03/04/2026
After much consideration, we are announcing the closing of our flagship restaurant in St. Elmo, effective immediately. Ongoing major building maintenance needs, the continued operation without a city- and state-mandated in-ground grease trap, and significant changes to parking costs controlled by our landlords have made it clear that we are no longer aligned in vision or direction. We offered to purchase the building in order to complete the necessary improvements and continue serving our community for years to come. When that was not accepted, we also proposed personally investing in the required upgrades. Those proposals were denied as well. Together, these circumstances have led us to this difficult decision. While it is not an easy choice, it is one we believe is necessary for the long-term health of our brand and our team.
We are deeply grateful for the dedicated staff who have brought our vision to life each and every day. All of our hosts, cooks, servers, and bartenders have been offered positions at our Ooltewah location, as well as at our new restaurant in historic downtown Chickamauga — a building we are proud to have purchased as part of our next chapter. We are thankful our team will continue serving guests with the same warmth, hospitality, and heart you have come to expect.
When we opened our doors in 2013, our goal was simple: to create a neighborhood restaurant and gathering place centered around fresh meats, seasonal vegetables, and thoughtfully crafted drinks. Over the years, we have been honored to become a community staple in St. Elmo. The relationships formed within those walls have meant more to us than words can fully express. We will forever treasure the extended family we’ve built during our time here.
While this chapter is coming to an end, a new one is already unfolding. We look forward to welcoming you at our Ooltewah location and are excited to open 1885 Grill in Chickamauga, Georgia in late spring. It has been our greatest privilege to be part of your celebrations — family dinners, date nights, marriage proposals, anniversaries, birthdays, and everyday moments in between. We have watched babies grow into teenagers and teenagers into adults, and we are profoundly grateful to have shared in those milestones.
We will also continue to play an active role in fundraising efforts for nonprofits in both the St. Elmo neighborhood and the greater Chattanooga area. Our commitment to supporting this community remains unchanged.
Although this decision is deeply painful, my faith reminds me not to fear this season, but instead to reflect with gratitude for all we have experienced — and for what lies ahead. Thank you, sincerely, for helping turn a dream into reality and for allowing us the privilege of serving you in St. Elmo. We look forward to serving old friends and making new ones in the years to come.
-Miguel Morales
