The only restaurant story-of-the-moment getting more buzz than the tale of Jardine's owner Beena Rajah firing her entire staff last week? The rumor that Sharp's 63rd Street Grill — the inexplicably popular diner in Brookside — was under contract to be purchased by a well-known local restaurateur.
Sharp's owner Marty Junkins was unavailable for comment. And the report of the sale was news to interior designer Scott Coker-Padilla, who announced in October that he was redesigning the interior of Sharp's. Scott's partner, Joe Coker-Padilla told Fat City today, "We've heard nothing about the restaurant being sold. As far as we know, the plans are still on hold but going forward."
Let's see, who else was unavailable for comment today? Oh, yes, Forbes Cross, the owner of Hickok's Bar & Grill in the River Market; Cross is most famous for his beloved 1980s Waldo bistro, Michael Forbes Grill. After hearing the rumor that Cross was interested in buying Sharp's, Fat City tried to reach him all day. But two sources — who requested anonymity — familiar with the Sharp's deal say Junkins is selling the iconic neighborhood bar and grill so that he can spend more time in Holden, Missouri, with his partner.
Junkins was also reportedly concerned about a new Panera Bread Company opening in 2012 directly across the street from Sharp's.
Because Sharp's has always been a lightning rod for passionate opinions — people either adore the place or loathe it — the rumor of its impending demise should generate a lot of comment. You are welcome to add your two cents in the comment section of this post.
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Very excited about Michael Forbes coming back! Such an awesome restaurant it was in the past, and sure to be in the future! I grew up on this place & have so many great memories. Welcome back Michael Forbes!
Appears they made it official today on Facebook, Todd seems to have made the announcement.
SO EASY TO BE NASTY..AND SO HARD TO SAY SOMETHING NICE..SO VERY SAD!!!!! HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
THIS IS BULLSHIT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Forbes Cross is not "The" owner at Hickoks Bar & Grill, he is a minority owner in the LLC and hasn't been involved in day to day operations for almost half a year when the majority owner informed him he was no longer "needed"
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As the food may not have been the best, I am going to miss the atmosphere of Sharp's! I have gone through some tough times lately and I met so many great people there and have become a regular myself! I will miss all of the people and hopefully if/when they start going to a new place, I will be joining them. I wish the best of luck to the owners of whom are great people!
This story honestly saddens me. Not because I’m going to miss the food, because I agree with everyone, it’s not always consistent. I’m upset because I’m going to miss the family of regulars who are always there for each other. I’ve been going to Sharp’s for a few years and am very proud to call myself a regular We lovingly refer to the bar in Sharp’s as “our second living room.” Because that is what it is – a place where we gather when we’re celebrating a birthday or another big event, when we’re going through a tough time and just need a friendly face to have a beer with. This bar is one of the few places that I’ve been where you get to see so many different groups of people hanging out together. From older gays to young straights, bears to artists – everyone has a great time together! I’m going to miss my home away from home.
And so the Brooksiders have spoken. Im a north lander myself, yet never enjoyed sharps when I was in the area.
Sucks that the employees had to find out this way. We are sad but not surprised that we had to find out threw a blog.We worked there not because we had to constantly explain the aweful food, not because our owners constantly dropped the ball and didn't give a shit, we worked there cause we loved our coworkers and we loved our regulars and we had so much fun together! I know that to be an owner and have to sell hurts but to be totally blind sided after all these years kinda hurts too. (We will be addressed for the first time in just over 12 hours.)
Exactly, mediocre food, usually. at best. The place is popular for the good architecture and location. It's cozy as hell and just feels familar and good.
Here's hoping someone can go in and do good food there, at long last.
Mo Rage
Food is mediocre for sure and sometimes borders on awful, but it does serve a purpose as a safe watering hole for LGBT folks in Waldo/Brookside. I'd be sad to see it go.
Would there ever be a possibility of Forbes Cross resurrecting Michael Forbes??
Please please please close Sharps!! So not worth the wait for breakfast!
Ted Stephens - sounds like someone is a bit butt hurt that sharps may go bye bye!! suck a dick asshole
the type is boldface when it is a link to another article. Welcome to the Interwebs.
I'd be interested in purchasing this property if it actually is for sale, where is the info or who can I contact? Also, if Fric and Frac ever goes up for sale, I'd buy that in a heartbeat.
So according to the interior designer, the plans are on hold, but going forward.....hmmmmm
I hope a legit restaurant goes into this space. Sharps sucks.
OMG! What would we do without the "water chestnut" library paste soup?
Charles - I love how you put "inexplicably popular diner" in bold....I live not far from Sharps, and have just never understood the draw...Such mediocre food!!
Saloon keeper falls in love with a cowboy. It's an age old story. I would like to read your take on Jardines though.
I second your entire comment, Jill. I can't wait for that place to be gone. There's no room for mediocre restaurants in this neighborhood.
I havent been there since we tried to eat breakfast at 6am on a Saturday, only to find them closed.
I love the bar side of Sharps, but I haven't been to the restaurant side since it was shut down by the Health Department a few years ago.
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