The Garden on Grand closes shortly after the one-year mark

After just over a year in business, The Garden on Grand at 2245 S. Grand Ave., has shuttered, as reported by St. Louis Magazine. The announcement of the closure was made on the restaurant’s Facebook page: 

“Regretfully, after a little more than a year, The Garden on Grand will be closing its doors after a final dinner service on Saturday, Nov. 24. We have had an incredible year, filled with ups and downs, and in this season of gratitude, we want to thank you – our customers, staff, friends and family – for your invaluable support throughout the year. We are already working on the next chapter ­– stay tuned!”

The Garden on Grand opened in September 2016. Owner Cevin Lee and then-executive chef Kore Wilbert wanted to create health-focused dishes without sacrificing flavor. Sauce reviewed The Garden on Grand in December 2016.

Lee said the restaurant got off to a fast start and was never able to catch up. “We didn’t really get a chance to slowly grow the concept,” he said. “We got slammed from day one. The food and service was well received. We just came hard out of the gate and never recovered.”

Lee, who owns the property, said he is talking to some potential buyers, but nothing has been signed. He plans to open another concept at some point but said he intends to take his time and incorporate the lessons learned from the closure.

Editor's note: This post was updated at 4:30 p.m. to include comments from Cevin Lee and to correct a statement describing dishes at the restaurant.

Matt Sorrell is staff writer at Sauce Magazine.