Back 9 Grill closed permanently?

Anyone know what's going on with Back 9 Grill - in the former Eton space? I read some good things about their burgers and wanted to try the place, but it's been closed since the hurricane and their phone number has been disconnected. I have to assume they've shut down operations.

When I walked by and looked in on Back 9, it was never busy.

But they only opening in August I think. Less than 3 months and they're gone already? Yikes!

I believe the owner is affiliated with the Fish and Sip place that was supposed to open across the street.

Has anyone seen progress on that place?

The Fish & Sip place on Flatbush? Are they moving, or opening another location?

Nope, not that place.

The place I was thinking of was to be called "Fish, Fish, Mo Fish" and was (is?) going to be on Vanderbilt.

When the contractors were active, it had a sign up in the window. This thread gives the address

http://brooklynian.com/forum/prospect-heights/fish-fish-mo-fish-coming-to-vanderbilt

I sure hope Fish Fish Mo Fish doesn't work out....it would not be good for the neighborhood, which is already saturated with bars, to have another.

In an article published on Sept 28, 2012, the place was still in the works:

Tracy Moore is among the new restaurateurs “hoping to score big” off the arrival of the Nets, who tip off the regular season at home against the Knicks on Nov. 1. She said she plans next month to open a seafood sports lounge on Vanderbilt Street called, “Fish Fish, Mo Fish,” that’ll “prepare fish anyway you want.”

http://www.nypost.com/p/news/local/brooklyn/klyn_feast_break_0sLwPOSYCzHnssaLc0cpUO

Sounds like Forrest Gump's shrimp: "You can barbecue it, boil it, broil it, bake it, saute it..."

It sounds more like a place to eat a lot, than a place to drink a lot.

I thought the rumor was that Back 9 was the same owner as Maya Taqueria next door.

still Fish Fish No Fish. I feel that the fish-themed sports bar fits in w/ the other businesses along vanderbilt such as the australian-themed bar, soccer-themed bar, country and western-themed bar or brookyln-themed pizzeria.

Steveo-

I talked with the owner of Maya. He was only a part owner of Eton, but didn't have anything to do with Back 9.

Bill C-

Now that the arena has opened, I think restaurant and bar owners are realizing the nature of the impact. ....some may be concluding that the promised housing from Alantic Yards must arrive before there is additional money to be made.

This may be just hope on my part. As I fully admit to not being a fan of themed bars. If all I can get is a postponement of their invasion, I'll take it.

whynot_31 said:

This may be just hope on my part. As I fully admit to not being a fan of themed bars. If all I can get is a postponement of their invasion, I'll take it.

Agreed.

Unless its Irish themed.

yes there does seem to be an abundance of themed bars or businesses on vanderbilt.

but i like the idea, at least, of the fish-themed sports bar. we may never know the reality.

There is a place called Catfish that is opening soon on Bedford. ...it will probably lack the sports aspect, but time will tell: http://www.brooklynian.com/forums/topic/restaurant-coming-to-bedford-and-park-place

I wonder why Back 9, which was open for only a few months, tanked so quickly. I think it's obvious that the Fish Fish place will never open. How about another branch of Barcade? I would love an original, coin-operated Pac Man machine in the neighborhood.

In hindsight, I believe that they thought the arena ALONE would create more foot traffic on Vanderbilt than it has.

IE We've had a bubble, and (for this owner), it popped.

Pacman never seems to get old.... Especially when partnered with beer.

Update: The owners have filed for a Wine/Beer alc lic from the Liquor Authority, so maybe they plan to re-open when said lic is awarded?

I peeked into the fish-themed bar and was shocked at how small it is. It doesn't look like it could be much more than a take-out place. Oh well, we'll see. Their awning is now up, too.

Thanks, whynot. I go to Maya, I should have asked him myself instead of perpetuating rumors on the internet....

Here's an article on how the arena is not benefitting all businesses equally.

It ties into my assertion/suspicion that the owner of Back 9 and Fish, Fish Mo Fish over estimated the immediate impact that the arena would have:

http://www.brownstoner.com/blog/2013/02/bars-near-barclays-center-booming-others-not-so-much/#disqus_thread

A new place is in the works.

Potential menu items include a selection of "interesting sandwiches" and salads, rotisserie chicken, lamb and duck, faro and quinoa salads, and bolognese sauce, Fulton said.

http://prospectheights.patch.com/articles/gourmet-take-out-to-replace-back-9-grill

Dear Vanderbilt Ave-

You are much different than you were in 2003. Then, you were home to lots of hair salons, the Haitian Times, bullet proof chinese take out and a fish market.

Soon you will be home to take-out "faro and quinoa salads".

Sincerely,

Whynot_31