parking as it is, especially with guests who enter with an ADR and then leave their cars there until after Epcot and/or DHS close down. I think a non-ADR restaurant that didn’t come with BW parking privileges would be my choice.

 

[NYCgrrl]

No. No frier there. But I heard they took all the brewery equipment out so there will be plenty of space to modify the kitchen. They need a frier.

Since it sounds like a new tenant has the opportunity to redesign the space it seems like it’s easy enough to put a fryer in as long as the electric and venting structurals are there.
Yes, a burger place would fit the theming of the Boardwalk.

 

[StarCruzer]

Honesty, if they want the real Jersey feel put a diner in there! Disco fries and pork roll breakfast sandwiches, please!

 

[Ralph&Pam]

Since it sounds like a new tenant has the opportunity to redesign the space it seems like it’s easy enough to put a fryer in as long as the electric and venting structurals are there.
Yes, a burger place would fit the theming of the Boardwalk.

Based on how long it’s taking for the Cake Bake Shop and the Corn Dog stand to be renovated, it will probably take at least 18 months after announcement before anything might open in the former Big River location. Perhaps we’ll see a new offering by early 2026 would be my guesstimate.

 

[Jwaire]

I think a non-ADR restaurant that didn’t come with BW parking privileges would be my choice.

It's settled then, we get another Earl of Sandwich.

 

[ncc1701]

Honesty, if they want the real Jersey feel put a diner in there! Disco fries and pork roll breakfast sandwiches, please!

And a section of the menu with all day breakfast.

 

[jillt2ph]

I would love to see a bang up quick service location. More along the lines of Gasparilla Grill vs those crazy situations at YC & BC. Not everyone has a park ticket to run to France to grab a morning pastry.

 

[fly girl]

I don’t think Disney expected the parent company to close BRG, so they weren’t prepared. I hope they’re figuring out how to put a relaxed burger place there, like ESPN Club was (sigh).

Yeah, count me as somebody else that actually liked ESPN Club.
It was also fun to be able to grab a beer at Big River and chill out on the Boardwalk so that is also missed.

Make that a third sigh of missing ESPN Club. No, the food wasn't anything to go out of the way for, but it was a fantastic spot to watch a game if you were at WDW when your teams are playing. (Spent several evenings there during Stanley Cup Playoffs over the years and we have such great memories!)

I am with you @JCornell, I did like grabbing a beer at BRG to just chill for a bit. The food there was just bad, but I enjoyed being outside and having a drink in the evening there.

A nice little microbrewery, sports bar, or pub that is open for breakfast and dinner would be fantastic in that spot!

 

[CarolynFH]

as long as the electric and venting structurals are there.

That would be the question, especially the venting - I usually book Boardwalk view villas, and we've been above BRG more than once! I wouldn't be happy smelling French fries all day and night!

 

[TimmyP]

@TimmyP my guess is they would probably decline, their base of operations is San Diego and all of their tasting rooms are in CA. Bit far of a jump to Orlando if you ask me. Something like Funky Buddha might be a better, local, bet.

Good point - both Ballast and Funky Buddha were Constellation Brands at one point, which would have made sense from a big brand/marketing standpoint. Ballast has wide distribution now (flailing, but wide), which seemed like an easy plug-and-play option, if only temporary.

Here's the deal - Hey Ballast - set up shop at the BW with the ~same DL menu (minus the fryer) and your core beers, brew a couple onsite and keep the seats warm while we figure out a longer term option (with or without them). % of gorss rent, little to no TI needed (signage) and built in audience.

 

[lovin'fl]

I was told it won't be a quick service place and was also told they thought the brewery equipment would be taken out by Big River company. Was told it would be some burger table service place owned by Disney. Told by a staff member of Big River the last few days they were open. They also said Disney wants all the profits there and it won't be a non-Disney restaurant.