An acclaimed Texas chef behind several beloved Fort Worth restaurants has closed his newest concept as he continues to recover from cancer treatment.
This past weekend marked the final one for Jon’s Grille at 2905 W. Berry St. near Texas Christian University. Restaurateur Jon Bonnell shared the news in a social media post Saturday, explaining that closing his burgers-and-barbecue eatery was a difficult decision that wasn’t made lightly.
“Like many independent restaurants, we’ve faced significant economic challenges over the past several years, and combined with my recent health journey, it’s simply become the right time to close this chapter,” Bonnell wrote in a statement.
The restaurant also thanked its employees, customers and surrounding community in the reshared social media post’s caption.
“Thank you to our incredible team, our loyal guests, our TCU neighbors, and the Fort Worth community for embracing us from day one. It has truly been an honor to serve y’all,” read the post. “While this chapter has come to a close, we’re incredibly grateful for the friendships, laughter, and support you’ve given us over the years.”
News of the closure prompted an outpouring of support from longtime customers who’ve visited the restaurant over the years. Responding to one commenter, Bonnell confirmed that Sunday was the final day of service.
Bonnell opened Jon’s Grille in fall 2022 alongside his brother, Dr. Ric Bonnell, and business partner, chef Ed McOwen, adding to the Bonnell Restaurant Group lineup, which includes Bonnell’s Fine Texas Cuisine, Buffalo Bros and Waters Restaurant.
The concept was a revival of the original Jon’s Grille, which Jon Meyerson-a dear friend of Bonnell’s-opened across from TCU in 1989, Fort Worth Magazine previously reported. Bonnell brought back the longtime neighborhood favorite as a tribute to Meyerson, who died in 2001.
The Panther City burger at Jon’s Grille in 2022. (Elias Valverde II/Dallas Morning News)
Built around a “ranch-to-table philosophy,” Jon’s Grille featured locally sourced food, plus Texas-made spirits and beer, its website states. Like its predecessor, the fast-casual, family-friendly restaurant became a popular gathering place for TCU students and other Fort Worth locals, with nearly a dozen TVs in its dining room.
Its closure comes a little more than a month after Bonnell shared a positive update on his recovery from cancer treatment. Diagnosed in December with stage 3 squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue and throat, Bonnell announced at the end of May that his scans and bloodwork showed he was cancer-free and that his oncologist placed his chance of recurrence at less than 1 percent.
Although he said he still had “a lot of recovery left,” Bonnell added that “it’s all on the mend from here.”
With Jon’s Grille no longer open, all employees have been offered opportunities to work at the restaurant group’s other concepts, according to Bonnell’s statement. Gift certificates and coupons, along with donated items purchased through charitable events, will also be honored at the group’s other locations.
Bonnell has not yet responded to Chron’s request for additional details.
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This article originally published at Fort Worth’s Jon’s Grille closes after nearly 4 years in business.