Zach sent me an email to let me know that Bunners has closed. It was too-briefly located in the former El Sitio location on Van Dorn Street. (Coincidentally, El Sitio also recently closed its new location at 48th and Pioneers.) I never did get a chance to give Bunners a try. It sounded like the sort of place that might pick up a neighborhood following. I guess not.
This is where we wonder what's coming next for that building at 17th and Van Dorn. It's an unusual spot. It has "neighborhood gem" written all over it, and indeed that's the role El Sitio filled for years. But gaining traction in a relatively low-traffic environment like that is going to be tough for any restaurant short of a Chick-fil-a. Unless ...
There's a rumor floating around that The Normandy, currently located in the Railyard Market, is interested in other locations. I'm not sure if that means an additional location or moving the whole operation. I suspect either one could work. Regardless, they might find themselves a nice little niche nestled quietly near the Country Club neighborhood. They of course would have to consider the different traffic patterns, lunch vs. dinner crowds, and so on. It's an interesting possibility.
What else would be a good fit in Bunners' former home?
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I’m hearing it’ll be the Normandy, which would be outstanding. A bagel/coffee place would work there too.
Its good to see The Normandy move in there. If they can re-design the interior to fit the menu, it could be a real neighborhood gem.
I do wonder about traffic. Its primarily a residential area, but there are some business bases in the vicinity that might make it a good lunch time visit (Bryan LGH west comes to mind). But they’d have to make it a good dinner place as well (and maybe even breakfast too if that doesn’t work the owners to death).
Its a 5 minute drive from my place, and I am already looking forward to giving it a try. Good luck to them!
Forgot to mention, I also think a bagel or donut/coffee place might be a good addition to the general area as well (though not sure if it would work in that particular location).
Speaking of which, I just can’t get excited about Dunking Donuts coming to town. Who cares? Its like another industrial donut and coffee place. I find it hard to differentiate the donuts or coffee there from Mr. Donut or other chains. Now if it was Krispy Kreme, THAT would move the needle a bit. But DD? No thanks.
Always a little sad to hear it when a local restaurant doesn’t survive. I only had the chance to try Bunners once, but they were INCREDIBLY friendly there & I enjoyed what I ordered. Too bad I won’t get the chance to go back.
Apropos to Nikki’s comment, I should have mentioned too - it is indeed always sad to see a local place close doors. I hope the folks behind Bunners can make things work in another time and place (same with the Photoshoppe folks).
http://journalstar.com/business/local/the-normandy-leaving-railyard-moving-to-th-and-van-dorn/article_7161ba7e-9c62-566c-a9c6-8d0f168389aa.html
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