Omnivore - Woodfire Grill for sale
Among the restaurants rumored to be closing is Woodfire Grill. I’ve confirmed with owner-chef Michael Tuohy that the restaurant is indeed for sale, but he has no plans to close it. Tuohy is headed back to California. I’ll have more details tomorrow.
UPDATE: I just received this news release:
Chef Michael Tuohy announced today that he will leave Atlanta to return to his roots in Northern California. A San Francisco native who has been in the forefront of Atlanta’s burgeoning restaurant scene for the past 22 years, Tuohy will return to the Golden State to focus on California cuisine.
He is joining forces with the Joie de Vivre Hospitality Group, California’s largest boutique hotel company, and the Rubicon Development Group, on the recommendation of his former boss and mentor, Joyce Goldstein, to launch a farm-to-table restaurant called Grange.
Grange will be situated at The Citizen Hotel, a new 200-room stylish boutique property situated in a historic building located one block from the state capital in Sacramento. Grange will feature Tuohy’s signature style of using fresh, local ingredients from small farms as well as a 1500 selection all California wine list displayed in a 24 foot tall wine tower.
“We’re thrilled to have Michael returning home to assist us in creating a showcase that celebrates California cuisine and wines near our state capitol,” says Dave Hoeman, vice president of food and beverage at Joie de Vivre Hospitality Group. “This will be a great stage for Michael and a great talent for us.”
At this time, Tuohy’s Atlanta restaurant Woodfire Grill is officially for sale, and has several prospective buyers. Tuohy hopes that the “right buyer” will step forward and carry on with the same philosophy that has made Woodfire a truly special restaurant.
“It is all the wonderful people that I will miss the most: the special longtime loyal customers, many of which I have served and cooked for during my 22 years here, the farmers, the special relationships, staff. It’s very emotional,” said Tuohy.
August 12 is the official six year anniversary date for Woodfire Grill and Tuohy will host his “Farewell Dinner” for his longtime fans and friends in Atlanta.
“Of course, I invite everyone to come dine with me in Sacramento!” Tuohy said. “We’re located just one hour from Napa Valley, an hour from the Sierras and approximately two hours north east of San Francisco.”