ST PAUL, Minn — When the family behind St. Paul's Tavern on Grand first announced that they would be closing back in January, some wondered what that long goodbye would look like.
Six months later, they are still catching their breathe.
"I'd describe it as a blur," said Eric LeMay, who managed the restaurant with his sister Tara Padilla.
Customers continually packed the restaurant right up until the final day of business on Sunday.
"This is the last shirt," LeMay said. "We went through all of them in three days."
Business was so brisk at the walleye-centric restaurant that the family made sure not to disappoint anyone, even on the last day.
Tara Padilla: "We actually ordered extra because we didn't want to run out of walleye."
Kent Erdahl: "That's why you're still advertising walk up orders of frozen walleye fillets?"
Tara Padilla: "Exactly, I can't eat all of it."
That long goodbye also gave the property owner a chance to figure out what would come next.
"A 35 year run is incredible," said Todd Russell, who has been the Tavern on Grand's landlord since 2022. "It's really a testament to the family operation of Tavern on Grand, and I recognize the importance of replacing it with food and beverage."
Instead of looking for a new tenant, Russell decided to do it himself. By the end of June, he will begin construction of Russell's Bar and Grill, with early plans to serve classic dishes, bar bites and cocktails.
"And then we'll create a really interesting list of non-alcoholic beverages as well," Russell said. "We think that's really important today."
To be clear, Russell says he didn't buy the building with the intent to start a restaurant.
"As a commercial real estate developer, we tend not to jump into the food and beverage business," he said. "But this is much more personal for me."
The reason why it's personal for Russell is because he grew up in a home located right on Grand Avenue, only about a mile from Tavern on Grand.
"Being a St. Paul boy, I recognize the importance of having a place that the local neighborhood can walk to and that others can come discover us on Grand Avenue," he said.
Russell says he feels passionately about investing in Grand Avenue, even as the business corridor has seen several high-profile tenants, and national chains, leave the area.
Russell: "It's a blank canvas at the moment and we have an opportunity today, to do what we think is actually best."
Erdahl: "What's best in your mind for Grand Avenue?"
Russell: "I think the direction should be that we return to our roots. You know, Grand Avenue has, historically, been known for some of the best Mom and Pop shops in the Twin Cities and I think that we need to return to that place, and introduce these great, locally owned concepts."
As a developer who already owns two buildings along the corridor, with eyes on a third, Russell is clearly invested in that long-term approach.
"I understand that Grand Avenue is on a really great trajectory," Russel said. "It's not going at the speed that I think we'd all like it to, but stay tuned. Let's watch what happens because I'm hearing some really fantastic things."
Eric and Tara certainly will.
"Our heart and soul is in this building and on this avenue, so seeing that makes me excited," LeMay said. "I'm excited to come down and have my first burger or steak or beer or whatever it is with the new place."
Speaking of the menu, Russell said everyone wants to know if he'll be serving walleye.
"That's definitely the number one question," he said. "I'm going to say you've got to come visit us in November to find out."
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