Restaurant will reopen under new name and management
The Bull and Thistle (BT) restaurant in Gainesboro has announced it will close its doors Dec. 22.
According to a statement by Co-Owner Diana Mandli, the building and its “half-block of historic buildings” was recently purchased by local Marc Stengel and his development company Wasioto Restoration Co. (WRC) who has “built, restored and operated some of the most beautiful and iconic properties.”
WRC is a division of his Nashville-based partnership Ridgefield Properties.
“The Bull will continue operations through Dec. 22, 2024, after which the restaurant will close for a period of time,” according to the announcement.
When the restaurant reopens under new ownership it will not be “The Bull and Thistle.”
“Instead, an exciting new restaurant will open in Gainesboro, heralding the beginning of the next phase of growth for our wonderful town, which is on the move in so many ways,” according to the announcement.
The restaurant opened in 2013.
“When Loui and I opened the Bull back in 2013, our intention was to create a destination that would attract not only customers, but other entrepreneurs who would see the value of our town and want to live, work and open new businesses in Gainesboro and Jackson County,” according to Mandli.
After 11 years, BT says that dream has become a reality.
“… It is very evident that through the efforts of so many folks who shared our commitment to a thriving downtown commercial district that vision is coming true. We have so many incredible businesses on our Square now and more are coming,” according to the announcement.
Ownership and crew at BT says it loves the positive changes the restaurant’s vision has created in Gainesboro, a town they have grown to love.
“Because we have spent 11 years on the Square and let’s face it, have fallen deeply in love with Gainesboro and Jackson County, it is bittersweet to announce our closing,” according to the release. “Our staff is the best there ever was. And it’s impossible to describe how grateful we are to our wonderful customers, many of whom have become friends and family to all of us. But to move forward, change must come. We’ve always known the Bull could be sold only to someone who shared our community’s vision and believed in great things for Gainesboro. And when we met Marc Stengel, we met that person.”
Stengel purchased his home in Jackson County in Jan. 2021 but has been a regular at BT since its inception.
“While we are sad to close our doors, we are handing the keys to a friend and neighbor who genuinely values Gainesboro and will bring so many wonderful things to our town,” according to the release. “The Bull may close, but its legacy will live on. We are proud to have contributed a chapter to Gainesboro’s long story and are excited to see what’s in store as the next chapter begins! The one thing left to say for now is: thank you.”
UCBJ file photo.
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