Greece, N.Y. (WHAM) — Jim’s at the Mall, a cherished dining spot at the Mall at Greece Ridge, is set to close its doors on May 15, leaving long-time patrons in disbelief and calling for action.
A sign outside the restaurant revealed that the closure came as a shock, as a move had been initially promised.
The restaurant, originally known as Critics, has called the Mall at Greece Ridge home since 1967. For Alexander Michael, most of her fondest memories took place inside the doors at Jim’s.
“I came here with my great grandma when I was a kid, and, you know, now I bring my kids here, and she’s passed away,” Michael said. “It’s just always been a place we’ve gone to after church on Sundays, after my daughter’s preschool graduation. I dated my husband here and got their deep-fried ice cream, which is the best.”
Outside of the restaurant, a sign from the owner said in part, “It is with a heavy heart that I must inform you that Jim’s At The Mall will not be relocating, and will be closing May 15.”
Michael was eating breakfast at Jim’s Wednesday when she heard the news and sprung into action.
“We put it in the family group chat, and everyone was like, ‘We should make a petition, we have to stand by them and support them,'” Michael explained. “It’s crazy to see how it took off.”
The petition garnered over 300 signatures within two hours and now has more than 1,000.
“People can leave comments, and it’s been so sweet to see all of their comments just telling their stories,” Michael said.
In a statement, the Mall at Greece Ridge said:
Jim’s at the Mall is a wonderful restaurant and its presence at Greece Ridge will be sorely missed. It’s unfortunate we were unable to come to terms on a new deal for another location. The door will remain open for Jim’s at the Mall to return to Greece Ridge, as we too are a Rochester based family run business and appreciate their partnership over the years.
Mall owner Wilmorite announced in March that a new department store called Boscov’s will be moving into a space near entrance 6, which is where Jim’s is located.
BACKGROUND: The Mall at Greece Ridge adding new anchor store as Boscov’s expands into Western New York
Michael hopes the petition will either help Jim’s relocate or delay the closure.
“At the end of the day, if that doesn’t happen, at least we’re showing Elena and the staff there that’s losing their jobs in two weeks, that the community cares,” Michael said.
Jim’s at the Mall does have a second location on Main Street in Rochester.
CLICK HERE for the petition.
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