Farewell to Palm Beach Establishments

Farewell to Palm Beach establishments. Last week in the Town of Palm Beach residents received news of two legendary establishments about to close their doors and say farewell to the Island. Main Street News and 264 The Grill will be disappearing from the Commercial landscape of The Town Palm Beach.

On June 21st,  the legendary 264 The Grill located on South Country Road closed its doors. They may not be closed for good in Palm Beach, but they are definitely closed in this location. Still awaiting word where they will be re-locating to. According to the restaurant’s website they will be announcing their new location. Rumors are swirling that they might even consider West Palm Beach. Yes, across the bridge! What will become of this memorable location on South County Road? Gossip circles are saying that it will be filled with another dining establishment, but nothing has been formally announced. We are in wait and see mode.

Most residents recognize the unique storefront on South County Road as 264 The Grille, since it has been on the island for 39 years. It was a tasteful family friendly restaurant that offered an ambiance for everyone. 264 The Grill has been impactful in the Town of Palm Beach. Hosting live music, specialized menus, and being a venue for private and community events, it has been a common thoroughfare for residents and visitors alike.

Back in 1929, Royal Poinciana Way served as the main street for the early settlers of the Town of Palm Beach. Also, Main Street News was established in 1929 as the focal point for all periodicals needed for the residents on the Island. It was important to have this establishment as a resource before there were many modern technologies to get news from, and transportation to and from the Island.

Similar to the adored Borders Bookstore, Main Street News has taken hard hits with the explosive Internet age and digital advancements.  Owned by various members of the Morrison family, it has remained on Royal Poinciana Way since 1928 when the first spaced was leased. After the current storefront had gone into foreclosure, current owner Thomas Morrison purchased the building.

It has struggled for some time to stay open and sustain against the digital transition of the periodicals carried by Main Street News. It has been frequented by celebrities, the Palm Beach elite, and visitors from all over. July 31st will be the final day of  Main Street News, a trademark of the Town of Palm Beach for over 80 years. Safe to say change is coming to the Town of Palm Beach and we will be losing a lot of our local gems along the way.