In large parts across America, last Sunday was a day to get ready for the Super Bowl that night, but for the Ashmont community, it was a day to grieve the loss of a long-vital neighborhood institution.

When first conceived and brought to life by well-known Boston chef Chris Douglass some 18 years ago, the Ashmont Grill on Talbot Avenue revitalized the area around its Peabody Square site and became a catalyst for fine dining across Dorchester.

Backed by Douglass and some 30 local neighbors who committed to invest their own funds to ensure that it would survive, the new “upscale” restaurant replaced a long-shuttered bar and eatery that once occupied the small building. And survive it did – until last weekend, when a combination of fallout from the pandemic and tough economic times finally caused the noble neighborly experiment to fail. An online posting last month broke the news on social media:

“Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened. And, wow, did it HAPPEN! Almost 18 years of smiles, laughs & friendships. Countless cocktails & shared meals. Dance parties, BBQs, Lobster Bakes & Wine Clubs. We’ve done it all & enjoyed every single second - and it is all thanks to you & our amazing crew. But now, after much thought & consideration (and lots of tears), it is time for us to graciously & proudly say goodbye to the community we love so much.

“We are so grateful to have had you in our lives & we thank you for sharing yours with us. We never saw you as customers - we were always a family. Our last day of service will be Feb. 12th. Please join us over the next few weeks to celebrate all the good times!”

The notice caused a surge of response, from both regulars and occasional diners. Ironically, in its final weeks, it was near impossible to get a reservation at the restaurant.

Della Costello and Tom Carroll, both of Ashmont Street, and Len Osborne of Van Winkle Street (right), were among the neighbors who gathered at the Ashmont Grill last week for “last call.” Photo by Ed Forry

Many turned to social media to express their thoughts. Ashmont Street’s Mike Soucy, the founder of a Facebook dining group, posted: “Well, this will probably be my last post of the Ashmont Grill. So many wonderful years of fun times, a gathering spot for those of us needing to meet to celebrate, console, or just plan the next neighborhood event.

Grill regular Stacey Monahan wrote her own tribute, a paean to her favorite restaurant. “Oh, Ashmont Grill, how I love you so. It might seem odd to say that to an entity, but as I think about the Grill closing tomorrow, and as I sit here wondering what I am going to wear there tonight for my last meal, it is love that I feel.

“Over the last 18 years, the Grill has been a constant in my life. Admittedly more of a constant in the years before my kids, but it is still a place that I am drawn to, to mark life events.

“The Grill was the place where I met some of my closest friends, and a place where anyone who knows me even moderately well will confirm that I’ve made them go there with me!

“Co-workers, campaign people, childhood friends, all my family and any out-of-town guests have been dragged there – I mean – have experienced the Grill with me.

“For years, it was the place to ring in the New Year, such fun memories!

It was the hub for helping a neighborhood heal when we suffered big losses. It was the place I wanted to go to celebrate the lives of close, dear friends and my own mom, when they passed.

“I’ve taken conference calls in the bathroom, had so many fun nights on the patio, celebrated countless birthdays, a wedding, enjoyed wine dinners, pig roasts, lobster bakes and Buck-A-Shuck. I’ve gone there for Mother’s Day with my mom, and then with my own kiddos, as a mom.

“The Grill, and the people who have made the Grill so special (Chris, Tara, Michaela, Andrew, Butterfly, Terry, Mike, and so many more) have truly created such a wonderful, unique and cherished spot for me. I am forever grateful and will remember you with love and gratitude forever.”

Last Sunday evening, as Philadelphia fans savored a 10-point halftime lead and millions swooned as Rihanna, newly revealed as pregnant, floated above a football stadium in Arizona, a small group of Ashmont Grill afficionados had a final burger and a last drink at this once-vital neighborhood value.
Then, for the last time, they turned off the lights and locked the doors.