River City Grille to close after 25 years in Westchester

River City Grille, in Irvington for 25 years, will close after dinner service Feb. 10.

Owner Bobby Manzi said reaching that milestone caused him to reflect on the next chapter and move on. "It was just time," he said.

And so, with mixed emotions, he's passing the torch to new leadership as he plans to relax, rewind and pursue other business ventures.

In an email to diners, he wrote how much the loyalty, support, and friendship shown to him and his staff over the years "has meant everything to us and has helped us strive to be the best we could be."

"Our location is iconic in Westchester." Manzi said. "There have only been three restaurants occupying this space in over 80 years. There aren't many restaurant locations that can boast this type of success or longevity."

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Old-timers may remember the space, which originally opened as a diner as Benny's. It was also, for a short time, from 1994 to 1998, Captain Den's.

Come the end of March it will be Club Car Grille, an American grill with steak, seafood and chops.

Manzi said he feels good knowing he's leaving the business, which has a long history of serving New American fare in Irvington, to another passionate Rivertowns restaurateur.

Matt Kay of Rivertowns Hospitality, who owns Hudson Social in Dobbs Ferry, officially takes the keys Feb. 14 and plans to do minor renovations. "The place has good bones and we plan on respecting that," he said.

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"We're excited to expand into another part of the Rivertowns and give customers a taste of something new."

Manzi, meanwhile, is excited to celebrate his son's birthday (which falls on Valentine's Day) going out to dinner with him. "Aside from the day he was born, I haven't been able to be with him," he said. "I was always working."

Jeanne Muchnick covers food and dining. Click here for her most recent articles and follow her latest dining adventures on Instagram @jeannemuchnick or via the lohudfood newsletter. 

This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: Westchester's River City Grille announces closure after 25 years