CJ’s Great West Grill on South Willow Street will close as landlord leases property to new tenant  

Real estate transaction  means closure for popular Manchester restaurant  

MANCHESTER, NH – CJ’s Great West Grill opened in 1995 at 782 South Willow Street in Manchester, NH. The restaurant has been a family staple for nearly three decades will close at the end of 2023.

According to owner Tom Boucher, the company had plans to begin new renovations to expand its popular bar area when they received an offer from the landlord to terminate the lease.

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

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 the best decision 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.  

As a company built on core values like respect, trust and entrust, care and understanding, taking care of all the managers and employees is one of their top priorities, and this morning, September 8th, the decision was announced internally along with the news that each and every CJ’s employee would be offered a position at one of the other T-BONES, Copper Door, or commissary locations, as well as will be rewarded for their commitment to the company. The CJ’s Manchester restaurant will remain open through the remainder of 2023. This decision was based solely on an offer made by the landlord of this location and the potential to locate the brand elsewhere 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 tens of thousands of customers for their loyalty over the last 27 years. Incredible specials on food, drink, apparel, and even CJ’s décor will be available during this celebration.

“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.”

The company assures everyone that CJ’s Great West Grill gift cards may be redeemed at T-BONES Great American Eatery and Copper Door restaurants, for more information regarding the two-week Going Away Party, visit www.CJsGreatWestGrill.com over the next couple of months.