SACO — A Ground Round Sports Grille is moving into the former Previews Bar and Grill space at Cinemagic.
The Boulos Co. announced in its February transactions listings that J Mack 51 GR Corp. was leasing the 2,600 square-foot former Previews Bar and Grill space from Zyacorp Entertainment, which owns Cinemagic.
Jack Crawford, president and CEO of Ground Round IOC, confirmed in a telephone interview Monday that a Ground Round Sports Grille would move into the space at the cinema in early May.
Crawford said Jim McGuckin will be the owner and operator of the restaurant.
“He’s a great guy,” said Crawford, adding that McGuckin is a 25-year restaurant veteran and an experienced franchisee. Crawford said McGuckin will relocate from New York to operate the restaurant and oversee the day-to-day operations.
The first Ground Round restaurant was built in 1969, and the company was purchased by franchisees about 11 years ago. Every franchise owner is a partner in the company, said Crawford.
The Saco location will be the third Ground Round restaurant in Maine. Other Ground Round restaurants are located in Hallowell and Bangor.
The Saco restaurant will be a Ground Round Sports Grille, a one-room restaurant model that is located in places such as movie theaters, bowling alleys and airports, said Crawford. It will offer a more limited menu than a traditional Ground Round restaurant, with items like salads and sandwiches geared to a quick meal before a show, but will feature many Ground Round favorites including the signature Triple Fajita, said Crawford.
The former Previews Bar and Grill is being remodeled to have more of a sports bar atmosphere, with additional televisions, said Crawford. The Ground Round Sports Grille will have seating for 84 people, plus additional patio seating in the summer.
The restaurant will be a good place for people to catch dinner before a movie, said Crawford, but is also expected to be a destination on its own.
— Staff Writer Liz Gotthelf can be contacted at 282-1535, ext. 325 or [email protected].
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