CJ’s Great West Grill in Manchester set to close

Landlord of South Willow Street property plans to lease to new tenant

CJ’s Great West Grill — which opened in 1995 at 782 South Willow St. in Manchester — had plans to expand its bar area, when the owners received an offer from the landlord to terminate the lease.

Tom Boucher and Mark Fenske of Great NH Restaurants Inc. were surprised to learn the landlord had been approached by a developer who is leasing the property and constructing a quick-service restaurant, according to a press release.

Although Boucher and Fenske initially had no intention of closing, after considering the lease breakage offer and the potential for new opportunities for the brand’s future, they decided it would be best for CJ’s and the company as a whole.

“We had been discussing plans to create more of an open bar space and concept, but have been held back by the current footprint of the building,” Boucher said in a statement.

Both owners mentioned in the release that taking care of all the location’s managers and employees is one of their top priorities, and shared with all employees that they would be offered a position at one of the other T-BONES, Copper Door, or commissary locations and be rewarded for their commitment to the company.

The CJ’s Manchester restaurant will remain open through the remainder of 2023, and will have no effect on the Cactus Jack’s Laconia location or any other Great NH Restaurant.

A special two-week “Going Away Party” will be held in December to thank CJ’s Great West Grill’s customers for their loyalty over the last 27 years.

“This is bittersweet, for sure, as this was the very first restaurant I ever opened and is near and dear to my heart,” Boucher said.

The company will retain the trade name, domain name, and internal and external signage for use at a possible new location they are currently evaluating.

“I’ve always thought with change comes opportunity, and this is one of those instances,” Boucher said.