Big River Grille & Brewing Works, a longtime fixture on Disney's BoardWalk, will be permanently shuttered at the close of business on January 21, 2024.
The last several years have seen a great deal of turnover on Disney's BoardWalk. The latest change will see Big River Grille end its run just days from now. Management recently informed employees that it will cease operations effective Sunday, January 21st.
For many years, Big River Grille and nearby ESPN Club were somewhat duplicative, offering similar American cuisine in a bar setting. ESPN Club closed at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and is currently being transitioned to The Cake Bake Shop.
Other recent additions include Ample Hills Creamery's changeover to BoardWalk Ice Cream and BoardWalk Bakery morphing into BoardWalk Deli. Later this year Blue Ribbon Corn Dogs will open in the kiosk formerly occupied by BoardWalk To Go. Other venues including Flying Fish and Trattoria al Forno continue to operate with limited hours.
There is no word on what, if anything, will replace Big River Grille. The restaurant is managed by a third party, not staff members of Walt Disney World. It is not immediately known if the closure was initiated by Disney or restaurant management. Convention business once bolstered the entire BoardWalk resorts area. However, it does not seem to have returned to prior levels in the wake of the pandemic.
Website WDWNT.com reports that Disney plans to bring in food trucks during peak dining hours.
