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A well-known local restaurateur is looking to breathe new life into the long-tricky restaurant space at Wilson and River Street.
At last week’s Batavia Committee of the Whole meeting, officials heard a proposal from Chad Gravenites, who owns The GOAT Burger + Cocktail Bar in Batavia and the ARTHOUSE restaurant in Aurora, to transform the space that formerly housed Gaetano’s and Thorabella’s building into a new multi-level dining establishment.
“I want to get it back to the Gaetano's feel where it was busy all the time,” Gravenites said during the meeting. “It was packed all the time. People loved it. Batavia people still talk about it.”
Officials indicated support for the project.
Here’s what you should know:
$400K+ renovation planned: Gravenites outlined a significant remodel of all three floors, including reworking the kitchen, adding a downstairs lounge, and opening up the upper level for events or overflow seating.
City incentive request: To help make the project viable, the restaurateur is seeking a $150,000 city incentive, with $100,000 reimbursed during construction and $10,000 annually for five years after opening.
Permanent upgrades prioritized: Improvements eligible for reimbursement would be major, lasting building upgrades — structural changes, HVAC, plumbing, electrical, fire protection, and a rebuild of the steep staircase that’s long been a concern.
Committee response: Alderpersons praised the concept, noting the owner’s proven past successes and the importance of activating a prominent corner on River Street.
When discussing the concept, Gravenites referenced Barrel & Rye of Geneva and Maize + Mash of Glen Ellyn.
“I'll probably lean towards the Barrel + Rye concept,” he said. “I don't want to compete with GOAT very much, but there will be a burger, steaks, oysters — things you can't really get in Batavia.”
Another official noted that prior to Gravenites taking over the space that currently houses GOAT, the unit was in poor condition — and he was able to fully rejuvenate it. Officials suggested his proven track record makes this effort a reliable investment.
“It would contribute greatly to our downtown in terms of economic development,” one official said. “It is filling a prominent space downtown and would generate revenue for the city.”
City staff are expected to draft a redevelopment agreement for review. If it moves ahead, the project could mark an exciting new chapter for one of downtown Batavia’s most visible spots.
Watch the committee meeting recording (discussion begins at about the 15-minute mark).
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